Five minutes. True, it's not a heck of a lot of time. Butit's just long enough for you to do one thing -- and maybe that one thing thatwill turn your day around.
In our busy 24/7 universe, it often seems like there's notenough time to do everything you want in a day. But take five and try these 10simple ways to lower stress and boost your mood and energy levels. They mayjust help you find the extra spark you need to meet the challenges of the day.
1. Make your bed. Starting off each day with this smallritual can help create a calm environment for you in your bedroom. GretchenRubin, author of The Happiness Project, writes that many people benefit frommaking this modest step part of their routines. By checking it off your to-dolist first thing, you've got one less thing to worry about for the rest of theday.
2. Pack a snack. Before you head out the door in themorning, go into the kitchen and grab a fruit (like a banana, apple or grapes)or a healthy snack (like unsalted nuts or low-fat cheese). This way, when acase of the munchies strikes later in the afternoon, you won't be reaching fora bag of chips or a candy bar from the vending machine out of convenience.Besides, you know what they say about an apple a day.
3. Clear your desk. You may not be able to overhaul yourcloset in five minutes, but you can manage to tidy your desk at work. Fromstray papers to scattered coffee mugs, clutter can make you lose focus and curbproductivity. Declutter your outer environment and you may feel lighter on theinside and more motivated to concentrate on the task at hand.
4. Pump up the music. Several studies have found thatlistening to music can help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and boostmood. The right music has the power to change your attitude. So load up yourMP3 player and create a special playlist that will make you smile -- whetheryou're working or working out.
5. Sniff a lemon. For a quick de-stressing trick, turn to anunderrated sense -- your sense of smell. Japanese researchers found thatlinalool; a substance found in lemons, has anti-inflammatory properties and mayreduce 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 fromlight stretching. Lift your arms above your head at your desk. Or better yet,stretch your legs by walking outside. Stretching can help improve your circulationand flexibility, and may help ease the tight muscles that accompany stress.
7. Meditate. Try meditation and deep breathing to relax andturn your mind off. You don't need any special equipment to practicemeditation. Find a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor. Meditatingon a daily basis, even just for a few minutes, has been shown to fightdepression and ease stress.
8. Keep a gratitude diary. Take a minute every day to writedownseveral 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 bringsnegative energy along with it. Being thankful for what you have can make youappreciate all the positives in your life.
9. Turn off your electronics. Just becausewe live in a wiredworld 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 energyand encourage inactivity. So log off youremail, phones, and Internet (yes,social networking web sites count, too). This is especially important to allowyou to unwind and relax before bed.
10. Prioritize. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you havemultiple tasks crowding your mind. Make a list and finish your most dreadedduties first to avoid the anxiety caused by procrastination. Make a list andcheck off each task as you complete it. At the end of the day, a list ofaccomplishments is a great visual reminder of how productive you were.
By Jennifer Soong
.jpg)
