Pockets of joy
Sabrina Fatma AhmadD2
If a year spent in Work-from-Home mode has provided any insight, it is that with the work/life boundaries being blurred, the concept of ‘me time’ has become fuzzier than before. Ironically, with the state of the economy and the stress that the pandemic has put us through, self care has never been more important. Not everyone has the luxury of taking a full spa day, but there are very simple little micro-habits one can make time for that over time can create transformational effects in your life. Here are three that take way less than five minutes.
Drink one more glass of water
Enough has been said about the importance of hydration to almost make it cliché, but it’s one of those things that is so easy to let slip. So, if you’re reading this now, just pause for one minute – maybe even less – and just grab yourself a glass of water. You’ll feel more refreshed, re-energized, more able to take on the stress of the day, and your skin will thank you for it.
Inhale, exhale
For just one minute, close your eyes, drop your shoulders, and focus on your breathing. Just pay attention to the air entering through your nose and leaving through your mouth. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, a single minute of focused breathing can help you feel calmer and more centered.
Happy feet
One thing you may have noticed a few months into life in lockdown is how sore your feet feel at the end of the day. Taking five minutes to give yourself a mini foot massage can bring the bounce back in your step. You don’t need to be a professional massage therapist for this. Holding your foot in one hand, use your other hand to gently push your toes back towards your ankle until you can feel a stretch. Release, and stretch them in the opposite direction until you can feel the stretch in your heels. Press your thumb down on your heel and drag it all the way up to the balls of your foot. Finally, use your thumb to press down on your instep in gentle, circular motions. Repeat on the other foot. In the time it takes to make a cup of tea, your feet will be feeling much more relaxed.