10 Minute Stress Management Techniques
Get moving.
Take 10 minutes to play some of your favorite music and dance your heart out.
Play a few of your favorite songs, grab a pretend microphone and sing along like you’re the star.
Take a brisk walk around the block, making sure you are moving yours arms as well.
Go up and down the stairs a few times to get your heart pumping.
Watch television for 10 minutes while you step in place, pumping your arms.
Focus on something pleasant.
Light a scented candle, close your eyes and focus on the fragrance until you feel calm.
If it’s nice outside, take 10 minutes to feel how the air and sun feel on your skin.
If you have a favorite spice, tea or coffee that gives you pleasure, inhale the aroma deeply.
Look at some photos that always bring you fond memories.
Give all your attention to playing with your pet.
Pay attention to yourself.
Take 10 minutes every day to record your feelings in a journal.
If you like jigsaw puzzles, set one up and work on it for 10 minutes.
Take a 10 minute break to look at a magazine you like.
Do something that gives you joy, be it playing the piano for 10 minutes or looking at recipes.
Lay down for 10 minutes, close your eyes and remind yourself how good a person you are.
No matter how stressed you are, giving yourself just 10 minutes can help reduce it and make you feel you have more control over your life. Ten minutes here and there is not a lot of time, but even that small amount can make a big difference in dealing with your day.
JoAnn Polley is the Creative Director at Caregiver Communications
