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In our busy, hectic lifestyle, it often seems like there's
not enough time to do everything you want in a day. All you need is 5 minutes a
day to stop and smell the roses.
1. Make your bed. Starting off each day with this small
ritual can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom. Many people
benefit from making this modest step part of their routines. By checking it off
your to-do list first thing, you've got one less thing to worry about for the
rest of the day.
2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in the
morning, go into the kitchen and grab a fruit or a healthy snack This way, when
the cravings strike later during the day, you won't be reaching for a bag of
chips or a candy bar from the vending machine out of convenience.
3. Clear your desk. You may not be able to overhaul your
closet in five minutes, but you can manage to tidy your desk at work. From
stray papers to scattered coffee mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curb
productivity. Decluttering your environment and you may let you feel lighter on
the inside and more motivated to concentrate on the task at hand.
4. Pump up the music. Several studies have found that
listening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost
mood. The right music has the power to change your attitude.
5. Sniff a lemon. For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to your
sense of smell for help. Japanese researchers found that linalool; a substance
found in lemons, has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the
flight-or-fight stress response. Other scents like basil, juniper, and lavender
have also been found to lower stress.
6. Stretch. You don't have to be a yogi to benefit from
light stretching. Lift your arms above your head at your desk. Or better yet,
stretch your legs by walking outside. Stretching can help improve your circulation
and flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that accompany stress.
7. Meditate. Try meditation and deep breathing to relax and
turn your mind off. You don't need any special equipment to practice
meditation. Find a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Meditating
on a daily basis, even just for a few minutes, has been shown to fight
depression and ease stress.
8. Keep a diary. Take a minute every day to write down
several things you're thankful for, whether they're big or small things. It's
easy to vent about weather, traffic, or job woes, but complaining brings
negative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make you
appreciate all the positives in your life.
9. Turn off your electronics. Just because we live in a
wired world doesn't mean you need to stay connected every minute of every
single day. Staring at computer screens and electronics all day long can zap
your energy and encourage inactivity.
10. You must learn to prioritize. Make a list and finish
your most dreaded duties first to avoid the anxiety caused by stalling. Make a
list and check off each task as you complete it. At the end of the day, a list
of accomplishments is a great visual reminder of how productive you were.
