Wellbeing is all well and good. I totally believe in it. Even when finding ten minutes seems almost impossible what with working, mothering, house-hold running. Especially all the different kinds of ‘just take ten minutes to…’ activities that are recommended across all the well-researched, well-intentioned and well-meaning posts, podcasts, books and articles. I totally get all of them.

Only, the volume can seem so very overwhelming and yet another aspect of life to not quite attain to. I wondered to myself what a day may look like if I tried to achieve them all (see poem below). Of course we are maybe only supposed to pick one, but which one? The pressure of choice faces us still, even in the well being arena. There’s just so much wellness out there… if we can only take ten minutes…

Ten Minutes

I took a 10 minute cold shower 
meditated for 'half an hour'
took 5 box breaths 
stretched 
tried for 'good enough' 
rather than 'best' 

I just took 10 minutes for me 

I mindfully cooked dinner 
tasted every mouthful 
noticed the small things 
that were utterly delightful 
I moisturised 
parted my toes 
took up space
breathed through my nose 

I just took ten minutes for me 

I put lavendar in my bath 
and oats and epsom salts 
I lived my day with barely a fault 
I sang in the shower 
went early to bed 
reciting mantras around
in my head 

I just took ten minutes for me 

I lay with my legs up a wall 
and stood in power pose 
I've eaten less wheat - 
I hope it shows 
I stood up straight 
barefoot upon the grass 
I took a walk and 
didn't dwell on the past 

I just took ten minutes for me 
Can't you see? 
My gratitude journal holds the key
I only took ten minutes for me 
Look how well the day turned out to be -
when it was full of multiple ten minutes for me!