One trick that works for me is waking up before everyone else in the house. This is often the time I meditate, but if I wake up late or am pressed for time because of a change of schedule, I turn my morning smoothie routine into my daily meditation. I count each breath as I walk into the kitchen and as I choose my fruit and vegetables. I focus on my breath between and during sips even as I start helping my kids with their morning routines. Any activity from washing the dishes or picking kids up from school can become a meditation and miraculously slow down time even with chaos all around. Focusing on your breath is the ultimate pause button.

xoxo,

Sukey

This time of year, things can’t help but move at lightning speed. If your to-do list is getting longer by the second and you can't remember the last time you took a vacation, now is the time to slow down. Not only is it good for the spirit, but your immune system will benefit from it too.

Increasing downtime is one of many keys to a happy and healthy life. If you can't reduce your to-do list, take a few moments out of the day to quiet your mind. Not sure where to start? Try some of our favorites:

• Unwind your mind; take the long way home. And if you can—We know, it's gonna be hard—turn off your cell phone.
• Schedule one evening a week to do something that's just for fun.
• Think thoughts of gratitude before jumping out of bed in the morning. Take it a step further and express those thoughts!
• Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths while waiting for your coffee to brew.
• Loosen up those legs and go for a stroll after lunch or dinner.
• Bring a treat to a friend or neighbor who might be in need of a little boost.

For a daily reminder to slow down, visit Tiny Buddha, a site about "reflecting on simple wisdom and learning new ways to apply it to our complex lives."