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Stop What You're Doing and Breathe

It may seem counterintuitive to take time out to relax or meditate at this point in the academic year, but it's during these chaotic times when we most need to schedule in time for a break, even if it's just for a few minutes.  If the weather is nice where you are, try getting outside and taking a walk, or even just standing outside and breathing deeply for five minutes.  You can also sit in a rocking chair and rock, lie down on your back on the floor, or simply sit at your desk and close your eyes and count slowly from one to five.

For a little aided meditation, there are several web environments dedicated to providing relaxing sounds and images.  You may want to try http://www.calm.com/, which simply lets you into a quiet scene and stay there.  If you press start, there will be a slow voice giving you directions, but you don't have to press start. You can just sit and breathe and watch the scene.  You can also click on "no guidance," which will turn on quiet music in the background, and make the directions window disappear.

What do you do at this time of the academic year for a break?  And what ends up happening if you don't take one?    Whatever your answers are, I hope you manage to stop between work sessions and find a few moments of peace.

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