If you don’t have a full afternoon (or even a full hour) to find some peaceful alone time, these ten-minute-or-less tips can help you move a bit closer towards mental and physical relaxation. Why not read through our list, and try one now?
1. Close your eyes.
Whether you’re standing, sitting, or lying down, just rest your eyelids and take a break from the visual stimulation of your day.
2. Stand up and stretch.
Reach for the sky – stretch as far and as hard as you can, focusing on the sensations in your muscles. A great way to focus on physical feelings instead of mental chatter!
3. Take some deep breaths.
Inhale, hold for ten counts, and then exhale. It’s hard to do this without feeling more relaxed!
4. Take a tea break.
Ten minutes should be just enough time to boil water, steep your favorite blend, and enjoy some steam and warmth with each sip.
5. Get lost in music.
Pop in the headphones and play your three most calming songs, back-to-back-to-back.
6. Laugh with a friend.
The rest of the day can wait – take a few moments and call, email or stop by a friend’s table to share some funnies or watch a viral video together.
7. Do a quick meditation.
Find a quiet room, or even a quiet corner of a room, and spend a few minutes in meditation.
8. Walk in nature.
Fill your lungs with ten minutes’ worth of fresh air. A walk will get your blood pumping and improve your heart function for the rest of the afternoon.
9. Watch the weather.
You don’t have to be outdoors to do this – you can find a nice vantage point from a wide, clear window with a view of the sky, and watch the clouds, rain, snow, or whatever else is moving through the air.
10. Take a shower.
If you’re at home a hot shower can be one of the most effective calming rituals you can do. Who cares if you already smell great? Turn up the water and soak in the steam, letting your worries slip down the drain.
Got any strategies of your own? Please share your ten-minutes-or-less tips in the comments below!
