Lesson Five: Five Ways to Take a Break

1. Find a safe place to sit still

Sitting still can be harder than you think. Even if you work from home, it's easier to still your body than you mind. Your goal is to sit down and pause if only for fifteen or thirty seconds before you get back into action.

2. Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

If you can't sit still for a brief period, try to pause where you are or before you start moving at all and take a deep breath. I recommend doing this after you've woken up and either gotten out of bed, or sat up so you don't fall back asleep. But this can also be done after parking your car, or right before you walk into a potentially busy setting.

3. Eat or drink something healthy.

You can't always stick to a healthy diet, but if you haven't been consuming enough good things lately, a slow transition can work wonders for your mental state. Increase your water intake. Have a fruit and yogurt parfait. Or just grab a banana on your way into work. The point is to do something that will help.

4. Make time for a walk.

An exercise regime doesn't have to start off hard-core. Being active can be as simple as taking a fifteen to thirty minute walk at your nearest park or walking trail. When I had neither, I would walk around the neighborhood after a rough day. Taking a walk can be a great way to clear your mind.

5. Find music with no lyrics to listen to.

While there's nothing wrong with listening to songs by your favorite musicians, having music playing without lyrics can help improve your focus and relax you. It can also help pass the time while you do any of the previously mentioned things.