Self care advice is everywhere these days.
And with good reason.
Most of us – women in particular – aren’t taking enough time to recharge our batteries that are often running pretty low.
The problem is, most self care advice revolves around small acts, but ones that can take up chunks of time that some of us don’t have time to spare.
Most days, we don’t have much time to ourselves. I’m not at a stage in my life where I can take a relaxing bath, or go for a long walk alone. There’s not too much downtime at all. It’s enough to make you a little crazy some days.
That’s why we need self-care in the first place!
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So in order to help us all get a little, tiny break, I’ve made a list of over 50 ways to get a little self care in 5 minutes or less!
Maybe you can squeeze one to two of these in today!
Write in a gratitude journal
Sit in the sun
Inhale some
Listen to your favorite song
Download a meditation app
Bend over and touch your toes for 1 minute
Put on hand lotion
Make a list to clear your mind
Take a quick walk around the block

Pray
Text a friend
Doodle
Color in a coloring book
Get a scalp massage
Rub your feet
Brew a cup of tea
Use a refreshing facial mist spray
Make a smoothie
Simply close your eyes for a few minutes
Sit in a hammock

Smell some flowers
Use a foot scrub
Talk to your pet
Put your feet up
Have a dance party
Drink some water
Put on bright lipstick
Light a candle
Get or give a hug
Put on a comfy sweater
Sit in a quiet room
Listen to nature sounds
Look at the clouds

Watch cute baby or puppy videos
Spray your favorite perfume
Daydream
Think about happy memories
Subscribe to a new podcast
Flip through a magazine
Wrap yourself in a plush robe
Dim the lights
Learn a new joke
Talk to your family
Buy a fancy coffee

Make your bed
Pick up or throw away 3 pieces of clutter
Breathe deeply
Write a thank-you note
Repeat a positive mantra
Read a quick poem
Hold a door for a stranger
Smile
Look at the stars
Watch the sunset
Paint your fingernails or toenails
Think of 3 reasons to love yourself
Eat some fruit

The amazing thing is that making this list didn’t take me much time at all.
Once you start thinking about all the little acts that are calming or bring you joy, the list could go on and on.
I’m sure there are many small things that everyone enjoys that could fit in under the five-minute mark.
This could be anything that is soothing to your soul, whether its a physical, mental or emotional act. For some, even decluttering or doing acts of service for others can be felt as self care.
Just use this list as a starting point and add your own 5-minute self-care acts.
I’m sure you could think of a few!
If these take only 5 minutes or less well I can do one or two a day and still have plenty to do and try during the week.
Sounds like a plan!
Yes, taking care of ourselves takes time but this list is filled with “treats” that can still boost our mood and won´t take that much of our time! Well done!
Thanks so much!
This is such a great idea! I am going to make a personalized list of things I love that I know make me feel happy. Great list!
I love the idea of making your own list!
that’s a great list… I’d add… read a book (even for five minutes) 🙂
Great addition, Annette!
I love this list. There is so many things we can do everyday to practice everyday and switch things up when needed.
Thanks a bunch!
I love this list! It’s a good reminder that self care doesn’t have to be a big ordeal. Even taking 5 minutes to do any of these things on your list can make a big difference in the way we feel.
Exactly! It would be great to have loads of time for self care, but sometimes all you can spare is a few minutes.
We all busy people are going to benefit from this list. Loved it!
Thanks, Hina! I hope it’s helpful!
I love the reminder that self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant, it can be as simple as brewing a cup of tea! Thanks for all of the quick and easy ideas!
So glad to help, Bailey!
Yes Yes Yes! It’s all about the simple things…:)
Just reading this list relaxed me. Thanks.