20 Ways to Relax in a Minute or Less

To answer the USA Today article on stress from the last post, here are some tools to try.

20 Ways to Relax in One Minute or Less

1) Take 10 long, slow, deep, quiet, even breaths
2) Look at a candle with your eyes almost closed. Focus on the flame and your eyelashes
3) Go outside and take a few deep breaths
4) Pet a dog and talk to the owner
5) Close your eyes and listen for a few seconds
6) Write down 5 things you are grateful for
7) Call someone and praise something they did
8) Sing a favorite song at the top of your lungs
9) Draw or sketch something
10) Make circles with every moveable joint: neck, fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, waist, hips, knees and ankles
11) Stick out your tongue and make roaring lion sounds
12) Find something to laugh at
13) Take a minute to fall in love with nature, the sky, a flower, a pond
14) Take a walk around the block
15) Whistle
16) Have a conversation with a young child
17) Turn off the news and research a way to share your talents
18) Slowly eat a piece of fruit, enjoy the texture, taste and smell
19) Give yourself a quick hand or foot massage
20) Write down 5 things you are good at