5 Minute Mind Escapes
Studies have proven that giving your brain a short break can actually help you to refocus, retain and process information more strategically. Whether you are working from home and struggling with productivity/creativity OR if you are schooling from home and striving to keep kids on task and engaged through the day... these brain breaks can help you!
Art- Find artwork and let your mind focus and run with it for a minute. Follow the colors, brushstrokes, and details with our eyes. Imagine the story behind the art. Put yourself into the work.
Movement- Get up and walk around, stretch - even put on some music and dance! Play 5-4-3-2-1: Choose 5 of some type of movement, 4 of something else 3...2...1...
(Example: 5 jumping jacks, 4 leg raises, 3 push-ups, 2 squats, 1 stretch to your toes.) Moving can shift your whole perspective and energy level!
Pretend a Vacation- Where would you go? What would you do? Imagine you are there - close your eyes and plan this trip. Imagine the temperature, the view, the feel of the adventure.
Read a poem or article- Find something that sparks your interest that is completely unrelated to what you are working on to read. Maybe it's a short mystery or an article about your favorite musician. Maybe it's a poem that touches your heart.
Communicate be SOCIAL- Call, text, or meet up with someone for conversation! Talk about anything! What are you doing this weekend, how are the kids, what shows are you watching on HULU.
Eat a snack or have something to drink- Sometimes we just need to be refueled. A simple break to give yourself nutrients and hydration can foster a whole afternoon of productivity.
Go outside! Fresh air and sunshine are proven to help blood pressure, digestion, immunity, and mood! Maybe you can even find a way to move your work outside for an hour or schedule a meeting outside so you can take a break from fluorescent lights and processed air.
Do something for someone- grab an extra iced tea and drop it off with a co-worker, or offer to run an errand for someone while you pick up the marketing materials from the printer. Taking your focus off of yourself and helping someone else not only is a really nice way to support your co-workers... it will boost your mood!
Listen to music- Create a playlist that inspires you. Songs that will increase your motivation and get you energized. Music can not only change your attitude, but it can help increase your memory and reduce stress! Music is powerful!
With the pandemic, we have all been in front of screens far more than before. It's vital that we take breaks and give ourselves the grace to just walk away sometimes for a few minutes. Be excited about the opportunity to refresh and renew- and then dive back into that project with a fresh perspective!
Leia Hardimon
Work.Mom.Repeat Communications