If you’re like most people, it’s easy to get caught up in daily life and stress, leading to symptoms of anxiety or stress-related disorders such as chronic insomnia or panic attacks. However, the key to relieving these symptoms doesn’t have to be complex; it’s as simple as making time to practice self-care on a regular basis! 15 Minutes for Me provides you with the tools needed to reduce anxiety and stress and get your life back on track.
Step 1 – Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety. Below are some exercises you can try to incorporate into your day to improve your mindfulness skills.
Step 2 – Physical Activity: Regular physical activity not only reduces stress but also improves mood, sleep quality, and cognitive function. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is an easy way to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as increasing self-esteem.
Step 2 – Exercise
I highly recommend the 15 minutes for me program to anyone who struggles with stress or anxiety. The program is very simple: you just set a timer for 15 minutes and do something that you enjoy, without worrying about anything else. It can be anything from reading a book to taking a walk outside. Just make sure that during those 15 minutes, you focus only on enjoying yourself. You might feel guilty at first because of all the things you have to do, but give it a try anyway. You will find that after spending time doing what you like, your stress levels go down and your mood improves significantly. Once you start feeling better, it’s easier to get back into tasks that are more challenging. You may even realize that some tasks are not as difficult as they seem once you’re in a better frame of mind!
Step 3 – Gratitude Journaling
I am grateful for my health. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for my friends. I am grateful for my job. I am grateful for my home. I am grateful for my education.
I am grateful for all the good things in my life. Sometimes when I feel down, this is a great exercise that helps me see what is really important. It reminds me that if everything was taken away from me today, there are still so many things that I should be grateful for. I also keep track of little things like how good I feel after a workout or how nice it is to have breakfast before work.
Gratitude journaling has helped me stay focused on the positives in my life rather than dwelling on the negatives.
It has also helped me become more aware of how much worse some people have it, which makes it easier for me to get through tough times knowing others have it worse than I do.
Section 4 – Get Sleep
Wake up each morning and start your day with a set routine. This could include making your bed, eating breakfast, showering, getting dressed, and spending some time outside. Having a set routine will help you feel more in control of your day and less stressed. Make sure to schedule in some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. During this time, you can do something that makes you happy or relaxes you. This could be reading, listening to music, spending time with pets, or taking a nature walk. Sometimes being alone is the best way to find peace. Take this time every day as an opportunity to take care of yourself. You deserve it!
Step 5 – Morning Routine
I wake up at 5am, wash my face with cold water, then drink a big glass of warm water with lemon. I sit down at my desk and spend 15 minutes writing in my journal. This helps me clear my mind and focus on what’s important for the day ahead. After journaling, I meditate for 15 minutes. This helps me feel calm and centered before starting my day. In addition, it helps me get through any anxiety or stress that might have been building up during the night while I was sleeping. For lunch, I like to eat something light like an apple or half a cup of raw nuts. Then after work, if I’m not too tired and have time, I go for a short walk in nature or do some yoga stretches. These activities make me feel great!
Resources & Further Reading
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, the 15 minutes4me program can help you resolve those feelings. It’s a self-help program that uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help you change your thinking and improve your coping skills. You’ll get a plan that includes guided meditations, visualizations, affirmations and other cognitive behavioral exercises. The lessons are short so they won’t take up too much of your time but you’ll still feel like you’ve had some quality time for yourself!