We all have crazy lives and we are constantly moving and thinking of the next things that we have to do in our day.
We make long lists of what we wish to accomplish in our day or week to come, but it seems impossible to check everything off the list in time. Somehow, we manage to get everything done (although we’re not always sure how we did it).
By trying to do so much all at once, we commonly forget the importance of taking breaks throughout the day. Short little breaks, even just five minutes, can help us so much to refocus and de-stress from all that we wish to accomplish.
Here are eight simple breaks that we can all take throughout our day to make those long lists and stressful days a little easier.
1. Walk
Get up from your seat and take a little walk. Even just walking down the hallway and back to get away from your desk will help to refocus on your task.
2. Meditate
It doesn’t have to be a grand meditation, but take a couple of deep breaths while closing your eyes and picture yourself in your happy place.
3. Color
There is a reason that adult coloring books were created. Take five minutes and work on a page in a coloring book and pretend that you’re a little kid again.
4. Snack time
Get up and make yourself a healthy snack. You can also make some tea to help calm you, if you are anxious and stressed about your work.
5. Yoga
There are so many different yoga positions that you can do just sitting at your desk. If you have the space to do more complicated yoga positions, take advantage and do those, too. Not only does yoga help with stretching, but you can also use the time for a little meditation if you wish.
6. Call a friend or family member
Set a timer on your phone for five minutes and call a good friend or family member and have a conversation about something other than your work.
7. Read
For some of us, what we are trying to get away from is lots of reading, but choose an article of interest to you or a short story to help take your mind off what you’ve worked on all day.
8. Music
Some of us can listen to music while we work, but not everyone. Take a couple of minutes and listen to a favorite song of yours before returning to your work.