MBG 30 Simple Ways to Relax Without Going on Vacation

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It’s Monday morning, and you have 253 emails in your inbox, your very important conference call is going to start in less than 5 minutes, you just spilled your coffee all over your pants and one of your kids teachers is calling you asking if you signed a permission slip for today’s field trip………….are you dreaming of your next vacation, even though it is months away?

It’s ok, we all have those days. You still have time to relax, though. Really! Even when all you can think of is a weekend beach mini-vacation, you don’t need to wait until the weekend to relax. Take a look at our 30 ways to beat stress and chill out in 5 minutes or less. All of these sneaky little tactics can help create some calm in our lives. Some are best done on our time off, but some of these can even be done during Monday morning chaos!

1. Sip a little green tea

Instead of reaching for another latte or turning red with rage at the moment, calm yourself with a cup of green tea. Green tea has a chemical called L-theanine, which helps calm your feelings. Drink it hot or cold; just be sure to drink it fresh. Skip those bottles in the vending machine; they have no nutritional value whatsoever.

2. Take off your watch

When you leave work, especially on the weekends, take off that watch. You are off the clock, it’s your time now, so don’t rush so much or try to keep to a schedule.

3. Turn off your phone

The tablet and laptop, too, for that matter. It’s perfectly OK for you to NOT be reachable for 5 minutes. Or 15. What do you think people did before cell phones?

4. Eat a mango

Ok, they are messy, but nothing will make you feel more like you are on a tropical beach than taking a 5 minute mango break. Mangos have a compound that helps to lower stress levels. Bring a couple paper towels and enjoy that delicious mango. Close your eyes and imagine you can hear the waves.

5. Take a walk

If you are off work, take a quick walk around the park. If you are at work, take a walk around the block. Don’t think exercise here, just stroll and breathe! Look at the trees and admire Mother Nature. Listen to the birds and ignore that last irritating email.

6. Shop for fresh, organic fruits and veggies

There is nothing like a little early morning stroll around your local farmers market and picking up the following week’s fruits and vegetables. Just looking at all those beautiful colors and the smells are simply heavenly!

7. Take a different route back home

8. Rest your head on a pillow

Keep a small pillow at your desk and when things get overwhelming, take 5 minutes and rest your head on it. Imagine it’s a giant sponge and that it’s soaking up all your worries and stress.

9. Play music in the car and sing along- LOUD

10. Just Breathe

Studies show that when we are stressed or frightened, we tend to hold our breath and tense up our muscles. Deep, slow breathing can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

11. Talk to your neighbors for a few minutes.

12. Slurp up a little honey

Dump that stress with a little bit of sweetness. Honey reduces inflammation in the brain meaning it’s great for fighting anxiety and depression. Take 5 minutes and enjoy a teaspoon of organic, raw honey. Find out why honey is resommended to eat.