Are you able to relax when things get hectic? Can you just get out of your head for a couple of minutes when the stress and the busyness of life get overwhelming? Being able to calm yourself quickly and permanently is a skill that needs to be honed, but not too many of us actually do it. However, it is incredibly important to be able to press pause on your life when you need it, even though it represents a challenge. If you’re still working on finding your inner peace and you need some advice on how to relax, here are 7 easy ways to enjoy yourself in 5 minutes or less.
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1. Laugher Is the Key
Ok, so maybe you don’t feel like laughing in the middle of a busy workday, but you do need a way to chill out, even for just a couple of minutes. Laughing is the best medicine for any tension you have in your life – it won’t solve it, but it will allow you to feel better about it. If you’re surrounded with people, just start smiling, even if you don’t feel like it. Your entire body will respond to your smile and chances are, so will those around you who will feel the need to smile back. If you’ve got some time, watch a funny video clip or just stand in front of a mirror and smile to yourself. Effects will be instantaneous and you will feel much more relaxed, promise.
2. Have a Couple of Minutes of Alone Time
We tend to have a fear of spending time with ourselves. We need distractions, something to keep our minds occupied, when in fact all we need is some peace. When you feel anxiety starting to kick in, find a quiet place where you can be on your own for a few minutes. Maybe it’s your office, maybe it’s the office lounge, maybe you can get out to catch some air, just find ways to be alone in your space, it will calm you down and allow you to enjoy the peace that comes from not having to talk or look in a certain way. This is simple enough, but it’s a game changer.
3. Enjoy Music
Again dead simple, but somehow people forget that music makes everything better, especially when you’re stressed out. Whether it is classical music, nineties’ hits or trash metal, play some tunes on your computer or phone and let them move you. If it’s a particularly loud kind of music that isn’t everybody’s cup of tea, grab your headphones and rock away, singing and dancing around is encouraged, even if you’re on the street. Let’s face it, most of the people that pass you by you’ll never see again, and you are enjoying yourself, so just let go and be a little bit crazy, it will feel so good.
4. Something Scrumptious
Eating good food makes us happy, that’s basic knowledge. Unfortunately, our choice of food isn’t always what’s best for us, but still, from time to time, it’s ok to make an exception. For every foodie in the world goes the same rule – there’s no problem that a portion of deliciousness can’t fix. Enjoying what we eat triggers all sorts of happy feelings in our body and it makes us feel good, no matter the circumstances. Of course, it would be wise to focus on having wholesome nutritious meals, but an occasional indulgence here and there is acceptable.
5. Get Back to Nature
Never underestimate the impact of finding a green surface and sitting on it for a while. This might sound silly, but boy, does it work. Being surrounded by nature helps us be relaxed, get back into ourselves and just be. Find a park close to where you work and make a little escape there every now and then, just to hang around the trees and breathe in some fresh air. Staying cooped up inside four walls is never a good idea when you’ve got a lot on your plate, which is why nature can help you enjoy life effortlessly.
6. Cuddles with Furry Friends
Everyone who has a pet knows exactly how much of a positive impact they have on our mood and nothing can replace their unconditional love and goofiness. We can guarantee that five minutes of play with your pet will make you forget about all your troubles and you should take full advantage of that. If you don’t have a pet, go to a pet store and cuddle with the animals there, who knows, maybe you’ll find a new best friend when all you wanted to is enjoy yourself for a couple of minutes.
7. Remember to Be Grateful
Being grateful for who you are, how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished will give you a fresh perspective on life. Our mind has a nasty tendency to focus on all the negative happening in our lives, while everything positive is taken for granted and this mechanism makes us miserable and anxious. When things get rough and you’re not sure how to get out of it, remember all the events and people you’re grateful for and observe how it changes your emotions. Few feelings are as powerful as gratitude and if you turn it into a practice, it won’t only help you feel good when you need it, it will change your whole life. – Theresa Brawner
Theresa Brawner is a 28-year-old fitness instructor from Boston, MA, who writes articles for www.diet.st in her free time. When she isn’t helping new moms get back in shape, you can find her in the kitchen, working on new recipes.
