Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow

Already a member?

Click here to login

Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.

  
Posted On 11.21.08

It’s that time of year when the clock seems to run faster, minutes are more precious, and every day is packed with “gotta get done” items.  You can run with it or feed off of it, but here’s my two cents: rebel. Put on your best James Dean face and run like hell the other way.

If you can’t seem to find time for self-indulgence, take the quick and dirty approach to peacefulness:

Drive slowly on your way home. Let your work day ebb away and give yourself a few minutes to enjoy the controlled comfort of your commute. In fact, focus entirely on your driving. It provides a fantastic way to transition and clear your mind. If you take mass transit, sit back and people watch or let a novel take you away.

Make your shower your sanctuary. Those few minutes are all yours (presumably), so make the most of it. Take a few extra deep breaths, splurge a bit on some good-smelling soap, and put on some of your favorite music (I used to listen to “Photograph” on endless repeat in the shower. For months.)

Lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes. No, it’s not glamorous. And it doesn’t smell particularly wonderful. But it’s private, there’s a seat of some kind, and there’s usually a lock on the door. I don’t care if you have to convince your family that you have severe IBS, if you’ve got no other place of privacy, go for it.

Schedule a time to journal. Late night or early morning, it doesn’t matter. One of the big benefits of journalling is that it provides a moment in the day to focus on your inner mental state (read: not your appearance, other people’s appearances, or their problems). Tell everyone you can’t be disturbted and close the door behind you for a few minutes. Then get out your pen and get to work!

Lose yourself at mealtime. Everyone’s chewing, so there’s no pressure to talk. (If the meal’s really good, that is.) Place your focus on the flavors and textures as you munch your way to a mellow state. It’s not Calgon, but it’s not half bad.

What are some easy ways to snag a few minutes of relaxation? And are a few minutes enough for you?

Share and Enjoy:

Comments

Kathleen
11.21.08

Need to add my favorite to your list: B-R-E-A-T-H-E. If I take a breath deep enough (and slow enough) to spell this word as I breathe in, and then spell it again as I breathe out, I am always amazed as how much more clearly I can see and think.

Great ideas!

Got Something To Say?

Got Something To Say?

You Must Be Logged In To Comment
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.

Network Roulette

Schedule an Event
February 20th at 9:00 AM EST
February 29th at 12:00 PM EST
View all 10 events…
applybanner.gif
SsspAvatar.jpg
avatar2.png

Ask A Citi Recruiter Zone

Q: I'm trying to change careers by leveraging my skills ... (More...)
A: Hi Dean: Tramyra just posted a similar question, and you ... (More...)

Jobs

  • Page 1 of 3
Commercial Banking Relationship Manager NYC
New York - Citi
IT Business Analyst
Melville - Citi
OneMain Financial (FSN) Consumer Finance Sales Representative
Saratoga Springs - Citi
FILE CLERK - 306834900
Holtsville - IRS
Merchandise Planner - 162895
New York - Amazon

Employer? Post a job