Online Resources to De-Stress and Slow Down

Do you sometimes feel as if time is moving faster than ever?

The downside of the efficiency and immediacy of today's technological advancements is that we can cram more tasks in our day than ever before. While this results in days that are much more productive, the downside is that they are often less meaningful. Workday memories are a muddle of e-mail alerts, scheduled appointments and microwaved lunch breaks, while our weekends are spent trying to recuperate from the speeding bullet that has become our lives.  In spite of this nano-second existence, thankfully there are online resources you can periodically visit to de-stress and slow down. While "online" and "de-stress" may be an oxymoron is today's wired work world, one could view these suggestions as easily accessible diversions found in our second home.

Watch Puppy Cam
Nothing says "de-tress" better than puppies! Watch these adorable Golden Retriever puppies as they go through the day-to-day activity of being the cutest things in the world. You can watch them sleep, eat or play and, best of all, this can all be done with click of your mouse. The next time work has got you overwhelmed, head on over to the Puppy Cam for a quick pick-me-up.





Get Inspired
Even the busiest, most accomplished people can feel directionless or discouraged sometimes. Instead of a coffee break, take an inspiration break to regroup and get re-motivated with this helpful site, World of Inspiration. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way.




Donate to Charity
Empathy is a great relaxer. It can instantly remind us that although our lives may be tough, there are others in need of things we often take for granted. Head on over to wonderful philanthropic organizations like the American Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders and donate a few bucks to a worthy cause. A small dose of compassion may be all you need to ease today's tension.


Grab a Children's Book 
For a few minutes, be a kid again and revisit the wonderful world of Eric Carle, famed illustrator of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" His breathtaking illustrations and simple, yet inspiring stories will provide as much happiness to you now as they may have done years ago. In similar fashion, visit the world of Roald Dahl, author of "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" and "James and The Giant Peach." It's ok to let your childhood imagination soar for just a minute.
Be Random
Our schedules are so calculated, it's easy to forget that some of the most memorable events in our life happen by chance. While this website may not provide a life-changing moment, it's a fun way to be a bit random for a while. Flip a coin to determine whether you'll wear a blue or red tie today, or get a random number to determine how many strangers you will say hello to in the morning. Break the monotony of your day by leaving a bit of it to chance. You never know what could happen, and that's precisely the point.

Now that we've given you our best ways to slow down online, it's time for you to help us. What are some great online resources you turn to for a quick distraction? However silly it may be, we'd love to hear.


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