As Gen Z professionals cement their place in the workplace, they, like everyone else, are not infallible. What keeps them going in demanding environments? What makes them strive? And what are the non-negotiable rituals they rely on each day to stay grounded? While a holiday or short break may not always be feasible, many lean on small but powerful reset rituals that help them regroup daily.Gen Zers shared honest perspectives and offered serious food for thought. But before we get to their routines, it’s important to understand why a reset ritual matters.This generation is finally “giving a voice” to what previous generations silently endured. According to Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist and life coach, a daily reset ritual is not indulgence. “It is emotional hygiene. When you pause, breathe, and return to yourself for even five minutes, you prevent burnout at its root. Gen Z has normalised what should have always been normal: taking care of your mind before it collapses,” she said.Reset rituals work because the nervous system is not built for uninterrupted pressure. “A conscious pause helps the brain regulate, the emotions settle, and the body release the micro-stress it holds all day. What I love about Gen Z is that they do not wait to be exhausted to rest. They choose boundaries early. They choose self-preservation with pride,” Delnna said.Here’s what tGen Z professionals told indianexpress.com.Riddhi Shinde, 26, an environment compliance scientist in Mumbai, said that working at the intersection of technology and environment can get chaotic. “Data crunching and field visits occur frequently. What keeps me sane is knowing I have my daily escape: long walks with my paw-friend Jacky. I look forward to them every day; it’s our own little reset ritual. Even a few minutes of sitting on the beach near my home and petting strays feels therapeutic and makes me feel lighter,” she shared.Her tip: Stealing small moments makes a big difference and makes the burnout monster feel far less scary.Harish Kate, 23, a data operations analyst from Mumbai, said “burnout feels almost built into the routine”. “With constant accuracy checks and staying glued to a screen, it often becomes mentally draining,” he said.Story continues below this adFor him, his commute is his reset button. “I ride my bike to work and honestly, the ride has become my reset button. It’s the only time I breathe, zone out, and clear my mind before or after work. Whenever I am stressed or deadlines creep up on me, I take regular breaks, step away from the screen, and keep weekends for riding or relaxing with friends and family.”His tip: I am dedicated to my work, but I also work hard at creating boundaries. Find one daily ritual that feels like yours and protect it.Aashita Behl, 23, a public relations professional, said workplace stress hits her hard with constant pings, tight deadlines, and the pressure to always stay “on”. “To survive it, I’ve slowly developed my own relaxation rituals. Sometimes I grab a coffee or step out for a short walk just to clear my head,” she said. How is Gen Z choosing their way to reset? (Photo: Freepik)She relies on muting work groups after hours or putting her phone on Do Not Disturb. “It has honestly become a lifesaver. I unwind with my vibe playlists, and on some days, a small desk diffuser or a quick desk tidy-up works like magic. These tiny routines genuinely help me cope with daily work stress.”Story continues below this adHer tip: Protect your peace, set boundaries, and take small rests. Don’t let constant notifications control your day.Also Read | ‘This is the kind of momentum healthcare needs’: Are Gen Z doctors a breath of fresh air in clinical settings?Ultimately, every time you hit your personal reset button, you reclaim yourself from your to-do list. “This generation understands that productivity without regulation creates burnout, not success. A daily ritual becomes a grounding anchor. It reminds you that you are not a machine. You are a human being who needs rhythm, not rush,” Delnna reflected.