How to Take Short Breaks

A recent commentor asked, "Can you please suggest how to be more strict on taking short breaks?!"

I sure can.

This is something that everyone can do, but I understand it requires some discipline. If you are new to scheduling mental breaks in your day, I would start simply by adding it to your calendar. If you use an online calendar this will be really easy for you. Just add a 5 minute mental break and set it to pop-up and remind you. That way, when you get the pop-up reminder, you have to make a choice. Are you going to ignore it and keep working, or will you get up from your desk, stretch, and think happy thoughts?

Another tip is to keep something you enjoy nearby. If soduko is pleasurable for you, then keep a book at the top of your to do pile and work on a new puzzle for 5 minutes. Or, if you enjoy meditation, keep a soft music CD in your computer that you can easily start playing while you lean back in your chair or stretch out on the floor.

Alternatively, you can find a repetitive activity in your daily routine and promise yourself a break if you can do it for 20 solid minutes. This will both motivate you to get the repetitive job done, and reward you with the mental break you deserve.

Taking short breaks throughout the day really is a lifestyle choice. Research has shown that people who have a variety of mental activities throughout the day are less likely to get Alzheimer's.

How do you remember to take breaks every day?

Reducing Stress to Ease Pain

There are many things that can cause pain in our bodies. Some of them are physical like broken bones. Some of them are chemical, such as hormonal imbalances. And some of them are mental, in that we can work ourselves up so that our body deals with stress through physical pain.

Before I go on though, let me stop and say that I am NOT saying that diseases like fibromyalgia are in your head. I would never say that. Generally speaking though, I want all of my patients to learn how to deal with stress in ways that reduce the physical symptoms of stress.

It is easy to google stress reduction tips and find ways to make your life flow better. I am not interested in sharing tips with you that you can just as easily find on Google. But there are a few things that I've done in my own life that help me, and those are what I want to share with you.

First, make yourself a priority. This isn't about vanity folks. This is about being healthy so you can be there 100% for the people around you. Learn how to say no artfully so that you don't feel guilt because you can't take on another regular obligation.

Second, use your time wisely. I know there are many time management systems and each one reaches to people with various gifts and learning styles. What they all boil down to though, is that they ask you to choose the things each day that must be done, the things that ought to be done, and the things that can be done tomorrow. Then devote an appropriate amount of time to each of them.

Third, schedule relaxation. Start small by planning a 5 minute mental break once a day. Build up to longer or more frequent breaks (make sure you get your job done though!). Then, start planning mental health days or long weekend vacations. Remember, relaxation doesn't just happen. We have to plan for it.

How do you reduce the stress in your life?

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While chiropractic care is not a treatment for anything, the benefits of adjusting to remove interference can provide symptom relief as the body is able to properly communicate with itself. This website is not intended to replace the care of a credentialed Doctor of Chiropractic. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn more about how chiropractic care can improve your quality of life. Chiropractor Tyler, Texas