I have a question for you: have you ever felt like self-care is one of those big things? You know, like booking a spa day, drawing a fancy bath, or getting a fresh haircut?
If you’ve ever thought that self-care has to be a grand (and sometimes pricey) event, you’re definitely not alone. I used to think the exact same way! I believed I needed a perfectly clear schedule and a special budget just to feel like I was taking care of myself.
But here’s the little secret I’ve learned: self-care doesn’t have to be hard, expensive, or time-consuming at all!
In fact, it’s often the small, simple acts—the ones that just make you pause and go, “Ahh, that’s better”—that truly nurture our mind, body, and soul. And the best part? You can do them in just five minutes.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite 5-minute self-care ideas for the mind, body, and soul. But before we dive into the list, let’s talk about how to make these tiny moments really count.
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How to make your 5-minute self-care ideas work
Okay, so we have this list of quick activities, but how do we make sure they actually feel like self-care and not just another item to tick off your to-do list?
Here’s how I like to approach it:
1) Protect your time.
First things first, protect your five minutes! Tell your family you’re “clocking out,” put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and step away from the inbox. This tiny window is a sacred appointment with yourself, and you are the most important meeting of the day.
2) Be present in the moment.
It’s easy to just scroll for five minutes, but that often leaves us feeling more scattered. Instead, try to be present. If you’re sipping tea, really notice the warmth of the mug and the flavor. If you’re stretching, pay attention to how your muscles feel. This mindful shift is what turns a simple break into a recharge.
3. Have a few quick activities ready to go
On days when you’re feeling overwhelmed, deciding what to do for self-care can be its own stress! That’s why I have a mental shortlist of my 2-3 absolute favorite 5-minute resets. Maybe it’s a breathing exercise, a favorite song, or a quick walk around the block. Knowing your favorites ahead of time makes it effortless to just dive in.
4. Let go of the “all-or-nothing” mentality.
Some days, five minutes might feel like a victory. Other days, you might only get one. And that’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection but consistency in showing yourself a little kindness. One deep breath is better than none. A 30-second stretch is better than no stretch at all. Every tiny bit counts.
5) Start or end your day with it.
I find it helpful to “schedule” my five minutes. Maybe it’s the first thing you do before checking your phone in the morning, or a ritual you do right after you log off from work. Tacking it onto an existing habit makes it much easier to remember and maintain.
Remember, this isn’t about adding more pressure. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause and reset, one tiny, loving moment at a time. You’ve got this!
5-minute self-care ideas for mind, body, and soul
To practice these 5-minute self-care ideas, you need at least 5 minutes of your time, or even more if you have more time, and love for yourself.
In this list, you will find:
- 37 5-minute self-care ideas for the mind
- 30 5-minute self-care ideas for the body
- 36 5-minute self-care ideas for the soul
Take a look at this list and grab a few ideas to do some self-care in under 5 minutes.
5-minute self-care ideas for your mind
- Have a cup of hot chocolate
- Listen to an inspirational speech
- Read your favorite blog
- Blast your favorite song
- Listen to the rain or watch the snow fall softly to the ground
- Make your bed
- Buy yourself something online
- Focus on the world around you
- Make a list of your favorite things
- Write down 3 things you are grateful for
- Tidy up your room (see what you can do in less than 5 minutes)
- Cross everything off the to-do list and reduce it to the essentials
- Write down your goals for the week
- Open your curtains and windows to let sunlight and fresh air in
- Make a vision board
- Watch videos that make you laugh
- Eat ice cream
- Buy yourself flowers
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
- Do something that makes you laugh
- Fix a small problem at home that’s been nagging you
- Change your sheets
- Find a mouthwatering recipe for lunch/dinner
- Have a cup of tea
- Walk barefoot on the grass
- Make a bucket list
- Sit in the sunlight
- Find a positive person to follow on social media
- Write 5 things you love about yourself
- Simplify your schedule
- Reflect on your personal mission statement
- Get to work 5 minutes earlier
- Unfollow or mute toxic people on social media
- Reward yourself
- Create a to-do list to help clear the mind
- Speed clean your workspace
- Color a doodle
5-minute self-care ideas for your body
- Brush your hair
- Put on your favorite skin cream
- Eat a piece of cake
- Wear make-up
- Stretch your body to relieve tension
- Paint your nails
- Drink a glass of water to hydrate yourself
- Give yourself a body massage (or let someone do it for you)
- Take a quick walk
- Put on nice clothes
- Apply a hair mask
- Do some relaxing yoga
- Drink a healthy smoothie
- Lie down to recharge yourself
- Take a quick shower
- Practice deep breathing
- Give yourself a foot massage
- Take deep breaths
- Have a foot soak with warm water and salt
- Go for a walk in the sunshine
- Make a healthy shake
- Dance to the beat of your favorite song
- Practice breathing techniques to strengthen your lungs
- Practice good posture
- Use a foam roller to release tension
- Brush your teeth
- Give yourself a scalp massage (good for promoting hair growth)
- Put on lipstick or lip gloss
- Pick out your clothes for the next day
- Put on some perfume
5-minute self-care ideas for your soul
- Give a hug
- Call or text someone you love
- Write a gratitude list for your life
- Do something nice for someone
- Write down your thoughts/dreams
- Meditate
- Drive to a quiet place and connect with nature
- Compliment yourself
- Compliment a stranger on social media
- Read your holy book
- Write a letter you wish you could send to someone
- Sit quietly
- Spend some time with your pet
- Spend time with someone who inspires you
- Write down your affirmations
- Write a letter to your lover/best friend
- Gift your friend something
- Light a candle
- Call your best friends
- Admire the stars
- Engage in self-reflection
- Watch the clouds and relax
- Choose who you spend your time with
- Help someone
- Ask for help (as much as you love to help, you have to get help when you need it too)
- Get positive feedback
- Get quality time with a quality person
- Look at the green and the blue (grass, sea, clouds)
- Get involved with your emotions (name them without thinking too much)
- Say no to something you don’t want
- Recite affirmations
- Ask two or three friends what they love about you
- Write a letter to people who have hurt you, then burn the letter and let it all go
- Practice self-compassion
- Find a quote that inspires you
- Write or journal your thoughts
Wrap up
So there you have it! Embracing self-care doesn’t require a major lifestyle overhaul. By weaving these simple, powerful 5-minute self-care ideas into your day, you’re building a sustainable habit of kindness towards yourself. Remember, it’s not about finding more time but about making the time you have count. I hope this list inspires you to start small and feel the big difference it can make. You truly deserve it.
Want to keep the momentum going? Pin or bookmark this page so you can easily come back to these 5-minute self-care ideas whenever you need a quick reset
