Making the Most of 10 Minutes
10 minutes can make a world of difference.
There are lists upon lists out there on how to manage the madness that is working from home (WFH) in the age of a global pandemic. We’ve read a ton of them. Heck, we’ve written one of them. But after nearly a year of working from home without the benefit of in-person support systems outside the home, it’s time for a new list. One that doesn’t assume you have endless resources, limited obligations, or an always-sunny disposition.
We’re looking at you, tired parents of young kids who have been juggling your work with also being remote school monitors, chefs, and cleaning staff.
We’re looking at you, kind friends who are managing mental health challenges with fewer resources to help you through.
We’re looking at you, brave freelancers hustling more than ever.
We’re looking at you, thoughtful soul working hard without the support you know you need to succeed.
We know you don’t always have the time you need to take care of you. But you are important. If all you have is 10 minutes, we want you to make the most of it. So, bookmark this list or print it out and pop it on your fridge. We truly hope it helps.
How to take care of you when you only have 10 minutes:
Open a window and stand in front of it with your eyes closed. (Or, if you have a door to the outside, that works too). Breathe in the fresh air and observe what you can hear and feel.
Pop on some music and have a 10-minute dance party with yourself.
Lay flat on the floor. Place your hands on top of your stomach or chest and observe your breath.
Modifications include: taking a short nap, eating cookies/chocolate while laying flat.
Pour a glass of water. Sit down and don’t get up until you’ve finished drinking it.
Pick up a pen and a piece of paper and doodle. No need to make any judgements about what you create.
Open a window and stand in front of it with your eyes open. Say aloud what you observe.
Go for a walk around the block.
Play your musical instrument of choice.
Write in a journal.
Send a note to someone you haven’t connected with in a while.
Stare off into the distance.
Stretch or do yoga. Take your time in each position.
If there is sunshine, find a sunny spot to sit in. Be cat-like.
Do a body scan and/or a short visualization of warm, clear sunlight coursing through your body.
Water the houseplants and talk to them about your feelings. They like that.
Take a shower or a bath.
Lather your feet in lotion (any ol’ kind will do) and then put on a thick pair of socks. Put your feet up.
We want to thank our generous members and our kind friends for helping to populate this list with easy, rewarding ideas. If you’ve been working from home and are feeling in need of some support and connection while you do it, become a member of Office Nomads today. We’d be glad to have you on board.