Stress-Reduction Techniques That Take Less Than 5 Minutes

April 13, 2020

The Five Senses Exercise — this exercise engages your senses in a mindful way. Name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.
Three-Minute Breathing Space — this exercise takes just three minutes, as its name implies. The first step: answer the question, “how am I doing right now?” Consider your answer for one minute. In the second minute, focus on your breathing, making sure to take slow, cleansing breaths. In the third and final minute, bring awareness to the way these deep, cleansing breaths impact your whole body — from your lungs to your heart rate to the tension in your shoulders.
Download an app like Calm or Headspace, and complete one of the five-minute meditation options.
Light a candle, put on a favorite song, or sip some herbal tea — but make sure to put down your phone and disengage from technology.
Move your body — Some people tend to freeze or tense up when stressed. If you’re one of those people, then movement may be an effective means of stress reduction. Take five minutes to dance to a favorite song. Stretch your arms overhead, and then try to touch your toes. Roll your head in circles if you’re stuck in traffic or at your desk. Run in place for a moment. Whatever gets your body moving will work.

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