We are often entangled in many duties and responsibilities — whether it’s at work, with family or taking care of children. In this mess, we forget to find a moment for ourselves – a moment to stop and calm down, a moment to forget everything going on around us and focus on our mental well-being.
The best way to do this is to steal 10 minutes from your busy schedule to do something you love. Let’s look at 10 such activities you can do to calm your mind in less than 15 minutes.
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Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing is a simple way to relax your mind within 5-10 minutes. Focus on slow, deep breaths, filling your lungs fully, and then exhale slowly to release tension. This is an excellent way to stress release and regular practice of this breathing exercise can help clear your thoughts faster.
Quick Meditation

Just find a peaceful place, sit comfortably, and meditate focusing on your breathing. After 10 minutes, you’ll feel more centered, and your mind will be clearer – free from any worries. Meditation trains your mind to focus on the present moment, reducing stress and making you feel calmer.
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Stretching

Stretching exercises can bring down your heart rate and improve blood circulation in the body. Therefore, even a few stretches can make you feel better and more energized. The best thing about stretching is, you can do some simple stretches right at your desk or while taking a short break.
Listening to Music

Ever feel stressed? Listen to some soul-soothing tracks. The rhythm will lower your stress hormones, making you feel less tense after just 5-10 minutes. For an even better effect, try listening to your favorite songs with your eyes closed.
Nature Walks

If you ever feel stressed, you can always go out and take a quick walk in the park nearby. The fresh air, lush green trees and the warm sun rays will make you feel better within seconds. When you start living in that moment, your worries will be forgotten and the mind will become clearer.
Doodling

Doodling is a creative hobby that awakens the artist inside you. All you need is a pen and a notebook. Wherever you are stressed out, start doodling your favorite designs and patterns. The more the page fills with designs, the clearer your head will be.
Reading a Short Story

Whenever your mood is off, just stop everything, pick a story book from your favorite series and go to your cozy corner. Try to select something fun and brief. Once you enter the world of the characters, all your troubles will leave your mind one by one.
Mindful Eating

If you are stressed out to the point you can’t function, go out and buy your favorite snack. While eating it, concentrate on the elements such as texture, taste, and sensations. This way, you’ll slow down and enjoy the snack more. This 10-15 minute break will be a nice way to refresh yourself amid all the chaos of your busy day.
Indoor Gardening

What quicker way to calm your nerves than spending some time petting your indoor plant buddies? Observing and watering them can help you calm down. Taking care of plants also allows you to pause and enjoy the beauty around you rather than stressing out.
Aromatherapy

Lighting scented candles or using essential oils is another quick way to calm your nerves. Whether it’s floral lavender or fruity citrus, these scents can lift your mood and make you feel more relaxed. You can even bring aromatherapy into your hot shower, making it even more soothing.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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