Finding Time For Self-Care
When it comes to self-care many struggle with finding the time. It is yet another thing you have to fit into a day that already doesn’t have enough hours. This list has tasks that can take as little as a couple of minutes to as much as a day. Self-care is not meant to be a chore or to be stressful, and it also is not one size fits all. It doesn’t have to be complicated, we hope this list can make it less so.
In 5 minutes or less
- Listen to your favourite song
One song can be enough to lift your whole mood in just 3 minutes.
- Do some deep breathing exercises
Even just 60s at your desk on a busy day can centre you and bring down stress levels.
- Watch a funny video
Unplug your brain and have a nice laugh then get back to work.
- Step outside
Just one step out the front door, feel the sun on your face and take a breath of fresh air.
- Go get a snack
Sometimes we just get hungry.
- Brush your hair
Simple care tasks can be hard so take a moment to do something nice for yourself.
- Wash your face
Again care tasks can be hard and washing your face is a great way to wake up and get refreshed and it only takes a moment or two.
- Put on hand cream
Our hands can carry a lot of tension day-to-day with all the work they do. Give them some love and a nice massage.
- Light a candle or turn on a diffuser
Aromatherapy can be a powerful thing.
- Look at pictures of loved ones
Have an album on your phone of silly pictures of your friends, partner, or kids for when you need to smile.
About 15 minutes maybe more maybe less
- Go cuddle your dog
Or your cat, rabbit, teddy bear, whatever you have, give it a squeeze for a few minutes or so.
- Scroll on TikTok to laugh
Sometimes it’s ok to just turn it off and mindlessly scroll. To limit the time, set a timer as it can be easy to get lost on the FYP.
- Put on some makeup/ do your hair
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy just a simple braid, maybe some concealer and mascara can do wonders. Doing a simple get ready routine can do wonders if you are feeling unlike yourself.
- Meditate
There are plenty of guided meditations out there of all different types, styles and lengths.
- Doodle
It doesn’t have to be pretty.
- Sit outside
Take fresh air one step further and just sit outside. Enjoy a coffee, take the phone call outside or just simply enjoy nature. Vitamin D is an amazing thing.
- Plan your next day out
We may not have time to go out for the day right now. But maybe you do have a few to plan out what you will do on your next day off that is coming up next week. Give yourself something to look forward to.
- Come up with 5 things that make you happy and excited
Gratitude lists can be cheesy, but also effective.
- Organize the top of your side table
Messy spaces can be stressful. The organization doesn’t have to be an all or nothing event. Sometimes just making what you can see clean is enough. Put the hair tie collection where they belong and bring the cups to the kitchen.
- Clear your workspace
This can be your desktop computer or your desk. Yes, this goes hand in hand with #19. Who said self-care is just for home?
30 – 60 minutes
- Watch an episode of your favourite feel-good show
And you’re not allowed to feel guilty about it.
- Paint your nails
When was the last time you gave yourself a manicure?
- Do a face mask/ skincare routine
Remember that collection of masks you have under the bathroom sink that you were so excited to try out? Well now’s your chance.
- Take a shower/ Bath
Rinse off the day.
- Listen to a podcast/ audiobook
Who doesn’t love a good podcast?
- Go for a walk
Taking it a few more steps forward, move your body. Make it a 2-for-1 special and do #25 at the same time.
- Read a book
Check something off the To Be Read List.
- Go out to lunch/ coffee either with a friend or alone
It doesn’t have to be fancy, just make it yummy.
- Bake/ Cook for yourself
Try a new recipe or an old feel-good favourite.
- Call a friend
A good friend is worth their weight in gold.
- Invest in a hobby, new or old.
You don’t have to be good at your hobbies as long as you enjoy them. Take an adult dance class. Join a house league. Pick out some new watercolour paints.
- Workout
Before work or after dinner. Every day or once a week. Moving your body is amazing for your mental and physical health.
- Clean out one space
Clutter can be a big stressor and taking the time to tackle one space like a closet or the pantry can make a big difference.
- Get all dressed up
All dressed up and nowhere to go. You don’t need an excuse to get dressed up.
- Journal
Just because.
- Take yourself to brunch
Who doesn’t love brunch?
- Listen to a playlist and dance or sing along
Dance it out.
- Go for a drive
Create your own adventure.
- Play with your kids and just be a kid
Kids are an endless source of creativity and we adults can and should take a page out of their book.
- Have your favourite dessert
Order in or make it yourself as long as it’s delicious.
Make it an all-day affair
- Girls/Boys/ People Day
When was the last time you went out guilt-free with friends? You could also stay in!!
- Take yourself on a date
Are you peopled out? Take headphones and tune out the world and spend it with just you!
- Window Shop
Self Care doesn’t have to cost money.
- A spa day can be at home or at the spa
Face masks, Mani, Pedi, Epsom salts and white noise. You’ll feel brand new.
- Movie Marathon
Popcorn anyone?
- Go on a hike
Take in the view and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Learn a new skill or hobby
You can’t master a skill in a day but you might be able to learn the basics.
- Go on a road trip
Take a day trip somewhere fun. Maybe somewhere you have never been.
- Spend the day at the park
Pack a lunch, and have fun people watching
This Pretty Well Sums it Up
Self Care shouldn’t break the bank, most of the things on this list can be done for free or with very little funds. Self Care also shouldn’t be complicated, sometimes we only have 5 minutes, between work, home, kids, pets, and the crazy neighbours, sometimes even 5 minutes can seem impossible. However, even just 5 minutes a day can add up fast. Five minutes can be the difference between balance and burn-out.
What is your favourite self-care task? Which item from this list are you going to try first?
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