And while taking some time for ourselves can be a challenge, it doesn’t have to become an afterthought. Activities like exercise, meditation and personal reflection may very well be the missing ingredient to jump-starting productivity and regaining a positive outlook on our day-to-day lives.
The next time your schedule has you feeling out-of-sorts or maybe just a little overwhelmed, remember to carve out some time for you. Try challenging yourself to one of the activities below – they’re only 20-minutes and the benefits will truly start to add up. These quick breaks are perfect for weaving into a busy schedule and will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever life has in store. Give it a try. Whether you make time for one or time for four, the important thing is you’re taking control by making time for what’s important. You.
Here are a few ideas to start with, but remember to choose what makes you feel the best.
Give your body the renewal it craves.
http://www.calderaspas.com/health-wellness/power-warm-water
Get out there and soak in the sun.
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161618.php
Find a little inner peace.
http://www.calderaspas.com/health-wellness/20-minute-renewal/need-relax-take-deep-breath-or-several
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/meditation/objectives.aspx
http://www.project-meditation.org/a_wim1/statistics_on_people_who_meditate.html
http://blog.bufferapp.com/how-meditation-affects-your-brain
Get in shape and loosen up those muscles.
http://blogs.yogajournal.com/goodlife/archives/2011/07/5-surprising-benefits-of-yoga.html
http://www.self.com/body/fitness/2012/03/benefits-of-yoga-slideshow/7
Sharpen your mind with brain-teasers and logic puzzles.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/16/improve-memory-tricks_n_3922173.html
http://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2012/05/02/1010311_11-reasons-to-do-jigsaw-puzzle.html
Write a story, poem, or journal entry about your day.
http://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-keep-a-journal-and-how-to-start-yours-1547057185
http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/reduce-stress-through-journaling/
http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/11/5/338.full
Share these wellness challenges with your friends and family – just use the sharing icons below. What challenges will you take on? Tell us in the comments below.