Hey there! Let’s chat about self care ideas. I know it can seem like you need hours to really take care of yourself, but here’s a little secret: you don’t! Sometimes, it’s the small moments that make the biggest difference. I’ve put together some of my favourite self care ideas that you can do at home, and the best part? They only take 5 to 10 minutes. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into these simple self care ideas!

Breathe Deeply

One of the easiest self care ideas is to take a few minutes to practice deep breathing. Close your eyes, inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four. While you’re at it, try adding a gentle smile to your breaths. Smiling while you breathe can help release endorphins, making you feel even more relaxed. Do this a few times to instantly calm your mind, refocus, and bring a bit of joy into your mini reset. It’s a small, powerful way to boost your mood!

Stretch It Out

If you’re feeling a bit tense, try a quick stretch. Focus on those stress spots like your shoulders, neck, or back. Give your shoulders a few slow rolls, tilt your head side to side, or reach up and stretch as high as you can. This is one of my favourite self-care ideas, and honestly, it always leaves me feeling so much more relaxed and ready to carry on!

Hydration Reset

Taking a break to hydrate is a self care idea that’s often overlooked. Why not make it a little ritual? Grab a fresh lemon, slice up some cucumber, or pick a sprig of mint – take your time with it. There’s something quite calming about prepping these simple ingredients. Then, add them to your water and take a few mindful sips. Feel yourself rehydrate and refresh with every gulp – it’s a small, but lovely way to give yourself a little boost!

Savour a Cup of Tea

This one’s my absolute favourite! Brew yourself a cup of herbal tea—something soothing like chamomile or peppermint. While it’s steeping, find a cosy spot, maybe wrap up in a blanket, and take a few minutes to really savour it. Let the warmth and flavours ground you and bring you back to the present. It’s one of those self care ideas that’s so simple, yet oh-so-soothing. Perfect for when you need a little reset!

Journal Your Gratitude

Grab a pen and paper, and spend 5 minutes jotting down 3 things you’re grateful for. It’s an easy self-care idea that shifts your focus to the positive. Trust me, it clears mental clutter and leaves you feeling lighter. And as per the famous quote – ” Abundance is a mindset of gratitude and generosity. When you live from a place of abundance, you attract more abundance into your life.”

Listen to Your Favourite Song

Pick a song that makes you smile and play it loud! Let the music boost your mood. You can even dance or just sway to the rhythm. It’s a fun self-care idea that instantly melts away stress and can bring back happy memories. Create a playlist on Spotify and get in the mood to boogie.

Create a Calm Space

Tidy up a small area around you—your desk, a corner of your living room, or even just your bedside table. A clutter free space can really create a sense of calm. This self care idea only takes a few minutes but makes a big difference to your head space. The more floor space I see, the calmer I feel! Here are my tips on how to create your own Calm Space at home.

Practice Mindful Colouring

Get your hands on a colouring book or print out a simple design. Pinterest is a handy source for free designs that you can print out in seconds. Spend a few minutes colouring mindfully. Start by taking a few deep breathes and then let the joy of colouring take over.. It’s a creative self-care idea that helps you relax and express yourself without any pressure. It’s up to you to share or not share. And remember, let go of perfection! Here are my favourite colouring books that you can purchase for your self care journey or why not give Mindful Drawing a try.

Light a Candle or Diffuse Essential Oils

Choose a scent that you love—lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus are great options. Light a candle or diffuse some essential oils. It’s an effortless self care idea that instantly changes the mood of the room and lifts your spirits. Essential oils were the first step in my self care journey, when my PTSD was undiagnosed and I was mum to a newborn. Honestly, essential oils are a great gift to give new mothers so they can create a little mini spa at home.

Mini Meditation

Set a timer for 5 minutes and meditate. Whether you focus on your breath or use a guided meditation, this self-care idea is all about finding a moment of mindfulness to bring clarity and relaxation to your day. Meditation Mountain on Spotify is my personal favourite (I’ve tired a few, I’ve done the leg work for you!) – different guided meditation for anxiety, sleeping, body scans, relaxation, practicing gratitude, and emotional mindfulness to name just a few.

There you have it; 10 self care ideas that you can easily fit into your day. You don’t need to carve out hours for self care; these small moments can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a quick reset, try out one of these self care ideas. You’ll be amazed at how taking just 5 to 10 minutes for yourself can make all the difference.

Now, go on and enjoy a little “me-time” whenever you need it!