Five-Minute Breaks Restore and Rejuvenate
Jan 31, 2011 ● By Kyle Hass
Winter’s shorter days and colder temperatures can be physically, mentally and emotionally depleting. During these months, it’s even more important to practice mindfulness and check in with the body. Short breaks throughout the day can provide a much-needed boost and stimulate the brain. Take five minutes for yourself to recharge with these tips from several local experts.
Jennifer Brennan, Horticulture Information Specialist and Education Center Manager at Chalet Nursery in Wilmette: One of the most rewarding and renewing things I do is experience the fragrance from my Meyer lemon tree. It is in full bloom right now in my dining room, loving the sunny, West-facing window. The glorious scent makes me smile every time I walk into the room. It’s a miniature plant, only three feet tall, and lives on my patio in the summer. Without bees in the house, I have to be the pollinator. It takes less than five minutes to use a Q-tip to touch the center of all the open flowers, one after the other. I usually get at least three to five lemons. I guess I should make a buzzing noise while I do it. It might be even more fun!
Renee Barasch, L.D.H.S, owner of Nutritional Health Solutions in Highland Park: I take a few minutes at night to prepare some healthy snacks to bring to work so I’m not starving and making poor food choices during the day. Since I don’t know what I might crave, I pack a sweet option, like fruit and yogurt, and something savory, like veggies and hummus. A few nuts work well with both tastes. Being prepared allows me to energize and feel good all day.
Susanne Donoghue, co-owner of independent fair-trade retailer Gracias!: Last year I made a New Year's resolution to write a poem every day for the whole year: 365 of them! I am a well-intentioned, distracted, multitasking person who takes on too much and therefore I don’t always follow through, but this has totally changed my outlook. When I sit down I think, “What can I possibly write about? Nothing has happened today.” Then I remember a scrap from the day, or a phrase, and I’m off and running. If I did not sit down to do this, I would miss so many of the meanings in my own life that I normally ignore. Now I understand the pungent words of Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
Malik Turley, owner of Hip Circle Studio in Evanston: I start each day with four deep breaths before getting out of bed. I use each breath to focus on a different body area that might need my attention that day, and I pay attention to see if a muscle is tight from exercising, or if my brain needs clearing, or if I have stress in one particular muscle group. Doing a quick inventory keeps me mindful and aware of how my body’s feeling throughout the day.
Jan O’Malley, owner and director of Libertyville Massage Therapy Clinic: If I’m feeling stressed or have neck pain, I use an acupressure point called Hoku. It’s in the meaty web on your hand, between your thumb and forefinger. It’s the thick, muscular part, and is a sensitive area. I pinch the point with my other hand and squeeze for about a minute. As I’m holding the point, I do slow, deep breathing. It relaxes the nervous system and helps to relieve neck pain and headache. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, but it’s a great tool for anyone else.
Wendy Sadler, yoga teacher in Glenview: My favorite thing to do to recharge my batteries is stand on my head for five minutes. The reverse of the blood flow is invigorating! If I feel tired and I have to go out, it is the quickest way to feel great again. It’s the “king of all poses.”
Resources:
Jennifer Brennan – Chalet Nursery, 3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette 60091. 847-256-0561. ChaletNursery.com
Renee Barasch – Nutritional Health Solutions, 1779 Green Bay Rd., Ste. 102, Highland Park 60035. 847-207-2034. DigestiveHealthSolutions.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide.
Susanne Donoghue – Gracias!, Andersonville Galleria, 5247 N. Clark St., Chicago 60640. 847-328-0614. Gracias.vpweb.com; SusannesPoems2010.blogspot.com/
Malik Turley – Hip Circle Studio, 709 Washington St., Evanston 60202. 847-328-5767. HipCircleStudio.com
Jan O’Malley – Libertyville Massage Therapy Clinic, 128 Newberry Ave., Libertyville, 60048. 847-680-0077. LibertyvilleMassage.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide.
Wendy Sadler – Yoga with Wendy Sadler. [email protected]. 847-998-9855
Carrie Jackson is a freelance writer and blogger in Evanston, and eats breakfast in front of her light box every morning to recharge. Visit her at SpeakingOfCare.blogspot.com
