Many of us know we should take breaks throughout the day, but we often don’t. We may find it hard because of work or caring for others. Even taking 10 to15 minutes is enough to reduce stress. Commit to taking 10 to 15 minutes today to do something for yourself. Here are some ideas to get started: 

Photo by Mental Health America (MHA) on Pexels.com

Get outside

Take a nature walk or city hike.

Be active

Take a dance break! Lift weights. Do push-ups or sit-ups. Or kick around a ball for a few minutes. Channel your energy into a quick cleaning of your home.

Practice relaxation techniques

Wash your face or rinse your hands in cool water to reduce tension and calm nerves. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, stretch, do yoga, or meditate.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Embrace self-care

Make and enjoy a cup of tea and relax in a comfortable place. Curl up with a book or magazine.

Check in with yourself

Take time to ask yourself how you are feeling.

Practice gratitude

Write three things you are grateful for. Tell someone you appreciate them.

Laugh!

Think of someone who makes you laugh or the last time you laughed so hard you cried. Watch or listen to something fun.

Consider a new hobby

Try playing a musical instrument, gardening, following a new recipe, working on a crossword puzzle, building something new in the workshop, or knitting.

Find an inspiring song or quote

Write it down (or screenshot it) so you have it nearby.

Maintain or build your social network

Check in with a friend, family member, or neighbor.

Connect with your faith through prayer or reach out to a member of your faith community

Make an appointment with a counselor if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, sadness, or depressed mood.

Photo by Mental Health America (MHA) on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=12638