When was the last time you scheduled time just for yourself? If the answer is “I can’t remember”, then you’re not alone.
Constantly being plugged-in has meant that we’re always on-call, giving everyone else our time and attention instead of offering that same care to ourselves. This kind of neglect can build up stress in the body and have lasting effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.
That’s why the Laid Back Snacks (formerly known as Naked Snacks) team is challenging you to take our 15 Minute Daily Mission. We’ve put together a list of ideas that require you to completely unplug and take a short digital detox (yes, Instagram can survive without you!). So set your alarm and make it a mandatory meeting you just can’t miss. You deserve it!
1. Do a Light Yoga Sequence
Downward dog, cobra, cat-cow, warrior one, tree pose, and child’s pose are all moves you can do in the comfort of your home, or office. Yoga helps to lower stress levels while also strengthening your body and getting your energy flowing.
2. Meditation and Breathing Exercise
Studies have shown that quick bouts of silent meditation every day can relieve stress and depression. You don’t need to be an attuned yogi either; anyone can do it. Find a comfortable spot in a quiet place, concentrate on your breath, and feel the anxiety start to slip away:
- Sit comfortably in a quiet location
- Breathe in for 3 or 4 counts and remove all distractions from your mind
- Breathe out for 3 to 4 counts. Repeat this with your eyes closed for 5 minutes
- When 5 minutes are over, set your timer again for 10 minutes this time.
Lay down and close your eyes. Breathe from your stomach and let yourself rest completely.
3. Give yourself a massage
Yes, we said it. A self-massage helps to detoxify the body, increase blood circulation, and relieve tension. Use a body brush to do this, always going from your arms and legs in the direction of your heart.
4. Snack mindfully.
When was the last time you paid attention to the colours, flavours, and textures of your food? Make eating an experience. One of our favourite afternoon snacks is blending up a healthy smoothie with kale, banana, berries, and almond milk with a handful of Aloha Kauai on the side. We also love the simplicity of Greek Yogurt with PB Chocolate Granola. Slow down, unplug, and savour every bite.
5. Walk
Studies have shown that regular moderate-intensity exercise like walking is just as effective as antidepressants in cases of mild to moderate depression. So release those endorphins and tune out completely when you stroll around the block. Your body will thank you!
6. Read
Forego your Kindle or favourite blog. The point is to eliminate screen time completely. Pick-up a book, magazine, or newspaper instead, find a comfy place to sit, and get lost in the pages.
Even with 85 emails in your inbox, your voicemail full, and that presentation to finish, we can afford to take just 15 minutes to be good to ourselves. Investing in daily self-care will have lasting rewards for our well-being, and will probably help you get to the end of your to-do list even sooner.
Are you ready to take on the 15 Minute Daily Mission? Show us how you’ll be spending your 15 minutes by using the hashtag #My15Minutes and tag us in your post. We’re excited to hear about your missions in action!
Photo Sources: WeHeartIt.com
