I understand the value of time. For many years I was a single mother, often taking on overtime or working 6 days a week because money was scarce. I had to make a choice between supporting us financially or spending more precious time with my son. Sometimes the choices I felt I had to make broke my heart.
My relationship with time has changed now. I have more space in my days and more freedom to spend my time in more meaningful ways. But I have never forgotten the value of a minute and the importance of using it wisely.
I’m not talking about rushing from thing to thing making sure no time is wasted. Now that I am older it is more about using my allotted moments strategically. While there will be open time for reading, walking or other fun pursuits, a few well placed moments here or there can make my days more meaningful and move me toward what I want to create in my life.
It’s very possible it will be the same for you.
One of my favorite ways to frame my days is with specific morning and nighttime practices. I don’t hold them rigidly because some days my client calls start earlier than others, but I always do something to honor the beginning of a new day and the new opportunity to experience a day well lived. Many of those things can be done in 5 minutes or less.
There are also practices you can do in under 5 minutes that will help you stay connected to your values, provide focus to your days, improve your health, increase your chances of success, improve your state of mind, and bring a sense of order to your environment.
Most of us waste a lot of time each day, often on social media or watching TV. What would be possible if you gave yourself freedom and also allocated 5 minutes here or there to improve your life?
Here are some ideas to get you started. Don’t forget to add some of your own that you think will serve you well.
5 Minute Practices that Lift You Up
- Meditate or pray
- Take a pause and breathe deeply
- Re-visit and connect with your values, goals or intentions
- Choose 3 words or an intention to guide your day
- Write down things you are grateful for
- Smile – you get extra points for smiling at yourself in a mirror
- Release something that is bothering you – breathe it out
- Do something kind for someone else
- Visualize yourself reaching your goals
- Send a thank you note, message or email
- Donate or help someone in need
- Review your schedule and plan your day
- Read something positive
- Cuddle with your partner, children or fur-babies
- Practice mindfulness
- Repeat a mantra or affirmation
- Listen to an uplifting song – you get extra benefits if you dance to it
- Do one small step on a project you are working on
5 Minute Practices for Your Health
- Stretch or do a short yoga practice
- Pause a craving by taking a thoughtful moment before acting on it
- Drink a glass of water
- Floss your teeth
- Plan your food for the day
- Do a puzzle or brain exercise
- Go outside and enjoy the natural world
- Practice mindfulness
- Lift weights
- Bless your food before eating
- Push-ups or planks on the floor, or off the wall or kitchen counter
5 Minute Practices that Improve Your Environment
- Clean or declutter a small space in your home, office or car
- Make your bed
- Empty the dishwasher
- Remove unused or off-season clothing from your closet
- Clear and clean the kitchen counters
- Find 5 things to donate or throw away
- Organize something
- Clean your device screens and glasses
- Throw away old food in your refrigerator
- Choose a space and make it pretty
- Delete unused or old images, texts, apps, or voicemails on your phone
- Declutter your email – unsubscribe or delete something that no longer serves you
You will find that taking these small steps can improve your mood and mindset, move your goals and intentions forward, and help you feel proud and positive about yourself.
So, why not? Give it a try. It’s only takes 5 minutes.
With love,
Linda
Related Posts:
10 Ways to Create a More Meaningful Life
Practice Mental Hygiene for a Lifetime of Better Moods
7 Easy Ways to Transform Your Mornings and Start Your Days Right