by Jed Eane

Created on: July 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 24, 2008

We all need a few quick and easy pick-me-ups every now and then. Whether it's because your day at the office is turning into a long and tedious one, or because life seems to have handed you a little more than your fair share of challenges lately, we all need some "me time." Some of us manage to incorporate a little of this "me time" into our daily schedule with no trouble at all, while others feel as though they have to plan for ages in order to achieve it. The following are a few suggestions to help you get through the day when it seems to be lasting forever:

1. Keep your body well nourished. Start the day with a good nutritious breakfast. Skip the chocolate and candy bars and snack on energy-boosting foods throughout the day to help re-energize you. Dried fruit, nuts, and seeds are all foods that will act as a quick pick-me-up for your body - and brain. These foods are easy to take with you anywhere so you can slip a small box into your bag and be ready when you feel the need for a little boost.

2. Take time out when you can to quietly meditate. This doesn't mean adopting the lotus position in your leotard on the office floor, but just sitting somewhere quiet and thinking about the positive aspects of your life. If the weather's good, and you can escape to a quiet place outside - a nearby park or small green space somewhere - then do so. At lunch time, always try to take time away from your work place: this will give you a proper break and you'll be in a better frame of mind for the afternoon.

3. Keep a book of inspiring quotes with you and read one or two when you feel the need to remind yourself of what life's all about. Better still, type one up and stick it somewhere on your desk so that it's always visible. And when it feels that everything's just getting a little too out of control, remember: "It's not the strongest species that survive, not the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change." Charles Darwin.

4. Try to spend some time - real or virtual - with someone who makes you feel good. If your best friend is miles away, at least try to share a short email exchange with her or him. This can be a great pick-me-up and will have you smiling at your computer screen while everyone else wonders just exactly what you've found online!

5. Find a few minutes to play your favorite song on your iPod. Close your eyes and just enjoy the sound of the music. Don't think of anything other than how the music is making you feel. This is a great re-energizer and will keep you going until your next "mini music break."

All that's needed for a quick and easy pick-me-up are a few minutes and a little concentration on you. Forget all the requests for help, all the people who need you to do whatever it is they need you to do. Take some time out for yourself during your day and you'll be able to accomplish whatever life decides to throw at you.

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