It’s hard to say this is a particularly busy or crazy time of year. Those moments of chaos exist throughout the year, no matter the season. Equal opportunity madness!

Sometimes you’ve got to step away from the crazy as opposed to thinking it will pass. There’s always something going to eat up our time, cause us stress, and demand more of our focus than is deserved.

Carve out 10 minutes for yourself during the day to leave the madness *over there* and clear your head, your spirit, your heart *over here.* Whether it’s getting away from your desk, the kids, or rush hour, your body will thank you in spades when you make this a consistent part of your day.

“Anyone who lifts weights knows you can do more when you allow yourself a short break to recover. Whether you are trying to complete 40 push-ups or finish a major project for work, sometimes you need a minute or ten to recover physically or mentally,” suggested Brooke Randolph, LMHC.

Now, how should you spend those 10 minutes? Honestly, do just about anything you want! Keep it light, fun, easy. Make sure it’s something you enjoy. Those 10 minutes should feel like a mental pampering.

Dance. Make a three-song playlist and dance your face off. It’s completely energizing, wakes up those endorphins, and will absolutely put a smile on your face.

Skip. Speaking of things that always make a smile — try skipping! Better for you than walking or running for a host of reasons, it also just makes people feel happy.

Color. Adult coloring books are totally in, and totally creating zen. Free printable coloring sheets and coloring books designed for an adult audience are easy to find. Some find it a meditative, de-stressing way to awaken creativity, imagination, and reset focus.

Yoga. For more traditional meditation and zen, give yourself ten minutes of yoga. Even this brief act can lower heart rate, increase oxygen, strengthen core, promote better sleep, and a host of otherten minute yoga benefits. Videos, apps, and guides exist across the internet to guide you through a series.

Nap. Science says the ten-minute nap is an ideal length of time for best results and sustained results. Close your door, dim the lights, and catch some brief Zs to really reset.

Play. Really let loose and just play. Swing at the park, throw on some roller skates/blades, shoot a few hoops, draw a hopscotch board, get out a deck of cards, draw on the driveway, ride a bike, play tag with the kids… you get the idea!

Laugh. Pull up clips from last night’s late shows or watch clumsy baby animals learn to walk. Whatever tickles your funny bone, seek it out and have a good laugh.

Cry. If it’s all feeling like too much, seriously let it go! Crying is incredibly therapeutic, as it lowers stress and elevates mood. Find a clip from Beaches or Steel Magnolias and let the tears flow.

Primp. Paint your nails, curl your hair, slap on a fresh layer of gloss, get a chair massage. When you feel like you look your best, you tend to believe it.

Shop. There’s actually something to be said for “retail therapy.” A quick pass through your favorite store for a new sports bra, great new shampoo, steal on a killer pair of shoes, or a new bangle or bauble might be just what your spirit needed.