Short Breaks
You don’t have to spend a lot of time to feel rejuvenated. Here are a few self-care ideas if your time is limited throughout the day.
I only have 1 minute:
BreathE:
Find a quiet place to tune into the breath for one minute. To enhance this experience, use an aromatherapy inhaler. Set an alarm if you need to. Focus on each and every inhale and exhale. Notice the calming effect this has on your heart rate.
WRING IT OUT:
Stretch and wring out any stiffness, tightness, or stress that’s built up in your body. To finish up, move out the excess energy by rolling your shoulders forwards and backwards and shaking out your hands.
HYDRATION HABIT:
Hydrate by slowly enjoying a glass of water for 1 minute. Set an alarm to do this every hour and you’ll build a habit that feels good, produces more energy, and improves health through hydration.
POSITIVE MOMENTUM:
For one minute, try to think of everything you are grateful for. Gain positive momentum and enjoy the brain strain. Most of us can gain a lot of momentum about the things we aren’t happy with, and this exercise helps to retrain the pattern of complaining.
I Only have 5 Minutes:
4 square breathing:
Try this breathing technique, which is rejuvenating on many levels. It may be something that you have to work up to because it’s more challenging than its seems.
Inhale over the count of 4.
Hold for the count of 4.
Exhale over the count of 4.
Hold for the count of 4.
Repeat…
Inhale, 2, 3, 4
Hold, 2, 3, 4
Exhale, 2, 3, 4
Hold, 2, 3, 4
Let the breaths be long, slow, and full. Repeat for 5 minutes
natural light:
Go outside. Look at the colors in natural light. Sky gazing and being in nature both have positive effects on the nervous system. Allow your eyes the break from artificial light. Enjoy some deeper breaths, and if you are able, put your bare feet on the ground. It helps to reset your body’s energetic system.
perform:
Most songs are 3-5 minutes long. Humming, singing, and dancing are all known stress relievers. Sneak away to practice your solo. Hum in the office, sing in your car, or dance in the supply closet. It can completely reset the mood. Nothing illustrates this better than Steve Carell in Space Force:
I ONly Have 15 Minutes
Nap:
Rejuvenate with a 15 minute power nap. If you don’t know how to nap, search for a guided relaxation online. Put your favorite earbuds in, and be lulled into oblivion.
MOVE IT:
A 15 minute power walk can usher in energy that’s sustainable. Get your circulation moving in a way that feels good to you. Even if it’s a 15 minute session of stretching at your desk, it’s better than doom-scrolling the internet during your break.
HANDS ON:
Keep your hands busy doing a hobby you enjoy. Knit, journal, doodle, draw, write, etc. Whatever your creative outlet is, get lost in it for 15 minutes. The time will pass quickly, but your skills will improve and you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of doing something you love.
the art of nothing:
Learn to do nothing. Allow yourself to do nothing. Most people don’t know how to do nothing, and not having something to do can be uncomfortable. Just be. It sounds so simple but it can feel complicated. When we are “being” instead of “doing” we can tune into the quiet, intuitive perspective more.
These tips were created with healthcare workers and their selfless dedication in mind. If you know someone who works in this tireless industry, please share these tips and our gratitude.
I’d love to know how you handle stress and rejuvenation throughout your day!
Let me know which idea you try!
♡J
