All of nature builds in relaxation and quiet time to rejuvenate energy. How do you find your quiet relaxing time? Can you make short, quick times throughout your day when you let go of any tension in your mind and body? The mind impacts the body, so check in with your thoughts or your body to see how you need to release stress.
There are big relaxation times, yet small daily breaks make a difference in your energy levels. Sometimes we feel we don’t have the time, yet if we take a 5-minute break outside to breathe in the fresh air or take a few minutes to do deep breathing and release body tension, your ability to focus will probably increase.
Using your 5-minute relaxation period to read the news may not bring relaxation, and it is best to get away from technology by going outside and breathing in nature or quieting your mind.
Some ideas to relax in 5 minutes segments:
- Stop and brew either a cup of coffee or tea. Take the time to sip your beverage, breathing in the smell and warmth of the drink. Even if you are a cold beverage person, you can quietly sip your drink and let go of your thoughts.
- Mini massage – tired feet or hands could always use a mini massage. If you haven’t tried this as a relaxation tool, you will be surprised how it immediately reduces tension. I suspect it’s because we are soothing a part of our bodies and taking the time to care for ourselves. It always makes me feel great – self-care.
- Chocolate lovers – indulge in a small piece of chocolate.
- 5-minute visualization of your favorite vacation spot, or the beach or mountains. Just imagine being there for 5 minutes.
- If you have a pet, how about taking 5 minutes to stroke and love it? They will relax and teach you how to relax at the same time.
- 5-minute organization of an area that is overflowing with papers or things. It’s a mindless activity just to put things away, yet the order diminishes tension in all of us.
- My watch reminds me to get up and move around in place every hour, and the movement releases tension in me.
- If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, write down what is bothering you, which helps you step away from it and see the situation differently.
- Take 5 minutes to listen to some music – set the time, close your eyes, and take in the music.
- I have a diffuser, put it on, and breathe in the lavender smell (my favorite).
You may have your favorite way to relax quickly. Make it a habit to indulge in it a few times throughout the day. We all seem to get caught up in our daily To Do lists, so do not think about finding ways to relax. A timer can remind us to step away and take a small break. Most of us have phones with timers, so set it every hour, two, or three, but make it consistent throughout the day. If you start doing it four times daily, you will have put 20 minutes towards your well-being. What a gift to give yourself
Be well,
Pat
“To fully enjoy the ‘richness’ of our lives, we need to stop long enough to visit with ourselves.”
(Pat Brill)
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