The Power Of Taking 5

Let's face it - we're all busy and it seems like we get busier every day. Stress and strain are the leading causes of many diseases, and the more hustle and hassle we deal with the less life we end up really living. The good news is that making positive changes for our health and well-being can take as little as 5 minutes! Today, I'd like to share some simple 5 minute ways you can change your life by reducing stress, caring for your body, changing your perspective, and opening up possibilities.

Many of us sit at a desk for hours at a time, commute, eat on the run, and sleep shallowly. All of this adds up over time, and it can take a real toll on our bodies and minds. By taking breaks throughout the day in health and empowering ways, we can give good healing energy where it's needed most while enjoying more of our lives!

Here are some simple things you can do throughout the day to reduce stress, increase health, and put a smile on your face - all in 5 minutes or less!

• Do slow belly breathing for 3-5 minutes while thinking happy thoughts
• Get up and go for a walk down the hall, around the building, or around the block
• Stretch for 5 minutes
• Get up and go drink some water
• Say positive things to yourself while taking a brisk walk
• Smile
• Call a family member or friend and catch up while you take a slow walk
• Try to find items in each color of the rainbow without leaving where you are right now
• Listen to your favorite song and sing along
• Wash you hands, then give yourself a gentle face massage
• Give your eyes a rest by closing them and visualizing good things for 5 minutes
• Enjoy a piece of fresh fruit after taking time to appreciate the colors, texture and smell is has

See how easy it can be?

Add some of these simple things to your day every hour or two and you just might find that you have more energy, less stress, less soreness, more focus, and greater overall happiness!

3 Simple Ways To De-Stress On The Go

Let' s face it - life is stressful sometimes! From work and errands to family and health, it seems that there's always something on the burner and always things that need to be done. Our bodies and minds can handle a pretty amazing amount of stress, but sometimes it seems that just one more stressful event will get the best of us! It is in these times that we need to take a break and de-stress to protect our health, bodies, minds, and relationships. The good news is that our bodies are equipped with many ways to help relieve even the deepest stress, so with a little practice we can make big changes in a short time.

Here are three simple ways to drop your stress and feel joy once again. You can do these things just about anywhere you may be when stress sets in!

• Breathing is the single most important thing we can do to relieve stress. When we breathe in a shallow or tense way, our bodies convey to our minds that we've got reason to panic. Ensuring that we breathe slowly, steadily, into our bellies, and with positive thoughts in our minds can literally pull the rug out from under even the most intense stress cycle. Learning about diaphragmatic breathing can transform your stress into moments of great peace and empowerment.
• Positive thinking is extremely powerful in working with stress. Making sure that the things happening in your mind are positive, hopeful, and good can stop stress cycles and prevent your mind from digging down into negativity.
• Gratitude can be a true game changer. The more we take time to notice and acknowledge the good things in life, the more we end up attracting them because we attune to them. Spending time each day celebrating the non-stressful things will open you up to greatness!

Here's to a stress-free and truly joyful life!