Tech to Reset Your Routine: September Gadgets That'll Get You Back on Track
Summer's over, and that post-vacation glow is fading faster than your tan lines. If you're anything like me, September hits like a digital detox reality check—suddenly you're scrambling to remember what productivity feels like, your sleep schedule is still stuck in "vacation mode," and your phone storage is crying for help under the weight of a thousand beach selfies. It's time to get heads down and busy again.
But here's the thing: getting back into your groove doesn't have to feel like punishment. Sometimes all it takes is the right tech to bridge the gap between summer chaos and fall focus. As someone who's spent years testing gadgets that promise to revolutionize our routines (spoiler alert: most don't), I've found six game-changers that actually deliver on helping you reset, recharge, and get back to crushing your goals.
Stress Less in Minutes: Pulsetto
Let's start with what we need most when life gets busy again—actually managing the stress that builds up. The Pulsetto nerve stimulator (starting at $229) caught my attention because it promises something most wellness tech doesn't: results in just four minutes.
This sleek neckband uses gentle pulses to activate your vagus nerve, essentially helping your nervous system shift from fight-or-flight mode to rest-and-digest. After testing it during particularly hectic work days, I found it genuinely helpful for those moments when you need to reset your mental state quickly. Whether you're prepping for a big presentation or winding down after a long day, having a science-backed way to find calm in minutes feels revolutionary in our always-on world.
Starting at $229 ; Promo code "CBSLA" -10%
Link: https://pulsetto.tech/products/meet-pulsetto
Kid-Friendly Communication: Tin Can Kids
For parents trying to balance connectivity with screen-time sanity, Tin Can Kids offers something refreshingly simple: actual phone calls without smartphones. Their retro landlines ($75 each) connect to your home internet and come with parental controls that would make any helicopter parent weep with joy.
The genius is in the simplicity. Kids get independence and communication skills, parents get peace of mind knowing exactly who their children can contact. No social media rabbit holes, no inappropriate content, just good old-fashioned conversation. In a world where we're constantly worried about screen time and digital wellness for our kids, sometimes the most innovative solution is stepping backward to move forward.
$75
Link: tincan.kids
Wake Up Like You Mean It: Unbed Block
Let's start with the hardest part of any routine—actually getting out of bed. The Unbed Block ($34.99) is basically an intervention for chronic snoozers. This isn't your typical "just one more snooze" situation. Once your alarm goes off, the only way to silence it is to physically get up and scan the block you've strategically placed in another room. No mercy, no negotiations with your sleepy self.
What I love about this approach is that it forces real action over motivation. We've all been there—promising ourselves we'll hop right out of bed tomorrow morning, only to find ourselves in a heated debate with the snooze button at 6 AM. The Unbed Block removes that negotiation entirely. It's tough love in tech form, and sometimes that's exactly what we need to kick-start better mornings.
$34.99 for a limited time only
Link: https://unbedapp.com/products/unbed-block
Digital Boundaries That Actually Work: Mindsight
Now, let's address the elephant in the room—our phones. The Mindsight collection offers two brilliant solutions for creating healthier tech boundaries. Their Timed Lock Box ($40) is exactly what it sounds like: a physical barrier between you and whatever's sabotaging your focus. Set it for anywhere from one minute to 30 days, choose your mode (including a no-override "Fortress" setting for the truly committed), and watch your productivity soar.
But it's their Wellness Tracker ($40) that really impressed me. This screen-free cube helps you build better habits without adding another app to your phone. Flip it to set a timer, press start, and focus on whatever you're trying to accomplish. It tracks your streaks with LED lights—like having a personal cheerleader that fits in your pocket. Sometimes the best tech solutions are the ones that get us away from our screens, not deeper into them.
Mindsight Phone Lockbox and Wellness Tracker
Price: $40
Link: mindsightnow.com
Ground Yourself (Literally): Earthing Mat
This one might sound a bit woo-woo at first, but hear me out. The Earthing Universal Grounding Mat ($119.99) connects you to the Earth's natural electrical energy through a grounded outlet. The concept of "grounding" has legitimate research backing its benefits for inflammation, sleep quality, and overall wellness.
What makes this practical for routine-building is how seamlessly it fits into your day. Place it under your desk while working, next to your bed for better sleep, or use it while watching TV. It's passive wellness—you're literally just existing in contact with it while doing other things. For someone like me who's always looking for ways to optimize without adding complexity, it's surprisingly effective.
Price: $119.99
Link: https://www.earthing.com/products/earthing-universal-mat-kit
Storage Solutions for Digital Hoarders: SanDisk USB-C Phone Drive
Finally, let's solve that storage crisis that's been haunting your phone since July. The SanDisk USB-C Phone Drive gives you up to 1TB of instant storage that plugs directly into your device. No cloud subscriptions, no waiting for uploads—just immediate relief for your photo-heavy phone.
What I appreciate about this solution is how it removes friction from backing up and organizing your digital life. When storage cleanup feels overwhelming, we tend to avoid it entirely. Having a physical drive that works instantly with your phone makes it easy to develop better digital hygiene habits. Plus, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance, transferring those vacation videos doesn't feel like watching paint dry.
Price: Starts at $45, depends on GB they send us)
Link: https://shop.sandisk.com/products/usb-flash-drives/sandisk-usb-type-c-phone-drive
The Real Reset
Here's what I've learned after years of testing "life-changing" gadgets: the best tech doesn't just solve problems—it removes the barriers that prevent us from solving them ourselves. These six devices do exactly that. They make good habits easier and bad habits harder, which is really what any sustainable routine change requires.
As we head into fall, remember that resetting your routine doesn't mean overhauling your entire life overnight. Sometimes it's as simple as making it impossible to hit snooze, having a four-minute stress relief tool at your fingertips, or finally clearing out your phone storage so you can focus on what matters.
The best part? Most of these solutions work immediately. No learning curves, no complicated setups—just practical tech that meets you where you are and gently nudges you toward where you want to be.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go scan my Unbed Block. Some habits are worth keeping, even when you're the one writing about them.
Want more tech tips and digital lifestyle insights? Follow along at techsesh.co for the latest gadgets that actually make a difference in how we live and work.