If you’re super busy and frustrated that you’re always at the bottom of your priority list check out some of these ideas to practice self care that you can add to your daily routine that can be done in under 10 minutes.
Are you familiar with that feeling of disappointment and sometimes guilt because you want to do the best for your body, but you don’t have the time?
You’ve got a jam-packed schedule, your to-do list is as long as your arm and you’re stressed, tired and feel like crap. A spa day would be amazing or even a soak in a candlelit bath would be bliss. However, right now other things rather than caring for yourself is higher on your priority list.
I’m here to tell you that this is total BS!
You’re not alone, sometimes we forget about ourselves and trying to squeeze in some self care sounds like just another thing that you have to do and causes you to feel even more stressed. However, looking after yourself and taking time to fill your cup back up isn’t a privilege, but a divine responsibility that we all deserve (how cheesy did that sound, but it’s true!). It’s vital that you look after yourself so you’re able to care for the ones that you love.
Self care isn’t about working out or eating well, this is what we have to do to look after our bodies. In reality, self care goes deeper than this, it’s all about nourishing your mind, body, and soul through practices that make you happy, feel like a million dollars and is achievable and realistic in your life.
Taking 10 minutes (or less) out of my day just for me is something that I try to practice daily, even more now that I’m a mum, which means I have less time to take care of myself. Of course, I would love to take a day trip to a spa, but let’s be honest, that would be the ultimate treat that none of us would have time for on a regular basis. Ten minutes every day is less taxing when you are struggling to find some time for yourself and today I’m sharing some ideas on ways to practice self care in 10 minutes and under, which is just perfect for the time challenged.
Self Care Ideas That You Can Practice In Under 10 Minutes:
Connect With Nature & Get Some Fresh Air
Everyone needs some fresh air, and it’s the perfect way to escape a stressful environment. Get outdoors and walk around the block to blow off those cobwebs and be alone for a while.
Pause & Breath Deeply
Breathing deeply and slowly with your eyes closed can be incredibly calming and relaxing. A great way to tune into your body.
Get Organised!
Settling down for a productive 10-minute planning session can be both joyful and a stress reliever. Having a coherent plan in place and tasks organised is incredibly cathartic.
Take Some Time To Meditate
A guided meditation is relaxing and can be done any time of the day. There are lots of different meditation apps out there like Headspace and Insight Timer that you could try.
Do A Short Yoga Flow
Yoga isn’t just about keeping fit, it’s also about being at one with your body, simple meditation and breathing techniques for health and relaxation. YouTube is a fantastic resource for yoga videos and there are lots of 10-minute flows out there. Yoga With Adrienne is one of my favourite yoga channels that I regularly go back to.
Put On Your Favourite Track & Dance
Dancing to your favourite songs is a natural mood booster. Like with exercise or that post-run high, those endorphins get pumping around your body and help you to feel great.
Read A Chapter From A Book
Again, reading is also very relaxing and doesn’t need to take up a lot of your time. A wonderful way to unwind and escape to another world for a while.
Indulge In Your Favourite Foods
Putting nourishing balanced food into your body is a terrific mood booster, this can be chocolate, a green smoothie, a brownie or even a raw snack bar – whatever floats your boat to help you feel good.
Journal & Get Your Thoughts On Paper
Dumping all your thoughts onto a piece of paper can sometimes feel like a therapy session. Creating some space in your brain can make it feel less crowded in there and bring some release.
Catch Up With A Friend Over The Phone
A phone call with a friend can do you the world of good and improve your mood if you’re feeling rundown. When was the last time you caught up with your bestie over the phone? You might not have time for a coffee date now, but taking 10 minutes for a natter is just as good.
If you enjoyed this post about self care, why not check out some of my other posts sharing tools and insights on this topic:
5 Ways To Dial Up Your Spring Self Care Routine
My Easy Self Care Rituals For Balance & Calm
Mindset Shifts to Make Self Care a Priority
Self Care Ideas To Spring Clean Your Wellbeing
My Self Care Toolkit For When Iām Feeling Out Of Balance
I like to journal – I’m a talker but sometimes just getting somethings on paper can help a lot x
Me too, sometimes getting it on paper can really help to destress.
Love this post, a short walk can do wonders for the soul in times of stress and angst x
Thanks Rachel! Getting outside can do you the world of good.
I LOVE Yoga with Adrienne! Her videos are fab. Love your tips, I do lots of them, need to start journalling more though!
She’s fab isn’t she! Really love her yoga workouts too.
Omg such great idea! I tend to do the musical ic and have a 5 minute dance party when I feel overwhelmed and it helps tremendously! I’m trying to do more yoga in life but it hasn’t really helped much but I’ll keep at it!
Dancing really helps to work all the stress away.
Almost all of these are things I would do. I have to highlight dancing to your favorite pop song, because that is an INSTANT mood-booster. It seems so silly, but it works! It’s also great for couples that like to dance. If you’re having a blah day with your partner, a Random dance party will do the trick!
It’s crazy how just letting it all go and dancing can boost your mood like that, love it!
Great post, my planner really helps me.
I would be lost without mine.
Even though I’m now focusing on writing online, keeping a journal is still my habit. Its like I could express my feeling more. Or if I’m having a writer’s block… I write through my journal, and the words and ideas naturally flows like river, hahahaha
That’s amazing that you get so much from journalling. Writer’s block can be difficult to deal with.
All amazing ideas for self care
Thanks!
I love this – I really need to try and do these once a day as I don’t practice self care enough at all. x
Taking time out for yourself is so important.
Reading a book has always helped me. I do love to read.
Walking is also a really good one.
There’s nothing like a good book to destress.
These are absolutely great tips. I am guilty of not taking enough time for me though I know I need to. I wonder if they have any Mommy- Toddler yoga programs, that would be ideal for us!
I’m sure there is something out there for mommy and toddlers.
I really need to take your advice here and dedicate time to myself. I might take up journaling again – thanks for sharing x
Journaling is so therapeutic and a nice way to unload your thoughts.
I love this post. I’ve been trying to take care of myself better.. mainly by drinking water once I wake up and stretching. But it’s hard to make it a habit. I guess the process is slow but steady huh? Thanks for the tips. This will be very useful š
Definitely! It’s all about the baby steps.
I really enjoy reading a book with a blanket or cuddling my cats – sometimes to their displeasure haha xx
Haha! Love this!
I definitely have to start doing some of this when I have time to myself. I need to start taking little breaks throughout the day.
Yes! Taking 5-10 minutes for yourself can do you the world of good.
These are great ideas! I practice many of them and feel good when I do š especially the brisk walk and eating my favourite foods š
Great Janine! Lovely to hear that you have positive results from practicing these.
yes to yoga! it always calms me down and i can carry on with what I’m doing
Yoga has amazing calming powers!
So many good ideas and I always love reading a book x
Thanks Hannah! You can’t beat curling up with a good book.
LOVE this post. I have an app on my phone and I use for quick meditation. Its called calm and it works really well for deep breathing etc xxx
I’ve heard a lot about this and need to give it a try!
I need to find more time for me. This is a great list to help me get started. Thank you for sharong.
happy that you found it useful, Houx.
I struggle with this issue daily. Being a mom of two I am being pulled all sorts of ways and at the end of the day all I want is time for myself but the other guilt sets in that I am being selfish.
Totally get you! Sometimes you have to be selfish to be kind to yourself.
Listening to music lifts my spirits, or listening to a comedy podcast.
Loving the comedy podcast idea! Do you have any recommendations?
I think that just going for a walk can make such a huge difference. Fresh air fixes a lot of things!
So true, I love going for a walk.
Reading is definitely my biggest escape.
I really needed to hear this today as I’m neglecting myself a bit!
I’m a fan of a walk and a talk! Always good to blow the cobwebs away in the fresh air š
We all need to learn to do this. For me I try to get in some music time but I can’t always make it happen.
These are wonderful tips for self care! I need to find some time to do such activities!
Eating your favourite food and going for a walk are always mood boasters for us! Might have to try the other tips! Thanks
I find writing everything down helps so much, even if it’s not planning or trying to find the answers, just the act of writing helps. And a good dance to a good song doesn’t hurt either! x
Fab tips I think its important to take a moment for yourself here and there!
L x
thequietresolution.co.uk
You have some really good tips there. I must admit as a mum of 3 i really neglect myself because I am running round after everyone else.
Some great ideas. I often sit and close my eyes for 10 mins just tottery and calm all the noise rushing around my head. Since having kids though I just cannot read a book. Theres so much going around in my head that I often don’t take any of it in or after one page I fall asleep!
I loved this post. It’s so important to look after yourself and take some me time. Thanks for showing how easy it can be to that!
Love this post! I think sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves. My favourite thing to do is to have a sing along.
I need to remember this! It’s so important that we take small moments throughout our day to look after ourselves/
It’s essential to practise self-care and look after yourself every day so you don’t lose sight of the important things in life. Great post.