7 Self-Care Habits That Take Less Than 10 Minutes
Life is always busy, and sometimes, it feels like there’s no time to look after yourself and practice self-care. However, taking just a few minutes for yourself can make all the difference in your mood and well-being.
Here are seven self-care habits that you can do in under 10 minutes to help you feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle the day.
Take a Few Deep Breaths
Deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This is often called box breathing and should be repeated a few times; however, it can easily take less than 10 minutes of your day!
Drink a Glass of Water
Hydration is key to feeling your best, so why not make it into a self-care moment by grabbing yourself a refreshing glass of water and just taking a few minutes. Add a slice of lemon or cucumber for an extra boost of flavour and hydration.
Stretch Your Body
Having a stretch can help relieve tension, improve circulation, and boost your energy levels. Focus on your neck, shoulders, and back, as these are areas that often hold stress from sitting or working all day. You can even do this while still sitting down with exercises such as rolling your shoulders or even just taking a few moments to sit up straight and stretch out your neck and back.
Write Down Three Things You’re Grateful For
Practising gratitude can shift your mindset and improve your mood and can be an activity that takes as long as you want. In just a few minutes, you could note down three things you’re grateful for today, whether it’s a warm cup of tea, a kind message from a friend, or just making it through the day.
Step Outside for Fresh Air
Going outside to sit, stand or even have a walk to the corner and back can do wonders for your mind. This is due to the fact that fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can help clear your thoughts and boost your mood. You could even take a few minutes to meditate while listening to the sounds of nature around you.
Listen to Your Favourite Song
Music can have a really powerful effect on emotions. So, why not play a song that makes you happy, relaxes you, or energises you, whatever you need at the moment. It can be worth pre-making a playlist which is ready to go in those moments. Bonus points if you have a mini dance session!
Do a Quick Digital Detox
Go on, put your phone down, close your laptop, and take a few minutes away from screens. A break from all the notifications and stress that comes with being online can help reduce mental clutter, improve focus, and give your eyes a much-needed rest.
Final Thoughts on These 7 Self-Care Habits That Take 10 Minutes or Less.
Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. By incorporating these simple ideas into your self-care routine, you can boost your well-being in just a few minutes. Try one (or all!) of these today, and perhaps you might notice a difference..
What’s your favourite quick self-care habit?
Pin It!
I ensure I have the digital detox 1 hour before bed, reading a book instead. It’s made such a difference to my quality sleep.
Oh that’s really interesting to hear – I have to admit I’m awful at putting my phone on but do turn the blue light off.
Bubble bath with a good magazine. A perfect wind down treat
I miss being able to have a bath used to love a good soak!
Great ideas, I unwittingly do most of them, hydration, stretching, listening to my favourite music. Self care without even thinking about it
Music is such a good thing for calming and relaxing to isn’t it?
It’s lovely to see ideas that cost little, in time and money.
Some fantastic ideas, I think we so easily forget to look after ourselves! Love the idea of writing down what we are grateful for and focus on mindfulness.
Definitely I think we send so much time thinking of others but little thinking about ourselves.
Found some good tips!
I like the box breathing idea, sounds like a very calming thing to do every day!
It can be such a good way to just take a few minutes and you can do it anywhere really as well.
Some very good tips for those of us who find the colder months difficult.
It’s such a hard time of year for some isn’t it? I’m really looking forward to spring I have to say.
Some really great advice, always good to go out a get some fresh air, the outdoor air really helps calm your mind
Definitely I think being outdoors in nature can be really grounding.
I try to do self care every day. I enjoy my daily walk although I don’t do rain! I like to listen to music during the day the day and I can bury myself in a good book. In the Summer I enjoy pottering in the garden
I never used to mind the rain but I absolutely hate it these days, I try and stay inside when its raining!
Excellent suggestions!
This is one thing I need to start giving myself more of is self care
Definitely its worth just trying to do a few minutes a day even if its just sitting and having a coffee.
A 10 minute walk whatever the weather, clears the mind.
I miss just being able to pop out on a quick walk I have to admit.
A digital detox really would be the best thing to do self care wise. I must do this more! Great advice.
I have to admit I am never far from a device its something I need to get better at putting down.
I find that classical music in particular helps when I am stressed.
I’ve heard a few people who say that, it’s strange how music can effect people so differently.