Welcome to Canada's Balance Challenge.
Complaining about our busy lives is easy. Doing something to slow them down is hard. But it's worth trying - especially considering the impact of stress on our bodies.
So for the week of November 1, The Globe and Mail is issuing a challenge to Canadians: Each day, take some time for yourself.
We'll offer a daily suggestion - but if it doesn't work for you, try something that does. As long as it puts you or family first, it counts.
Up first...
Monday's challenge: Take a 15-minute coffee break.
A real one. Leave your Blackberry at your desk and take a leisurely stroll outside to the nearest cafe. Take in that cool, crisp fall air. Or have a seat in your cafeteria and read the newspaper or a chapter of that book you're trying to get through. There, isn't it nice?
So tell us: Did you take a coffee break? Share your story in our comments section or send us a photo of the café. Or your favourite coffee mug filled with joe.
