Why Even Just 15 Minutes Of Restorative Time Is Worth YOUR Time

Hey ladies of the internet. (And fellas). Time is something that a lot of us are never easy to come by these days. In a fast-paced world, with a plethora of fast-tracked plans, we move too quickly 24/7 to even realize that our “relaxing” time isn’t really giving us relaxation at all. Recently, the hubs and I have been conversing about what we really need out of each other regarding our own space and what decompressing looks like for each of us. It’s different for everyone, and that’s precisely what I’d like to talk about today. Stress relief.

How Our ‘Chill Time’ Has Become Just Another Way to Scroll

So usually, relaxation looks pretty similar to most of the world (see my last post for more context on this topic!). We get up, we scroll. We work, we scroll, even ON THE WAY to work, we scroll. (PSA: Please don’t scroll and drive!) And then my friends, we get home to order takeout on our handy-dandy scroll machine only to continue to scroll some more while waiting and/or eating for said takeout.

It’s hard not to anymore. Everything is on our phones, or laptops, or tablets, or tvs, or watches, or rings…

Although I am so here for learning all about my physical health via my watch and ring, I’d really like to quit the rest of the screens for a significant period of time, more often…and psst…it’ll benefit you too!

I came home yesterday to my husband that had just gotten there moments before me. We both had super long, draining days and wanted to just “chill.” That looks different for us.

Not being able to be on his phone most of the day, he looks forward to vegging on the couch with a snack for a bit, binging some videos or his favorite show. Me? I’m more of a face down starfish laying blob in the complete darkness away from the ping of his video noises or tv show. I want to snuggle with my dog, put on a comfy jumper and bury my face into the pillow (my dog does the same, don’t judge us).

I never really embraced this fully until now. Because, thanks to that tech-device on my ring finger, I noticed something change. It’s all about balance, peeps. Yesss even when it comes to those tiny tech things.

Although I always want to go full-starfish mode, I never actually do it. But, as I was just vegging waiting on him to finish his decompressing so we could take our pups for a walk, I actually did go plop my potato-feeling self on the bed with my dogs. It was glorious. My eyes felt better, less burn-y. My headache went away. My body felt less tense. All because of laying in the dark with my eyes closed for fifteen minutes.

Sure, 15 minutes is a blip in time most days, but these ones were rejuvenating. And guess what? When I checked my Oura ring to see how much stress relief I had over the day (a lot, since I tried to help track down a puppy on the loose!), I noticed that the only time my stress was in the “green restorative” mode, was those recent 15 minutes! I was flabberghasted!

Surely, I had more rest time over the day. Surely I had sat still at least once over the previous 12 or so hours to refresh my physical and mental state. But according to this tracker, I had done none of that. None at all. Not even after those 15 minutes. It was an astounding awakening.

Not only do I now know that I need just a few 15 minute breaks during my days to feel refreshed and ready to get after it, but I also know that his decompressing cycle does not work the same as mine. (I’ve tried the watching Netflix after work thing, although it brings down my stress slightly, it’s still never been in the “restorative” mode.

Embrace Your Own Comfort: Creating a Stress Relief Routine

Here’s what I’m suggesting.

Try a few different routines that you find enjoyable. Rotate through them over a few weeks and track what you’re feeling if you’re able to. If you have a tech device that does so for you, even better. If you need to write it in a journal, congratulations! You’ve tackled both journaling and tracking your progress in the same go. Double win!

Maybe you’re an early bird that doesn’t care much for staying up to watch games or shows. No problem, hit the hay early and see how it affects your next day ahead.

Maybe you’re not into naps and would prefer the scrolling method. If Netflix and Chill is your wind-down routine at the end of a long day, don’t fight it. Instead, lean into it and absorb the good vibes you get from vegetating for awhile.

I think too often we don’t embrace what really gives us pure comfort. Whether it be a certain food or snack, a long walk or sitting still to meditate, we should be instead focusing on those things that make us feel most at home with ourselves.

Once we are able to truly be in our on element and let our guard down about silly excuses why we can’t “just sit still” or “get too antsy not being productive,” we will be able to truly relax. (I’m talking to you mom). <3

We are most often labeled as people pleasers, who try to incorporate any free time we may have with giving it away to others for free or for something that doesn’t benefit us back. It’s time we started adulting properly and gave ourselves the proper amount of recharging time to allow in the peace and comfort so that we can learn how to be our best selves.

Set your alarm if you feel it’ll help! Try doing just 5 minute blocks a few times a day where you do what makes you happy. (BESIDES scrolling!) You’ve got this. It’s okay to try something different and learn new things that make your heart feel full.

Thank You for Taking the Time to Recharge: Here’s to Your Stress-Free Journey!

Thank you for reading through my journey of stress relief and self-care. I hope this article inspired you to find your own balance, whether it’s taking 15-minute breaks, embracing your favorite relaxation routine, or simply allowing yourself the time to unwind without guilt. Remember, relaxation isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s okay to experiment and discover what works best for you. You’ve earned it! Here’s to making room for yourself, recharging, and living a more peaceful, stress-free life. Keep it up, and be kind to yourself—you’re doing great!

For More On Stress Relief

American Psychological Association (APA): Research on stress management techniques.
American Psychological Association – Stress
National Institutes of Health (NIH): Studies on the benefits of short breaks for mental health.
NIH – Managing Stress