Let’s be real—life is a lot right now. Between work, family, and trying to remember if you drank water today, it’s no wonder you’re feeling fried. 😵💫 But here’s the thing: when you’re running on empty, that’s exactly when you need a break the most.
Dr. Lilit Ayrapetyan, a clinical psychologist who knows a thing or two about burnout (especially for moms), says your body sends out SOS signals when it’s time to slow down. Think racing thoughts, shallow breathing, snapping at your partner over nothing, or just feeling “off.”
The good news? You don’t need a weekend getaway or a 90-minute yoga class to feel better. You just need five minutes. Yep, five.
Here’s how to hit reset—fast:
🖐️ Drop into your senses
Pick one—touch, smell, whatever—and focus on it. Run your hands under warm water, rub in some lotion, or take a deep whiff of lavender oil. Instant calm.
💃 Shake it out
Literally. Stand up and shake your hands, arms, legs—whatever feels good. It might look silly, but it helps your body release stress. Bonus: it only takes 30 seconds.
🧘♀️ Box breathing
Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat a few times. It’s like a mini spa for your nervous system.
❤️ Hand on heart
Place your hand on your chest, close your eyes, and breathe. It’s grounding and surprisingly comforting.
🌿 Get a breath of fresh air
Step outside or just crack a window. A little nature and sunlight can do wonders for your brain and mood.
So next time you feel like you’re about to lose it, try one of these. You’ve got five minutes. And you deserve to feel good. 💖
Source: Real Simple