Why hello, it’s Monday! Like many of you I work from home, and in many ways one day is much like another for me as a result, but I still get that feeling of…oh. Monday. So that’s why I feel that way.

If you are excited that it’s Monday, hey! That’s wonderful! (And also I want your secret about not being so meh about it.) But for the rest of us, there are ways to get revved up and feeling good, even on a Monday. Or any day. And they only take 20 minutes or less!

1. Breathe. Have a seat, close your eyes, visualize a wonderful beach scene or other relaxing place, put your hand on your belly to center your attention there, and breathe. Breathe into that space below your hand and allow it to fill each time you take a breath. Don’t worry if you feel your chest tightening (you are used to breathing there), but just try to allow your breath to come in a little lower each time. Do this for about 10 minutes and you’ll feel more peaceful all day long!

2. Go for a walk. It’s really Spring now that we have changed the clocks, so get outside into the sunshine a little (assuming you have some today), move your body. Feel your legs moving and stretching, feel your arms swing a bit. Take a nice deep breath of real outside air! Oh, and are you feeling a little groggy from the whole clock-changing thing? (6 am came awfully early today, didn’t it?) Getting some natural light will help your body acclimate more easily and quickly to the change.

3. Eat a banana. Or an apple. Seriously! And lay off the carbs. Oh, I don’t have anything against carbs per se, and I am a natural crunchy-salty kind of snacker myself (mmm…popcorn)(with butter)(and salt), but eating something really good for you makes you feel just better! I could also tell you to have a nice bowl of brown rice and organic vegetables, which definitely would feel good too, but honestly, a banana is so much easier. Plus the potassium will help you sleep tonight.

4. Have a nap. Lock your office door and lay your head down on your desk and close your eyes for 20 minutes. Even if you don’t sleep, you can let your brain rest a little while your thoughts wander into pleasant territory. Work at home? Pop in a DVD or turn on Noggin for the kids (or lock them in their rooms. Or duct-tape them to the wall), and take yourself into the next room for a bit. I love “quiet time” and I insist on it daily, even for those who think they have outgrown naps. As far as I’m concerned you are never too old to nap.

5. Write it out. Want to let your brain rest later? Get your thoughts out now. My mind is running in high gear constantly, but if I take some time to write down what’s rattling around in there I find I feel not only more organized but far more peaceful as well. You don’t have to hold yourself to anything you write but simply write your thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be, for 15-20 minutes. Then you can put it aside and put it out of your mind while you get back to work. Or, you may even find yourself working through problems while you are writing, a definite added bonus.

There! Pick one or more and I guarantee you’ll feel better later today.