what to write for 10 minutes when you’re feeling stressed

Stress manifests in our lives in different ways.

You can spend 10 minutes pouring back into yourself to find your center of balance and refocus on your goals.

If you’re feeling stressed and have a bit of spare time, sit down, take a breather, and write.

1.

First, write three words you’re now feeling.

overwhelmed, busy, anxious

2.

Find two pieces of scrap paper and brain dump, or stream of consciousness.

Beginning with one sheet, write down the innermost thoughts running through your head. It could be how you’re feeling, a conversation you’re stuck on, a collection of to-do’s that are swirling around your brain.

From this brain dump, write the details that you want to remember on your second sheet of paper – this is now your to-do list.

Your first sheet of paper, you can destroy. Burn it, rip it into a million pieces, flush it down the toilet. Your choice. Let go of all those thoughts that have been bogging you down.

Write for 4 minutes, or until you feel your pen slow down.

3.

Now that you’ve cleared some noise in your brain, turn to a fresh sheet of paper.

On each line, begin a sentence with: Today I noticed…

Today I noticed how fast my heart beats when I hear my phone’s ringtone.

Today I noticed the sound of my new sandals slapping against the wet sidewalk, spraying the backs of my legs.

As you fill the page, move your attention from within yourself to outside yourself, focusing on the intimate details of your environment. Write for about 4 minutes.

4.

Finally, bring your attention to how you want the rest of your day to go. Write three words of hope that you will carry the rest of the day.

balance, calm, productive

Taking this short amount of time to examine your emotions and clear the fog from your brain will boost your health the rest of your day and give you the balance you need in your, at times, stressful life.

Here’s hoping your day improves!