Teens: To Relax, Make Time to Reflect

Even if you do things you’re passionate about like soccer, dance, music or theater, doing too much without enough rest can leave you feeling physically drained, unable to focus and just plain sap your spirit.

There’s one way to help banish that pressure-cooker feeling. Plus, it’s free, easy and only takes a few minutes. What’s not to love?

Here it is: Take a few minutes to stop what you’re doing and just look at and listen to the world around you. It may seem counter-intuitive, but this one habit can bring calm to the rest of your day. Really, it’s that simple.

Start here for calmer days

Taking time each day to slow down, even just a little bit, can help bring calm to the rest of your day, help you be more productive and ultimately be your best you. This is an often-overlooked trick that can deliver huge benefits when you’re feeling stressed out.

Here’s how to get started

First, set aside 15 minutes each day to just observe the world around you. If this feels like FOREVER, that’s OK. Start with a shorter length of time, say 5 minutes, and build up from there.

Next, breathe deeply as you take in the sights around you and the sounds that fill the air. Breathe in slowly through your nose and out through your mouth. (Place your hand on your belly, and if it expands when you inhale, you know you’re breathing deeply.)

Take it all in, quietly and with intention.

Make this a daily habit, and you’ll likely feel calmer throughout the day.

Even better, this mindful practice can help you feel more resilient and capable of overcoming the obstacles keeping you from your goals.

In other words, it’s a simple habit with serious benefits for your emotional wellbeing. And, there’s no better time to start than now by taking 5 minutes every day to look, listen and learn.

You’ve got this!

Lorna & Kathleen (The EatingFor Team)