And no, I’m not suggesting a trip to McDonald’s (for those of you old enough to remember that commercial.) But seriously, when is the last time you took some time, even only a few minutes, for yourself? Can’t remember? Well, my friend, it’s been too long!

You may have too many things to do, too many people to take care of, and too many places to be, but let me tell you something. At some point, if you don’t stop to recharge yourself, you’re going to crash and burn, and then how many of those too many things you have to do will you get done? How many of those too many people you have to take care of will be taken care of?

This is what life used to have to do to me to get my attention:

Rude awakening? Tell me about it.

Did you know stress can be relieved simply by deep breathing? It’s true! Stress causes shallow breathing, which reduces oxygen to the brain, which is the LAST thing you need happening when you’re stressed. So, take a DEEP breath. Then another. Then one more for good measure.

Ha! Bet you thought I was going to tell you to go take a nap or something equally unrealistic, huh? Nah. I know better than that. If you’re still running 90 miles to nothing all day and half the night, there’s no way you’re going to go take a nap. But deep breathing is something that is ALWAYS available to you. It requires no special equipment or clothing, no special location or membership and you can do it as many times as necessary without fear of overdose, exhaustion or addiction. Best of all - it works!

So, take a break, even if it’s only a few minutes of deep breathing. It will make a difference, and besides - you deserve it.