“Ten minutes of whatever that hard thing is, is better than nothing.”
Sometimes we wait for the perfect conditions before we allow ourselves to begin. We might think that if we do not have a full hour, a quiet space, or the right energy, then there is no point in starting at all. But the truth is that even ten minutes of whatever that hard thing is whether it is stretching, journaling, taking a few deep breaths, or gently facing something we have been avoiding can make a meaningful difference.
Ten minutes may not seem like much, but it can help shift how we feel. A few minutes of movement can bring a bit more ease to the body. A short pause to check in can offer clarity. Writing down one or two thoughts can soften something that has felt heavy. Sometimes that little bit of time is enough to remind us that we are still trying and that trying counts.
Often, it is not the task itself that feels overwhelming but the pressure we place on how we think it should be done. We may believe that things only matter if they are done perfectly for a long time or with full motivation. But in real life, progress is often quite gentle and built in small moments that we choose to show up for. Ten minutes is not about doing more. It is about caring for yourself in a way that feels kind and manageable. It is a way to stay connected to yourself even when things feel hard.
So if something has felt too big to begin, try just ten minutes. Let it be simple. Let it be enough. You might find that even in that small window, something inside you softens or shifts.
Ten minutes is not nothing. It matters. And so do you.
Here are a few simple ways to make those ten minutes count
Find a quiet space or a comfortable spot where you feel safe and relaxed
Set a timer so you don’t have to worry about watching the clock
Focus on one small thing that feels manageable right now
Be gentle with yourself if your mind wanders or if it feels hard to stay with it
Notice how you feel before and after those ten minutes without judgment
Remember, these moments are for you. They do not have to be perfect, only honest and kind.
- Rammy Dhatt