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?