Give 15: 15 things you can do in 15 minutes to take care of yourself

The time has finally come folks. The days are getting shorter and the workload is getting bigger. You’re on a high speed train with no destination in sight and no stops in between. During this time it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and trapped on an endless track. It’s important to take control of your vessel, push the brakes, and give yourself time to take care of yourself in any way you can. I don’t know your schedule, but I do know you have at least 15 minutes, and there’s a lot you can do in 15 minutes. 

1. Call a loved one

   1. These times aren’t the easiest, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Sometimes it’s just nice to hear a loved ones voice and take a step away from the realities and responsibilities at school. 

2. Eat a snack 

   1. Your body is working through a lot right now and needs fuel to get you to your destination. My favorite thing to snack on these days is corn nuts and dark chocolate almond butter cups.

3. Yoga 

   1. These times tend to involve a lot of sitting and hunching which can cause your body to become tight and tense. There are so many easy 10-15 min full body yoga sessions that will keep your body loose and rejuvenated. 

4. Take a walk 

   1. It doesn’t have to be far, it can literally be a stroll around the 3s field or the 2s mound. It’s important to keep your body up and moving, especially when you feel like you’re about to crash. 

5. Listen to part of a Podcast 

   1. You could do this on your walk or just laying in bed. Podcasts are so insightful and give your eyes a break from the screen or the book. 

6. Read something for fun

   1. If your eyes just need a break from the screen, then just reading a book for fun can be a great alternative. Don’t let those five, forty page readings discourage you from pouring your heart into the pages of a captivating book. I’m currently reading the Harry Potter series; I know JK Rowling is now kinda the WOAT, but I’m sucked in and need to finish what I started. 

7. Dance

   1. This is another way to get your body moving and grooving and not snoozing and boozing (well at least not until Wine Wednesday). Throw on that Mamma Mia playlist and become the dancing queen that you truly are. 

8. Scream

   1. It’s easy to get frustrated at times like this, so if you can find a good place to just scream (my car or the shower are my two favorite places), then let it rip. It honestly feels like I’m releasing all my negative energy and sets me on a more positive and motivated track.   

9. Nap

   1. I’ve taken some pretty great 15 minute naps in my day. You don’t even have to sleep, but just giving yourself 10 minutes just to lay there and do nothing can make a whole lot of difference.

10. Color

    1. I’m not an artist, but coloring has been a savior for me when I’m feeling stressed/overwhelmed. I see it as 15 minutes to be my stress-free, childlike self and get a new masterpiece to hang on the fridge. 

11. Journal 

    1. There’s A LOT going on right now, ya gotta let it out somehow. Journal about what is stressing you out, journal about what makes you happy, journal about that bomb ass bagel you ate the other day, you can literally journal about anything.

12. Watch Sports Highlights

    1. I know one of my favorite things is sitting at home on a crisp fall day, watching football with my family. While I don’t have time to watch the whole game, the highlights are only 5-10 minutes and keep me in the loop. 

13. Skateboard, Ripstick, Roller Blade, Scooter, Bike

    1. You wanna see some reeeaaaalllll speed bitch? (sorry tik tok reference, I had to). Find some wheels and start rolling, you don’t have to make it far, just enjoy the journey. Rip sticking from North campus and back in less than 15 minutes has been my greatest accomplishment thus far. 

14. Make some tea or go grab a coffee

    1. We live in Vermont, it’s getting dark and cold, pour yourself a cup of hot tea and I promise you it can bring you a world of wonders. Also, we now have two Starbucks within a mile (I checked) of our campus, so go take a drive and TREAT YO SELF, you deserve it. 

15. Whatever you want!

    1. It’s your 15 minutes, spend it however you want! It’s not a long time, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good time. 

You are strong, smart, and beautiful and you deserve to give yourself the time you need to take care of yourself. 

• self-care