5 Minute Self Care Wellness Ideas
Are you starting your wellness journey and feeling overwhelmed by all the things. Or maybe you are in the midst of a busy season and feeling like your self-care has gone out the window? What if I told you that you don’t need to commit to an hour long workout, 3 home cooked meals per day, a morning routine that starts before the sun rises, and a 15 step skincare routine to be healthy?!
Because, to be honest, I often feel like I am doing the bare minimum in the margins of time that I have free. While some days I wish I could be including a little more self-care into my day, i’m thankful that I make any amount of self-care a non-negotiable in my day. That means that even if it is 5 minutes in the morning and another 5 minutes in the evening, I am intentionally making time to take care of myself.
Because those 5 minutes add up.. and all it takes is a little intention to set aside that time rather than picking up your phone and mindlessly scrolling or watching another episode on netflix. If that sounds like something you want to commit to, then this is the post for you!
Quick + Easy 5 Minute Self Care Ideas
Make a nourishing drink- I loove the ritual of a warm drink. There is something so grounding and soothing about a cozy drink that offers nourishment. A mug of homemade matcha vanilla latte, organic collagen coffee, green tea, or an adaptogen based coffee alternative are some of my favorite go to drinks!
read- something that got be back into the routine of reading for pleasure was ditching the self-help books and instead reading things i want to. Great fiction stories and mystery novels and whatever the heck kept my attention and held it. This allowed me to get into the rhythm and routine of regularly reading again, and then it was that much more enjoyable picking up any kind of book!
Do a face mask- I love doing a quick and easy skin care ritual, or throwing on a nourishing face mask for a little bit of self care throughout the day.
Walk around the block- a little bit of gentle movement, some fresh air, and vitamin d… win win win 🎉
Stretch- another quick and easy practice that helps support your body, increase mobility, and keeps blood and lymph moving
call a friend - especially that person (or people) that cheer you on, fill your cup, and leave you feeling refreshed!
write out your goals - did you know that just the action of writing out your goals helps them to actually happen. It’s because you are focusing on them and giving them intention. Imagine what would happen if you created an actual plan around your goals?!
read your old journal entries- This is a habit I recently picked up and it has been so good for me. Journaling is a great way for me to process my emotions and how I am feeling, but I have rarely gone back to revisit my journal. Since starting this i’ve been able to read and reflect on where i’ve been, what im prioritizing, and how I can show up better day to day. If I open my journal and realize i am still struggling with something from 6 months ago, I know i need to change things up and do something different. It allows me to check in on how i am doing and whether or not I am making progress holistically in my life.
deep breathing- it only takes a few intentional, deep breaths to decrease your cortisol levels
get some sunshine
grab a quick snack- I love having quick and easy snacks on hand that are nourishing and supportive. For a long time I used the excuse of being “too busy” to eat.. but really, I was just not prioritizing nutrients. Now I view every eating opportunity as a chance to give my body the fuel it needs!
purge a messy drawer- five minutes doesn’t give you a whole lot of time to clean out a whole closet or room, but you can tackle a drawer! Minimizing the clutter and junk in my life makes such a huge difference in my mental and emotional health.
create- draw, paint, color, write, doodle, crochet.. spend a few minutes doing whatever creative outlet you enjoy. For me, I love showing up on this blog. It is a great outlet for my creative energy and passions of health and wellness
grounding- walk around outside barefoot for a few minutes- getting in touch with the earth helps reduce inflammation, stress, and helps to soothe your nervous system
make a list of things your grateful for
hug- did you know that studies show a reduction in stress and an improved sense of happiness when we share a hug?! These studies recommend a 20-second embrace for those effects.. so maybe save that long hug for someone you really know? 😅
light a candle- for a long time I stopped using candles because I couldn’t find one that I loved without all the artificial fragrances and having little ones in the home (who are much more susceptible to all those fragrances). UNTIL I tried out the Primally Pure all natural candles—i love that they don’t use any artificial fragrances, and stick to all natural wicks and wax 👏 You can always use code KAELYN10 for 10% off your Primally Pure purchases.
Take a bath - add some magnesium salts, light that non-toxic candle and just relax (this is also a great time to throw on a face mask, or stack on a little skincare cause.. ya know, work smarter not harder)
Read the Bible and pray- This is something I have to intentionally make time for in the morning because it sets me up for a much better day holistically. Because we can’t forget that your spiritual health is a huge component of your holistic wellness
Ditch the phone- instead of immediately grabbing for your phone when you’re hands are free, give yourself a little digital detox. Leave the phone on the counter for a few minutes and pay attention to what’s going around in real life. I promise, you really aren’t missing out on anything important.
There you have it- 20 easy ideas for implementing for self-care into the margins of your every day life!
But some of these things may feel like “too much”.. and I promise, i’ve been there. Maybe you’re in a season where self care looks like doing less. And simply showing up every day consistently. You see, the thing about self care is it’s about honoring what you need and respecting the bio-individuality of us all.
Let me know.. how are you caring for yourself today?
Kaelyn