10 Things to Do in the Next 10 Minutes to Feel Noticeably Better
Call Grandma already
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Sometimes, the reason you feel like crap is obvious: You have a stomach ulcer because you’ve been eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for breakfast. But more often, suffering is disguised by numbness — a coping mechanism to get us through the day — making it much more difficult to identify the source of pain.
If you’re having trouble pinpointing the root of the problem, taking a small action outside of your normal routine can help. I’ve compiled this list of things you can try right now to feel better. If number one doesn’t work, keep moving down the list. Think of yourself as a snowball perched atop a hill. All it takes is one little push before momentum takes over, accelerating faster and faster as you grow into a bigger, stronger force of a snowball. Here we go.
1. Turn off your damn phone
Just turn it off. Lock it in your car if you have to. Stick it in a shoebox and bury it three feet under. The Instagram ads, clickbait headlines, and vitriol will still be there tomorrow.
2. Lie down on the floor
If you have some kind of grounding ritual that you already practice, like meditation, yoga, or prayer, by all means do that. But many of us find the idea of undertaking any focused action overwhelming at the moment.
So I’m here to tell you that sometimes you just gotta lay on the floor. Close your eyes or stare at the ceiling — whatever feels most comfortable — and breathe in and out. In and out. There is nowhere else you have to be, nothing else you need to do. There are no rules you need to follow. Let your thoughts wander, but try to focus on your breath. Give yourself permission to feel all the emotions that may arise, including boredom. Be still until you either fall asleep or some thought compels you to get up.
3. Floss your teeth
Congrats! Your oral hygiene is better than it was just a minute ago.
4. Take a walk
When’s the last time you went outside just to look at stuff? You don’t need to walk for exercise or to meet some daily step quota. Just use your legs and enjoy watching…
