The expression "take 5" originated in the world of jazz music in the 40’s and 50’s. It refers to the practice of taking a five-minute break during a rehearsal or recording session. Musicians would step away from their instruments, take a break, and then return refreshed and ready to continue playing.

It’s as relevant today as it was then and is the accepted way of saying take a break, whether you’re at work, home or during any activity.

Take 5 minutes, even when you’re busy and potentially feeling so overwhelmed with all the tasks competing for your time and attention that you don't have time for a break.

Take 5 minutes ...

✳️ At the beginning of your day set aside 5 minutes to plan your tasks and priorities for the day or before you start work on a new project. Write down the most important tasks you need to complete today and when you’re going to do them. If you have a few quick and easy 5 minute tasks, get them done in a 5 minute break during the day (see below).

✳️ Hold 5 minute meetings. If you need a quick check-in, update or just need to talk things through. Get your talking points ready and then go for it. If you need a longer meeting, fine but often those ‘have you got a minute’ questions can be addressed quickly and easily

✳️ Take 5 minutes and work on a task you’ve been procrastinating over. It’s only 5 minutes so you don't have to complete the whole thing in one go. It’s taking the first step. Get the file out, open up a template, jot down a few thoughts and ideas. Thinking about what it is that’s blocking you.

✳️ Brainstorm. If you’re stuck for ideas, feeling overwhelmed, procrastinating, get creative. Grab a pen and paper or open up a new document, write one word in the middle as your theme, thought or idea. Take 5 minutes to write down whatever thoughts or solutions come to mind. Don’t overthink it and see what comes out. Sometimes our greatest insight comes as we empty our minds of all the clutter. It gives you a fresh perspective.

✳️ Fit a quick 5 minute stretch break into your day. Find time in the morning and afternoon to shake things out, reset your ‘hunched over the keyboard’ posture. Reset your mind with a few deep breaths. You’ll increase your energy levels and improve your concentration when you start working on the next task.

✳️ Use the Pomodoro technique. Work on a task or group of tasks (e.g. email) for 25 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. If you don't have a Pomodoro app, a timer or reminder on your phone, or a kitchen timer works just as well.

5 Minute tasks

When you get a 5 minute break in the day, tick off one or more of those 5 minute tasks on your list.

• Tidy up your workspace. Put away anything you don’t need or aren’t working on. Throw away any old pens, bits of paper, post-its. Shred any paperwork. Either add things to a filing pile or spend 5 minutes filing them.
• Check your email. This is a 5 minute check. Avoid disappearing down the email rabbit hole and getting distracted. Set a timer if you need to! What’s new? What needs to be actioned. What can you quickly respond to in 5 minutes?
• Reading break. It could be the current book you’re reading or an article you’ve bookmarked to read later. Bonus for a real book and gives you a break from looking at a screen.
• Stay connected. Send a text or email to a friend, family member or colleague to say thank you or just to show you’re thinking of them.
• Book a meeting or appointment. Especially if it relates to your health or self-care.
• Pay a bill or invoice.

So many things can feel less daunting when you give yourself 5 minutes to work on them.

New habits can be built when you start with just 5 minutes each day.