"Me time" is important for good health. You deserve it (no need to feel guilty). Your body and mind want it. When things pile up and you feel your stress level rising, take a mini health break throughout the day to become centered and relaxed. Stop rushing. Stop multitasking. Stop worrying. Slow down. Unwind. Become calm. For just five minutes.

During this time focus on yourself – not your job, not your family, not the mundane details of life. Just you.

So, now what?

■ Breathe.
■ Stretch.
■ Pray.
■ Visualize a pleasant scene.
■ Do progressive muscle relaxation.
■ Write in a journal.
■ Listen to soothing music.
■ Or, do absolutely nothing.

A-a-h …now doesn’t that feel good?

 

Useful Resources:

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook (5th ed.) by Martha Davis, Ph.D., Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, M.S.W., and Matthew McKay, Ph.D. (2000). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Timeshifting: Creating More Time to Enjoy Your Life by Stephan Rechtschaffen, M.D. (1996). New York: Broadway Books.