Easy ways to make your day that little bit more enjoyable.

On days when just reading your to-do list is an exhausting task in itself, finding time for, well, you, can feel as difficult as locating sugar-free chocolate that doesn’t taste like dirt.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Whether you’re working or studying, enjoying a much-needed boost of “me time” during your day doesn’t have to equate to waking up an hour earlier or going to bed in the early hours of the morning. A few minutes here and there can (and will) do wonders to relax you, no lame meditation mantra required.

1. Have your coffee eat in, not takeaway.

Channel that lazy Sunday morning bliss every day by having your coffee in, rather than running straight to the office the minute the cup is placed in your hands.

Grab a seat and enjoy your coffee reading the paper, a few pages of that book you never quite seem to finish or just people watching – whatever takes your fancy. Your morning will start all the better for it, promise.

If time doesn’t allow for a proper sit down, even five minutes will do the trick – get your coffee in a takeaway cup but nestle into a corner table to at least savour the first few sips in peace, then be on your way.

"If time doesn't allow for a proper sit down, even five minutes will do the trick - get your coffee in a takeaway cup but nestle into a corner table."

2. Take a five minute power stroll.

It can be so easy to get to the end of your work day and realise you haven't seen the outside world apart from a few envious looks out the window. The quickest way to recharge your batteries? A simple venture outside for a five minute power stroll.

Not only will it feel like an easy treat for your legs and your mind, you're also packing in a dose of Vitamin D AND some exercise. That's what you call productivity.

3. Ditch the lunch at your desk.

Repeat after me - "I will not eat my sandwich at my desk. I will not eat my sandwich at my desk." Wolfing down your lunch in the exact area that you work is no break at all and certainly not a way to 'relax' or 'treat yo' self'.

Instead, take your lunch to the local park, a nearby cafe or if you can't get out, even a different area of your office - anywhere but that damn desk you spend most of your life at already. A change of scenery may not be quite as good as a holiday, but we take what we can get, right?

Same sandwich, much bigger smile. Image: iStock.

4. Play your power tune.

You know that song you just can't help but sing along to/dance to when it comes on the radio? Chuck on your headphones and play it to yourself during the day at your desk.

It's an easy way to take a break, relax and transport yourself somewhere completely different in under three minutes (unless your jam is Bohemian Rhapsody in which case you might need a little longer.)

5. Listen to a podcast during a detested task.

What if I was to tell you there's a way to make your most detested daily task the highlight of your day? Simply make it your time that you also do something for yourself, like listen to a podcast.

An easy way to relax or be entertained that also leaves your hands free, it can make even the most dreaded of chores an enjoyable time.

My picks? Mamamia Out Loud to feel like you're out with your girlfriends, You Must Remember This for some Hollywood escapism and My Dad Wrote A Porno if you want to laugh until you cry. Just maybe listen to the latter with headphones...

Mamamia Out Loud at the desk is a sure win. Image: iStock.

6. Make the most of your commute.

Packed like a sardine among several sweaty strangers might not be how you envision your ideal "me time", but your commute really can be used to your advantage.

Use that time to read a book, watch that episode you've been hanging out for, call a friend or even better, do absolutely nothing. Delightful.

How do you make time to relax?

This post was written thanks to our brand partner Instant Scratch-Its.