Bare Minimum Mondays
Move
Take advantage of the cooler mornings and spend 10 minutes walking outside before work one day this week. Walking has got to be one of the most underrated physical activities there is. Among other things, it’s associated with substantial health benefits, even at relatively modest volumes.
Eat
Buy one fruit or vegetable that is in season locally this week. (It’s a great year for apples here in New York). Add it to something you’re already going to eat rather than creating another meal around it. Greater fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Sleep
Spend the last 15 minutes before bed doing something quiet that doesn’t involve a screen. Read, stretch, talk with your partner, or simply sit and let your mind wander. We say this all the time because it’s true: evening electronic media use is associated with delayed sleep and poorer sleep outcomes.
Manage
When something frustrating happens this week, wait 10 seconds before responding. You don’t have to eliminate the frustration, but it can be really helpful to give yourself a little space between the event and your reaction to it. Mindfulness-based interventions can improve emotion regulation and reduce psychological distress.
