Take 15 Minutes
I have found myself overwhelmed without needing to be. My mind has been constantly creating a running list of things that need to be accomplished. Yet, I was completing none of them. I then forced myself to stop, slow down and take 15 minutes. I am going to guess that anyone reading this may need to do the same thing. As much as I am aware of my self care needs, the high achieving perfectionist can very easily spin out of control. I multi task but realize I am not doing my best. I then move to analyzing what is most important to do and everything seems important. I develop analysis paralysis.
15 minutes can seem like a large amount of time. At the same time, it is such a small amount to time. 900 seconds when you break it down.
Having multiple focuses also makes it hard to relax. Recently I found myself enjoying my Sunday evening bath but I was reading a book related to work. Although I was enjoying the book,it wasn’t necessarily relaxing. I was smart enough to put the book down and simply enjoy the bath. Today I’m started an extended weekend vacation. Our first in almost 6 months. As in my typical fashion, I attempt to accomplish more than I need to in the days leading up to departure. As a result, I put off posting on my regular schedule, as I just didn’t think I had time. After all, there is always one more thing that needs to be done! My challenge for you in today’s try this at home is to slow down and take 15 minutes. Even if you think you don’t have the time, you do. If 15 minutes:- You can take stretch, take a short walk and remind yourself to breathe.
- Watch a funny video. Research is showing that cute animal videos rapidly improve your mood.
- Simply sit and take note of your surroundings. It is surprising how little we pay attention to where we are at. Currently, I am sitting at Salt Lake City Airport. It is raining and very relaxing to watch the rain against the window.
Do you struggle with slowing down and taking 15 minutes to relax?
This is wonderful! I really need to remind myself to take some time just for me! 15 minutes sound fair and will probably be the key to feeling better! Thank you, Sheryl!
Would love to hear if you have been able to take 15 minutes Chrissy!
This is something that I struggle with too… the “shoulds” and the “one more things.” Fifteen whole minutes to relax sounds crazy, but it’s definitely something I need to consider doing, because I usually just bounce from task to task to task and then wonder where the time went!
It is so easy to jump from task to task but we need to remind ourselves that slowing down for a few minutes is actually beneficial.
I think a lot of times just getting up and walking around for a bit or changing your setting is so helpful!
I so agree Molly!
This is such a good reminder! I have found myself getting overwhelmed the past few weeks because I push to hard when I am working on my own..for no reason! I have been trying to stop everything and just take a break every hour or so. It has helped a lot!
I think when we set our own self imposed goals that it is a struggle to give ourselves permission to slow down. I’m glad to hear you are taking a break on a regular basis. Just remember you are important.
It’s so easy to be busy all the time you don’t enjoy the little things! I’ve not read a book in so long I need to get back into it!
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I hope you are able to get back into reading again. The first step is buying one! Take care of you.
oh I have plenty of books haha!
I have missed you, friend! I am struggling with this right now, though I’m taking a bit of time to read blogs tonight. Hope you enjoy your trip- let’s make plans when you get back (and get back into your routine!).
We certainly need to get together soon! I would love to catch up in person sometime soon. Let’s look at our schedules after Derby. I’m still not back into a routine but I’m at least trying.
This is a great challenge, Sheryl! I find myself thinking about 5 different things at once, at any given time. My mental to-do list never rests if I’m not conscious about it.
Something that helps, and would be especially helpful to do before taking a 15 minute breather, is writing down a to-do list. GET THAT MESS ON PAPER. A lot of the time we keep the list in our minds, and it just loops and loops in an attempt not to forget anything. Once you get it down on paper you don’t have to keep a record of it in your mind.
I’ll be taking 15 today. Thank you for the challenge! 😉
Oh my gosh, how I understand putting things down on paper. When we keep things in our head they morph enormously. I would love to know if you have been able to take 15 minutes
900 seconds sound like nothing! I try to give myself a little break as soon as I get back from work and just surround myself with quiet and calm until Simpsons comes on, and it usually makes the world of difference. Although, sometimes I just feel like going to sleep and giving myself a break from life and the incessant noise that comes hand in hand with my family. Great post!
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Thanks for stopping by Kiran. I”m glad to hear that you already have a ritual of slowing down. It’s so important.
I love the idea of relaxing for 15 minutes! I often set the timer for a cleaning project but haven’t done it for relaxing. On my list to do this weekend!
I would love to hear if you set a time to relax Penny!!
This is such a great idea. Thanks for always providing some motivation and ways to de-stress, Sheryl!
Thanks for stopping by Rachel! I’m glad this tip was helpful.
I love this! 15 minutes is enough time to refocus but not enough time to lose focus. 🙂
Exactly! It truly doesn’t take much time to recharge.
I struggle with this. Working in a fast-paced environment and being around with people who constantly demand attention are no help. It’s really a decision to make it happen. I’ll try to focus on this 15 minutes this week. 🙂
Melai, I would love to hear if you’ve been able to take 15 minutes. I know it’s difficult but stepping back often allows us the ability to focus more.
I did have a few days of 15 mins break. But I wasn’t consistent.
I really love how I felt after though. So much quiet, personal, real me-time. 🙂