This post was first published on January 21, 2016. It is still my most recommended how-to guide for taking a 10 minute break in the middle of a busy day.
It seems we are faced with so many things each day that require our immediate attention, be it work, travel, home, relatives, other obligations – the list can truly go on and on.
And then, there is the undercurrent of things that don’t really need our attention, but grab it nonetheless. As a master of multitasking I don’t try to persuade others to just do one thing at a time, but I do reflect on the value of creating an oasis of sorts in the middle of each busy day.
Try this!
- In the middle of your busy day (not at the end of the day) take 10 minutes for yourself.
- Stop whatever you are doing. Don’t look at a computer or phone. No emails or calls.
- Get a cup of tea, put your feet up. Gaze out of a window or close your eyes and look at nothing.
- Just lounge in the moment.
- Try to clear your mind. Don’t think of the next five things you have to do after your 10 minute break is over.
Just exist.
If you are in an office, close the door – you’d do it for an important phone call, so why not for yourself? If you are home alone, all the better…turn off the TV or radio, don’t answer the phone or doorbell, silence your phone and ignore the next text. If you live with others, tell them ahead of time what you are doing so that you are not disturbed. Minding a baby? Do this when the little one is napping.
You will be amazed at how refreshing taking 10 minutes away from all of your daily duties can be.
Just 10 minutes. Everyone can do that. We typically think “I don’t have time to ____” (you fill in the blank: exercise, meditate, cook, have fun…). In just 10 minutes you can reclaim some sanity, focus on inward body signals (Am I hungry? Am I tired?), change your posture, and calm your senses.
It’s that easy!
Now on to that next task…