Best 5 Minute Self Care Ideas For Busy Schedules

Feel like you have no time for self-care?

Trust me girl I understand. It’s hard finding time for yourself when you have 50 million other things you need to be doing right now.

That’s why I have compiled a list of simple 5 minute self care ideas for busy people like you and me.

Follow along with my 83 realistic ways to make time for self-care. I recommend choosing about 5 from this list to start.

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5 Minute Self Care Ideas For Busy Schedules

1. Yoga

Yoga is a great way to take care of yourself because it’s pretty simple and free. If you’re in need of a good yoga instructor online I recommend Yoga with Bird on Youtube!

2. Make A Cup Of Coffee

Coffee doesn’t have to just be for a pick-me-up in the morning. Coffee can be used to relax your mind and warm your soul.

The scent of coffee alone is honestly self-care in itself.

3. Make A Cup Of Tea

Try some herbal teas that are calming such as:

Chamomile
Lavender
Green tea
Peppermint

4. Make Someone Else A Hot Drink

Making someone else something can be just as therapeutic as making yourself something. Spread the love.

5. Fill Out A Journal Prompt

One of my favorite fast ways of checking in with myself is to fill out a journal prompt in my manifestation journal. If you’re looking for some good journal prompts to start with I recommend my 170+ Best Journal Prompts For Women (Daily Use)

6. Write Down 3 Things You’re Grateful For

Writing down what you’re grateful for will instantly change your mood. It will also help you continue to find things to be grateful for throughout the day. This is something that I started doing (almost) every morning for about 3 years now.

Highly recommend.

7. Do a crossword puzzle

I love crossword puzzles so I had to include it in the list.

8. Do A Face Mask

Face masks are a luxury that I cannot indulge in because my skin is too sensitive so I don’t have any face masks that I personally recommend but here are some face masks that other people seemed to have liked.

9. Exfoliate

The only people who don’t love exfoliating are the ones who haven’t tried it. If you haven’t tried it yet, word to the wise, follow the instructions, and don’t scrub too hard (depending on what you’re using).

10. Meditate for 5 minutes

Meditating is my absolute go-to when I need to calm my inner thoughts or when I’m in need of some extra TLC.

I highly highly highly recommend meditating.

11. Stretch

Stretching is a great way to relieve some tension (literally).

12. Smile In The Mirror

I know this 5 minute self care idea sounds weird but I promise it’s worth it. Smiling has been known to instantly make you feel better. This is something that I also do every single morning because why not yano?

13. Read 10 Pages Of A Good Book

This is even better outside.

14. Write Down Your 3 Major Goals In Life

To take this idea a step further, write down your 3 major goals in life AND what you can do today to get there. The small consistent actions count the most, my friend.

15. Make A Smoothie

This 5 minute self care idea may take a little longer than 5 minutes but it is very therapeutic to do so that’s why I included it on the list. If you don’t have time, then you could also buy a smoothie.

16. Make A Parfait

Another thing on this list that may take longer than 5 minutes but it’s still very rewarding and healthy. I mean, what more could you ask for?

17. Check-In On Someone You Love

Checking in on your loved ones not only feels good for you but it feels good for them too. Making someone feel seen and heard is always good for the soul.

18. Say Your Positive Affirmations

Here are some amazing affirmations to use:

19. People Watch

What does people watching have to do with self-care?

It’s relaxing, entertaining, and FREE! All the things a good self-care routine needs.

20. Call Your Grandma

I’m sure she wants to hear from you.

21. Drink Some Water

Your insides will thank you for it. Plus, chances are, you probably haven’t drunk enough water today anyway. I know I haven’t.

22. Buy A Water Bottle

This is always a great way to take care of your health and the environment long term. Here are some affordable water bottles to choose from

23. Doodle

If you’re more on the creative side then doodling is another great way to clear your mind.

24. Color In A Coloring Book

If you think coloring is just for kids, then you are really missing out. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.

You can get some cute coloring books here.

25. Order Your Favorite Meal To Go

This is my personal favorite way to practice self-care.

26. Pet An Animal

Petting an animal actually decreases your stress hormone. If it’s not your pet, then please make sure you get the owner’s consent first.

27. Try A New Hairstyle

Trying a new hairstyle is either really fun or really annoying. There is no in-between. If it lands on the side of being annoying just take a break and choose some other 5 minute self care ideas off this list.

28. Wash Your Hair

I know this is another self-care idea that will probably take longer than 5 minutes but it is still a good self-care idea that you can squeeze into your schedule.

29. Clip Your Nails

You clipping your nails is just as therapeutic as someone else clipping them.

30. Visualize Your Future Self Being Successful

Visualizing yourself achieving your current goals is a great way to get yourself motivated to take action. If you want to learn more about visualization and how to do it check out my article on The Most Powerful Manifestation Technique

31. Fold Your Clothes

This is one of those 5 minute self care ideas that does not appear to be self-care at first but it’s very satisfying once you do it.

32. Clean Your Mirror

I know this one is a bit random, but I wanted to include it on the list because I love looking in the mirror and when I clean them it just feels oddly satisfying.

33. Do A 60-Second Plank

Exercise of some sort is a fantastic way of taking care of yourself physically and mentally. It’s also a great way to make yourself feel accomplished for the day.

34. Light A Candle

Lighting a candle is super simple yet super calming at the same time.

35. Reach Out To That One Person You’ve Been Meaning To Reach Out To

This one may take a bit longer than 5 minutes (if the conversation gets good) but it’ll make you feel better.

36. Take A Shower/Bath

Taking a shower/bath is at the top of my list of things to do when I’m in need of a recharge. If you want to amp up the experience, play some music or light a candle.

37. Read Something Positive

Look up “positive news today in the world” and choose something that calls your name.

38. Paint Your Nails

You don’t have to get too fancy with it. Plus you can practice doing your nails on your right hand; the more you do it the better you’ll get at it.

39. Choose Some Pictures For A Vision Board

If you’ve been wanting to make a vision board but don’t have too much time on your hands, choose some of the pictures you want to add.

40. Do A Quick Breathing Exercise

Set a timer. Close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose. Hold for about 3 seconds. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat.

41. Give Yourself A Scalp Massage

It promotes hair growth and it feels absolutely amazing. Plus it only takes a few minutes.

42. Get The Dirt From Under Your Fingernails

I’m not trying to be funny when I say this (well, write it) but cleaning from under your fingernails is a quick way to take care of yourself. It’s easily accessible and it’ll make you feel good.

43. Sign Up For A Volunteer Session

Giving back always feels good. To find volunteer opportunities in your city look up “volunteer opportunities *insert your city*”

44. Give Someone A Compliment

Complimenting someone is another way to give back to this world. It may seem minor but you never know what type of ripple effect you can cause by making someone feel better. Don’t overthink it, just say how you feel, and keep it respectful.

45. Write A To-Do List For The Day

Writing your to-do list for the day is a small yet effective way to feel accomplished.

46. Say Something Positive About Yourself

Try to find some things about yourself that you love.

Your smile
Your style
Your laugh
Your beautiful vibe
Your resilience

47. Clean Out Your Car

I know this may take longer than 5 minutes, so if you truly only have 5 minutes then try to focus on one area like your storage compartment on the passenger side or middle console.

48. Throw Away Random Trash In Your Room/Space

Throwing things away is oddly therapeutic, and you don’t even have to go overboard with it either. Sometimes just picking up all the little pieces of trash can go a long way.

49. Delete Some Old Photos From Your Phone

If you’re anything like me, chances are there are thousands of duplicate pictures that really don’t need to be on your phone. While this may not be the same as physically cleaning something out, it’s still quite satisfying.

50. Write Down All The Random Things Going On In Your Mind

Doing a quick brain dump is always nice. Just write down everything that’s on your mind in no particular order.

51. Drink A Protein Drink

A protein drink or veggie powder will work here too. Just anything that will nourish your body and relax your mind.

52. Eat A Piece Of Fruit

Eating a piece of fruit may not seem like self-care but it actually is because you’re nourishing your body and enjoying something delicious at the same time.

53. Cut Up That Pineapple That’s Been Sitting In Your Kitchen

It’s probably ripe by now anyway.

54. Lay Down And “Rest Your Eyes” For 5 minutes

Sometimes the best thing you can do is to do nothing. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a break just sit back and do nothing. Just “be” for about 5 minutes.

55. Put On A Nice Scent

Pick out your favorite perfume and rock that ish!

56. Choose A Cute Outfit For Tomorrow

When you look good you feel good and when you feel good you perform good.

57. Look Up At The Stars

Looking up at the stars is a great way to recharge and relax at the same time. Not to mention it’s free.

58. Cuddle With Your Kid

This is one of those 5 minute self care ideas that are good for both you and your kid. Plus it strengthens the relationship you guys have and it will be incredibly meaningful to your kid.

59. Read A Book With Your Kid

This is another meaningful way to spend time with your kid. If neither of you likes to read books then you guys could also color together or create something together (like a meal).

60. Walk Outside Barefoot

Walking outside barefoot is a great way to connect with nature. It’s also a great way to cut your foot if you’re not careful, so I’d suggest walking in the grass, not in areas where bees are.

61. Sit In The Sun For 5 Minutes

The sun will recharge you.

62. Give Yourself A Massage With A Massager

Giving yourself a massage is a great way to take a moment and step back. If you’ve been looking for a good massager this one works wonders.

63. Sing Your Favorite Song At The Top Of Your Lungs

This is the most optimal by yourself so you can really just let it out. Very liberating if I do say so myself.

64. Have A Random Dance Session

This is also the most optimal by yourself because you don’t have to worry about anyone judging your moves.

65. Break Some Glass That You’ve Been Meaning To Throw Away

Breaking glass wound up making the list because it’s very liberating. This could be an old candle or plates you’ve been meaning to get rid of. Please make sure you do this in an area where it won’t harm anyone.

66. Clean Off The Random Stuff On Top Of Your Fridge

It needs it.

67. Clean Out The Old Stuff In Your Fridge/Cabinet

This will help you throw away stuff you don’t need anymore and make space for new things in your life. Figuratively and literally.

68. Clean Out Your Drunk Drawer

This one may take a little longer than 5 minutes but when you’re done it feels very fulfilling.

69. Use A Massage Ball

I prefer this one.

70. Eat A Piece Of Your Favorite Chocolate

This is a great way to take care of yourself in my opinion. Yeah, it may not be healthy but so what? It’s one piece of chocolate and sometimes you have to take a step back and just enjoy things in life. Why not with a piece of chocolate?

71. Moisturize Your Skin/Hair

Moisturize moisturize moisturize

72. Learn The Lyrics To Your Favorite Song Right Now

This may not be super self-care but it does feel good once the song comes on and you know every word.

73. Buy Some Girl Scout cookies

If it’s the season for it, get you some Girl Scout cookies. It’s a great way to give back to the community and yourself.

74. Delete All The Social Media Apps For A Dedicated Amount Of Time

A great way to disconnect for the day is to delete all of the social media apps off your phone. This doesn’t have to be forever, just commit to 1-3 days.

75. Watch The Sunset (Or Sunrise If You Get Up Early)

Watching the sunset is such a magical experience I honestly can’t explain it. No phones, no pictures, just watch the sunrise or sunset.

76. Vacuum Your Room

Normally vacuuming doesn’t take that long and is pretty satisfying especially if you can do the lines on the carpet.

77. Buy Yourself Some Flowers

We all deserve some flowers. Go treat yourself and get your favorite flowers.

78. Wash Your Sheets

Washing your sheets is a great way to reset and it gives you something to look forward to!

79. Make Yourself A Cocktail

If you’ve committed to not drinking then please skip this step. If you have not then here’s a quick recipe.

80. Open A Window

Great way to get fresh air and clear some of the energy out of the room

81. Light An Incense

If you want to take it a step further, get an incense that has a fresh smell. My personal favorites are the ones that smell like linen.

82. Organize Your Shoes

It’s something we all need to do and it’s surprisingly therapeutic.

83. Go Online Shopping

I tried my best to include affordable 5 minute self care ideas but this wouldn’t be a true self-care idea list if I didn’t suggest shopping. Just sayin’

How To Make Self-Care A Priority

Many of us can relate to having a jam-packed schedule and couldn’t possibly imagine adding one more thing to our plates.

But I want to tell you something. Fitting self-care into your day does not have to be an all-day event. Taking just 5 minutes a day to take care of yourself can make all the difference.

It may initially seem like a smart move to put off taking a break, but prolonging it will just do more damage in the long run.

Why?

Because you will get burned out. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

If you genuinely cannot make any extra time in your schedule, then try finding ways to incorporate self-care with the ordinary things in life that you need to be doing anyway such as:

Taking a shower
Eating a piece of fruit
Doing your hair

You have to take a moment to step back and truly make some time for yourself, my friend, even if it’s just 5 minutes.

When Is The Best Time to Incorporate Self Care?

The best time to incorporate this into your routine is to either:

The most optimal times to incorporate self-care are:

In the morning
On your lunch break
In the evenings
Right before bed

I highly suggest option number 1 (in the morning) because this is typically the time of the day when it’s the most quiet, you’re not tired, and it’s a great way to start your day.

I personally incorporate my 5 minutes self care ideas in the morning due to those same reasons listed above.

If I commit to doing them any other time then I will more than likely come up with some excuse as to why I’m not doing it.

That’s just me though.

Another great way to incorporate these ideas is randomly throughout the day because it takes the pressure off.

Regardless of what time you choose, just choose something and stick with it.

Make a goal to set aside time each day, or each week, to take care of numero uno (you). It’s extremely important.

Final Thoughts On 5 Minute Self Care Ideas

So there you have it folks! 83 self-care ideas that take 5 minutes or less. I suggest choosing only a few from this list to start because you don’t want to overwhelm yourself.

Let me know if the comments which 5 minute self care ideas were your favorite and if you have any to add to this list.

As always, I appreciate you for reading and I will catch you later!