Take a break is a weekly column designed to help you take care of yourself. Check in every Friday for a new strategy to reset and refocus that will take no more than 30 minutes.

WEEK THREE: exercise
Exercise is one of the most commonly recommended strategies to turn a bad day around. It can help you focus, release any built up tension or stress and it’s good for your physical and mental health.

The hardest part of working out is getting started. Once you start a workout, it’s easier to keep going; the challenge is setting aside time in your day dedicated to just moving your body. Try setting a goal for yourself for the week ahead. Maybe 20 minutes of exercise a day? Thirty minutes every other day? Hold yourself accountable and track how you feel afterwards.

If you want some help getting started, there’s a 10 minute core workout below. I recommend listening to energizing music to help motivate you. You don’t need any sort of equipment: just some space to lie down and a dedication to focus on yourself for these 10 minutes of your day.

10-minute core workout:
REPEAT 2X:
30 seconds crunches
30 seconds bicycle crunches
30 second break
1 minute forearm plank
1 minute side plank (30 seconds each side)
30 seconds lying leg raises
30 seconds flutter kicks

Finish with 45 seconds of mountain climbers