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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.

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