While it would be nice to just take a long vacation or leave work each day for a few hours, most of us have limited time and opportunities to relax.
There are several ways you can relax in just 10 minutes or less. Do this a few times a day, and you’ll find that you might not need that long vacation.
Here are 10 ways you can relax in 10 minutes
Meditate
The benefits of meditating are many. It’s incredibly popular right now but has been around for thousands of years. Experts often claim that even just one minute of meditation per hour is enough to gain benefits.
Control your breathing
Your breath is one of the few parts of your physiology you can control. Slower, deeper, breaths will help you to relax. Focus on the feeling of your breath passing through your mouth or nostrils. Count your breaths if you find that helps.
Visualize a peaceful scene
Our moods follow our thoughts. Think about something pleasant, and you can expect to experience a more enjoyable mood.
Talk to a close friend
Call up a friend, or even better, have a face to face. A few minutes spent chatting with a trusted confidant can do wonders for your stress levels. You’ll also be maintaining your relationships.
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Spend time with your pet
Pets are a blessing. They require little and ask for even less. They’re always happy to see you. Cuddle up with your pet and notice how much better you feel. Your pet will love the extra attention, too. Don’t have a pet? Adopt a pet if you afford one. Or borrow a friend’s pet. Animals are truly wonderful friends.
Take a short walk
A long walk is even better, but if you only have 10 minutes, a short walk can help a lot if you’re feeling stressed. Pay close attention to your surroundings while you walk. It will keep your mind off your challenges for a few minutes.
Listen to music
Music has an amazing ability to alter one’s mood. Think of a few songs that will put you in a mood you’d rather feel. Listen away! If you don’t happen to have those songs available at the moment, YouTube has just about every song available for free.
Chew gum
Chewing gum has been shown to be an effective reducer of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Many people like to blow bubbles, too. You can lower your stress and amuse yourself at the same time. Just try not to stress others with the sounds chewing gum can sometimes make.
Sit outside in the sun
Relax for a few minutes on a nice day and enjoy the sun. The warmth on your body can be a great mood booster, and you’ll get a nice dose of vitamin D, too.
Journal things that worry you
One way to be less stressed and anxious is to journal everything that’s bothering you. Get it out of your system and down on paper. By externalizing it, you’ll often find that things aren’t quite as bad as you thought. Even if you do not regularly journal even typing it out the deleting it helps.
Stressed Out Every Day
If you’re regularly feeling stressed, it’s important to do something about it. Not only is it miserable to feel stressed all the time, but it’s terrible for your health.
If you want to relax, make time for it each day. Ten minutes can be enough to take the edge off your stress levels. Don’t allow 10 minutes to go to waste. Use them to relax, do it for yourself.