This post forms my answer to the following question which formed part of #teacher5adayslowchat. How could you put aside 5 minutes of each day to your wellbeing? I have never tried meditation but from other peoples answers that sounds effective.

#teacher5adaySlowChat teachers rarely switch off thoughts. Q2 what could you do with 1% of typical day for wellbeing pic.twitter.com/eyUqqNF9Pk

— Julie Hunter (@MsHMFL) January 1, 2016

So Sticking with the 5 a day theme here are 5 ideas.

1. Put the kettle on. Now to boost this further choose chamomile tea that you can grow in a pot on a windowsill (staffroom, classroom or office). Whilst the kettle is boiling or the drink is steeping. Reflect on something positive you are looking forward to.
2. Find your Cave. Ok I stole this one from fight club. By we can adapt it here. Set a timer on your phone etc (so you don’t have to keep glancing at the clock – Also set the alarm as something quiet). Your cave could be a favourite place, holiday destination etc. then Explore.
3. Talk your way through a problem. Worried about something? Spend 5 minutes writing a plan. Do not stray into what if’s or possible barriers. The idea here is your subconscious may help you out later if you are confident about success.
4. Declutter. Spend 5 minutes tidying that desk! having a working area that is covered n bits of paper and to-do lists can just serve to remind you of the tasks you haven’t done yet. I have some cardboard folders in a drawer labelled with each project or task I am working on. That way nothing gets forgotten and all the needed bits are together. Some distractions are now eliminated!
5. Create a Jar of Success and post a success every day. This idea here is to celebrate all the little things you have accomplished. Di d you manage to say hello to everyone you walked past. Did you get any feedback you are proud off. Write it on a slip of paper and put it in your Jar. When you need a boost read through them.