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Call a loved one -

Pick up the phone and actually give a call to someone you love. Consider changing it up from time to time and calling different people. It will be a nice surprise and sure to put a smile on their face.

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Start a new habit -

Have you been meaning to floss more lately? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to read a new book that’s been gathering dust on your shelf? Whatever the habit, just dive in! Flossing your teeth, for example, takes less than a minute but will positively impact your life. Taking a 20 or 30-minute break from screens and noise to read a book will also benefit your mental health. 

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Declutter a small space -

Think of small spaces like a hall closet, your refrigerator, a drawer in your bedroom, your car, or even your desk. These spaces often collect trash and clutter and in thirty minutes or less, you can start (and possibly finish) cleaning them out.

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Learn something new -

It’s important to challenge your mind constantly. In only a minute or two you can even look up fun facts online or research a topic of your choosing. Continue to learn every day to maintain cognitive health as you age.

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Spend time with loved ones -

Schedule some time to be with or visit someone who makes you smile and that you love. Being with loved ones helps to bring joy and peace into our lives and supports our emotional health.

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Help others - Helping others can give us feelings of pride and happiness. Don’t expect anything in return when you offer to help someone in need, simply do it from the goodness of your heart. From dropping off donations at a homeless shelter to lending an elderly neighbor a hand, helping others can bring joy.

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Meditate -

Meditation is a great (and quick) way to relieve stress and anxiety from our busy, chaotic days. Turn on the sounds of rain or waves, close your eyes, focus your thoughts, and let the problems melt away. Meditation can be done for as little or as long as you like.

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Go for a walk in nature -

Nature can bring a calming sensation into our days. Try and walk in a nearby park or wooded area to get the maximum benefit. Focus on the beautiful sky, the peaceful noises, and the way animals exist around you. Be mindful during your walk and appreciate the nature around you.

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Do some yoga or stretching -

Yoga and stretching, even for a short time, promote health and wellness. Release tension in your muscles and focus on your breathing. This short exercise and time spent intentionally will rejuvenate your body and get you ready to tackle the rest of your day.

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Write in a gratitude journal -

Take five minutes and jot down a few things you’re thankful for. Reminding yourself that even small things can and do bring you joy, is helpful when life might be feeling overwhelming. You can’t help but feel good when you start to see how many amazing things you have in your life.

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Do a quick digital detox -

Detach from your phone, computer, tablet, and other electronic devices, whether for five minutes or thirty. Take time to simply exist and focus on your day. Disconnecting from everyone and everything else can help bring you clarity and peace.

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Give yourself a massage -

Release tension in your hands and body by giving yourself a massage. It can be simple and only take a minute or two but can make a big difference in how you feel.

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Listen to your favorite music -

Get your body up and moving and your blood circulating while enjoying your favorite tunes. Whether it’s finding a new musical artist or listening to an old favorite, music can put a smile on your face and a pep in your step!

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Read a few articles or blog posts -

Stopping to read some short articles or blog posts will help keep your mind engaged and challenged. Keep yourself sharp and always learning. 

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Do a quick workout -

Expend some energy and get in a short workout. Whether you use some free weights at home or step outside and do some jumping jacks, exercise will help get your blood flowing and release stress. 

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Cook a healthy meal -

Nourish your body and mind with a quick, delicious dish. Whip up a veggie stir-fry or throw together a balanced salad—small steps toward a healthier you start in the kitchen!

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Clean out your inbox -

If you're feeling overwhelmed by emails try dedicating 30 minutes to clear out old messages and unsubscribe from unnecessary lists. A clutter-free inbox equals a calmer, more focused you.

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Organize your desk or workspace -

Is your workspace a bit chaotic? A tidy environment promotes clear thinking. Dedicate a half hour to declutter and organize—you'll be surprised by the boost in productivity!

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Plan your outfit for the next day -

Mornings can be a scramble filled with different tasks and to/do items. Save time and avoid decision fatigue by planning your outfit the night before. A little planning goes a long way for a smooth and confident start to your day.

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Do some laundry -

Don't let your dirty laundry pile up—tackle a small load during your free time. A clean wardrobe means you'll always have something to wear, reducing stress and saving time in the long run.

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Pay a bill -

Staying on top of your finances is a must for peace of mind. Dedicate thirty minutes to settle a bill or two. It's a small step towards financial well-being and reduced stress.

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Write a to-do list for the next day -

A good to-do list can save you a lot of time in the long run. Each day, stop and spend even just five minutes planning out the next day. This proactive task will help you accomplish more.

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Brainstorm new ideas - Working on a project for work or maybe even just something around the house? Take a pause and brainstorm new ideas to further your projects. Get creative and have some fun!

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Do some deep breathing exercises -

Deep breathing promotes calmness and relaxation. Take a short break and focus on your breathing. Pro-tip: breathing through your nose has many significant health benefits. So, when you’re breathing deep, use your nose only.

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Visualize your goals -

Visualization will help you take lofty goals and break them down into smaller pieces. Break for 10 to 15 minutes and just imagine yourself living a life where your goals are a reality.

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Give someone a compliment - Kindness goes a long way. Paying someone a compliment can help them have a better day and it'll also make you feel good.

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Tidy up your bedroom -

For a room refresh in under 30 minutes, grab a laundry basket and start to declutter! Toss dirty clothes, put away stray items, and make your bed for an instant transformation.

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Write a thank you note -

Expressing gratitude is a gift that takes less than five minutes. Pull out a notecard, write a heartfelt sentence thanking someone, and leave it where they'll find it—a small gesture with a big impact.

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Learn a new word -

Pick a daily word from a calendar or online source. Use it in a sentence, write it down a few times, and before you know it, you've broadened your mind and conversation skills.

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Define what fun means -

For most, it’s been a while since they stopped and actually thought about what fun means to them. It changes over the years and is important to frequently revisit and re-evaluate! Do you enjoy being out with friends or getting lost in the woods somewhere? Fun is different for everyone.

Sources: (Marc & Angel Hack Life) (Be More with Less)

See also: Life made easy: clever hacks for a simplified lifestyle

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