3 Fun Ways To De-Stress In 10 Minutes Or Less
If you’re like millions of other Americans your two big New Year’s Resolutions were to get fit and de-stress. The problem? It’s nearly April and the last healthy thing you did was not go through the Starbucks drive-through on January 2, which leaves you feeling worthless – and filled with stress! – every day. Never fear, there is still time to make those New Year’s resolutions work for you. Just follow these three quick steps and you’ll increase your fitness level – and de-stress at the same time.
1. Step Away From Your Desk
Many of our jobs are sedentary these days, and forcing ourselves to sit at a computer for eight hours is – literally – killing us. So, once an hour, step away from the keyboard. I’m serious. Step away, and while you’re stepping, don’t pick up your phone, iPod, or tablet. Leave everything at your desk, and go for a quick walk around the block (or up and down your office stairs). Let your mind wander, and for 5-10 minutes, disconnect from the screen that takes up so much time and energy. Email, social media, work projects…they’ll all be there when you get back. Bonus: you’ll have renewed energy to tackle those projects.
2. Step Up To Exercise
But I just told you to take a walk (or run some stairs)? Yes, I did, but that is a quickie break from your desk in the middle of the day. Those little breaks are important to your stress level, but they aren’t enough. Studies show that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise two to three times each week is all any of us need to live a healthier lifestyle. So, set your alarm an hour earlier, or make a commitment to exercise over your lunch hour, or just after you get home (not too late or you’ll find other things to do). You don’t have to join a health club, there are apps like C25K or Running/Walking for Weight Loss that will take you through a quick 30 minute exercise cycle 3-5 times each week.
3. Step Up to a Video Game
Image via PixabayNot a gamer? Don’t worry, I’m not talking about World of Warcraft, here. Game systems like the Wii allow you to get off the couch and engage muscle while working the grey matter in your head. A few favorites: Wii Fit Yoga really helps to center the mind, Just Dance is a fun and fast way to increase the heart rate, and Wii Sports Club offers games that increase the hand-eye coordination.
Still not convinced that a video game or a quick walk around the block will get those creative juices flowing? Try it anyway. Give yourself one week with at least two built-in breaks from the computer each day. If you’re not feeling better and less stressed, you’ve lost less than five hours of free time.
Small steps create long-lasting habits. All you have to lose is stress…start today!
