Can 5 Minutes Really Make a Difference?
5 minutes. 300 Seconds. We all have a free five minutes, right? I know, many days that doesn’t actually feel true. In the overwhelm that can construct our day-to-day lives, coming up with any amount of spare time can seem impossible. However, when facing brain fatigue brought on by stress and anxiety, or just the go-go-go over everyday life, taking a break to refresh yourself and reset your mind can be vital. This is where something as simple as 5 minutes can work some magic.
How are you going to be a positive and productive person when you are feeling anxious, angry, overwhelmed, exhausted, or possibly all the above? Maybe you’re feeling sluggish, you haven’t been as productive as you had hoped to be, or you find yourself facing feelings of hopelessness. If your day hasn’t been going your way, taking a quick 5 minutes to restore your heart and mind may be all you need.
5 Minute Task Challenge
Look around you. What can you do in 5 minutes (or less) that may help to freshen up the space around you and possibly get your mind on something else, even just for a bit?
Here is a list of simple, day-to-day tasks that you can accomplish in 5 minutes or less. Taking 5 minutes to step away and work on something else may help you to recharge and get your thoughts refocused. Not to mention the fact that some of these may also tick off a few items on that never-ending To-Do List that we all have, albeit mentally or physically.
Ready? Set? Go!
• Pray – Eyes open or closed, kneeling or standing, on the toilet or in the shower – the only thing He cares about is that you are having a discussion with Him.
• Read your bible or a devotional.
• Tell your spouse and/or children that you love them.
• Clean the kitchen sink.
• Start or empty the dishwasher or washing machine.
• Declutter or reorganize your workspace, nightstand, bathroom counter, or car.
• Fill the birdfeeder.
• Sit outside and listen to the sounds around you.
• Do some stretches.
• Wash the dog’s bowl.
• Go for a walk.
• Drink a glass of water.
• Sweep the floor.
• Meal plan
• Get a few pages further in the book you’re reading.
• Make or update a To-Do list (Crossing off items is so rewarding!)
• Clean up your calendar/agenda/planner.
• Pay a bill (Not much fun but it may be a relief to check it off the list.)
• Text a loved one just to say hello and let them know that you are thinking of them.
• Write a thank you to a coworker, mentor, helper, or other loved one to thank them for being in your life.
• See how many beds you can get made or how many areas you can quickly tidy in that time. You may surprise yourself!
• Turn on some good music and dance or sing along.
• Give attention to a pet.
• Change or create your email signature or update your profile photo.
• Eat a healthy snack…..or a cookie (No judgement here!)
• Hug someone who needs it (Hugs are like sprinkles, they make the world better.)
• Read, color, or play with your child.
• Dust shelves or wall décor.
• Clean out the microwave or fridge.
Feeling any better? I know 5 minutes isn’t enough to conquer the world, but the revival that it can give can start you down the path to conquering all!
One More Quick but Uplifting Exercise
Take 5 minutes to create a “Things that Make me Happy” list. This sounds silly, I know, but allowing those more pleasant things to come to the front of your mind can be such a refresh and can help give you a boost by pushing those negatives back down where they belong. Honestly, you’ll probably be surprised by how many things make you happy. I suggest starting the list now but keeping it nearby so that you can add to it at any time.
As an example, here is a bit of my own list, which I started over 3 years ago and still add to often. I keep my list in a notebook on my nightstand and sometimes even travel with it. My daughter really enjoys helping me add to it and has even started her own. Let me know if any of these things make your list as well!
• Knowing God loves me even when it’s really hard to love myself. Thanks God, you’re cool beans!
• Hearing my children laugh together
• Waking up next to my husband
• Libraries
• Sunflowers
• Cheesecake
• A child sleeping in my arms
• Canvas bags full of books
• Tea bags
• Willow trees
• Starting a new book and instantly falling in love with it
• Clearance sales (I’m talking at least 75% off, people!)
• A white Christmas
• Waking up and remembering you’re on vacation.
• Sunshine through a window
• A new notebook
• Knowing there’s dessert after the meal.
• A good hair day
• The sound of waves on sand
• A dog at my feet or a cat in my lap
• Babies with tons of hair
• Pigs
• Children’s pajamas – so cute!
• Sprouts in the garden
• Giving a gift
• Rainy nights
• Eggs Benedict
• When a favorite song comes on.
• Completing a workout (only the “after” part makes me happy! Anyone else?)
• Sun glistening off the water.
• Meeting a friend for breakfast
• The beginning of a road trip (by the end everyone is dirty and hungry and ready to get out, but the beginning is great – so full of anticipation!)
Remembering to Care for Yourself
Just remember, you are important. I’ll type it again….You. Are. Important.
The work you do is important. The people you care for are important. If you don’t take care of yourself and have your head in a good place, then how can that important work get done or those people be cared for? If you can’t take an entire day to recharge, then see where you may be able to squeeze in 5 minutes here or there. It’s never too late to start your day over so if you need to, take the time to serve yourself and reset.
Thank you, friends. I wish you joy!
