This is a busy time of year! Thinking of adding in additional self-care practices or behaviors
to lower stress levels and keep us healthier and happier can be a
challenging task. Here are five simple things you can do in 5 minutes or
less that can have big benefits:

• Sit in Silence - Research shows even 5 minutes of Sitting in Silence or meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, boost mood, and strengthen immune function. Use music,
  praying, a nature app, or just following your breath.
•  
• Exercise - Likewise, even in just 5 minutes your body will start to see some of the
  benefits of exercise, including regulating blood sugar, improving
  cardiovascular health, and contributing to mental alertness and positive
  outlook. Go for a quick jog, do some squats/lunges/push-ups/planks in
  your office, have a mini dance party, or lift some weights.
•  
• Drink water - Go refill your water glass or water bottle with room temperature water. SO
  MANY PEOPLE are chronically dehydrated, and you can easily drink a
  glass of water in your 5 minute break. Proper hydration keeps you
  regular, promotes heart health, reduces muscle and joint pain, and keeps
  skin looking and feeling healthier.
•  
• Drink Tea - not a fan of water? Something hot sounding good? Feeling extra stressed or
  inflamed? Heat up a pot of hot water and make some herbal tea. You get
  hydration and also get the healing properties of the herbs. Also, check out some of our favorite tea blends on our Nectar Lab Store page.
•  
• Go outside. Spending time outside has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve
  mood, and enhance focus. Even 5 minutes away from your screens and
  soaking up the sun (or rain or snow or clouds...) can show some of these
  benefits.
  

Your health is a minute by minute choice. Take 5.

You are worth it!