The Green Sheet Online Edition

November 14, 2022 • Issue 22:11:01

Inspiration

Can you spare 10 minutes a day?

The year-end holiday season 2022 is upon us. And, as you know, this is a hectic time for a large swath of merchants and for experts working throughout the payments industry—from the field to executive offices—to provide them with the latest technology and support for payments and a host of other business services.

People tend to have more personal events packed into their schedules at this time, too, so it can be stressful. It can also seem like there's no time to squeeze in any activities that could alleviate that stress and promote well-being.

Of course, if you are reading this, the frenetic pace of the holiday season is nothing new to you, nor is the notion that it's important to take time for yourself. You've probably read a host of articles over the years about this general topic. The thing is, though, just because you might have a great store of knowledge on this topic doesn't mean you will remember to apply it.

That's why repeated exposure to useful information can be a good thing. Reminders can create little aha moments when you remember things you intended to implement but did not. Maybe you meant to stop by your neighbor's house for a brief chat, for example, or you thought meditating for ten minutes in the morning could work for you, but you never got around to trying it.

Proven tactics to improve well-being

So here are tried-and-true ideas that could help you fit self-care into your packed schedule in the coming weeks to ensure you'll get the most joy and satisfaction from this holiday season. In addition to meditating and visiting with a neighbor, mentioned above, several other possibilities include:

• Step outside and walk or run around the block one or more times.
• Make a playlist of your favorite energizing tunes, turn it up, and dance around your office.
• Pause while at your desk, close your eyes and pay attention to the sounds, smells and other sensations you experience in that moment.
• Pick one small area in your office or home and tidy it up.
• Do yoga poses on your own or along with a short video, and make sure you pay attention to your breath.
• If you have a pet, spend some time engaging with the animal.
• Color in a coloring book designed for adults.
• Set a timer for five or ten minutes and write whatever comes to mind in a journal, and don't stop until the timer goes off.
• Gaze at clouds floating by during the day or at twinkling stars at night.
• Tend your garden.
• Call a dear friend you haven't spoken with in a while.
• Listen to an inspiring podcast.

Now, if you feel the blues descend upon you despite taking actions to lift your mood, you can get support in multiple ways. Among them are self-help audiobooks; online, pre-recorded therapy programs you can do at your own pace; online relaxation therapy; and light therapy, which needs to be done in person but needn't become an ongoing time drain. Plus, if you take positive steps now and continue them throughout the year, your enjoyment of life can become immeasurably enhanced.

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