45+ Simple 5 Minute Self-Care Activities When You Have No Time

You’re in bed, about to turn off the lights after a busy day, and, once again realize, you didn’t have any time for self-care.

There are never enough hours in the day, and even if there were more, we would likely fill them with even more tasks.

So, what do we do?

We have to MAKE time for self-care. Luckily, there are lots of self-care activities you can do in just 5 minutes.

Even just those few minutes will make you feel better and give you the boost you need to keep going.

Check them out!

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Get the printable to take care of yourself

5 Minute Self-Care Activities

Do some stretches.
Do Yoga.
Freshen up – wash your face and hands.
Put on some perfume.
Apply some moisturizer.
Brush your hair and put it up.
Have a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
Cuddle your pet.
Think about what you can do to treat yourself on the weekend.
Go for a walk around the block or in your backyard.
Have a super quick shower and put some fresh clothes on.
Apply a face mask.
Send a message to a friend and ask how they’re going.
Light a candle and put a diffuser on.
Tidy up and put things away.
Read a few pages of your book.
Have some water – maybe with a slice of lemon or lime.
Have your favorite snack.
Draw a picture.
Squeeze a stress ball.
Make dinner plans with a friend for the weekend.
Open the windows and let some fresh air into your place.
Brush your teeth.
Put some lipstick on.
Take a foot bath.
Take off your nail polish.
File your nails.
Take out your earrings, clean them, and put them back in.
Clean out your handbag.
Write a to-do list.
Declutter a draw.
Give yourself a hand, foot, or neck massage.
Call your hairdresser and book an appointment.
Make a plan about how you can surprise a loved one.
Look up a recipe to have for dinner.
Do a crossword puzzle.
Put on some fresh socks. (it makes such a difference!)
Listen to your favorite song.
What are the things you are grateful for in your life right now? Write them down.
Do some journaling (check out these anger journal prompts).
Lay down and do nothing.
Organize your thoughts.
Write down a plan for your personal self-love routine.
Close your eyes and remember your happiest memory.
Sit in the sun and close your eyes.
Meditate.
Read a few affirmations or self-care quotes.
Take some deep breaths.
Sit outside, close your eyes and focus on what you can hear: birds, traffic noise, people talking, etc. Don’t judge, just listen.
Daydream.
Work through a few self-reflection questions.

Want to get started with journaling? Try out these writing prompts for beginners!

Why Do We Need Self-Care?

Most of your day is consumed by others and their expectations. Your family, employer, friends, pets, etc.

Not to mention the chores you have to do at home.

You might even think you’re not worthy of self-love and self-care (learn here how to overcome your barriers to self-care).

How can you be of any help to others, if you’re exhausted and overwhelmed? So, it’s essential to put yourself first.

These 5 minute self-care ideas make you re-gain your strength to master your busy life.

Besides, it’s much easier to commit to 5 minutes here and there than to a full spa treatment.

What Are Self-Care Activities?

Self-care activities are things you do to nurture your body, mind, and soul.

Self-care activities don’t ‘happen’ to you, you need to actively make time for them and choose what you would like to do.

If you do self-care activities intentionally, only just 5 minutes of them will make a big change to your day and mindset!

There are 6 different types of self-care:

Physical self-care
Practical self-care
Social self-care
Mental Self-Care
Emotional self-care
Spiritual self-care

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What Are The 3 Rules of Self-Care?

Self-care consist of 3 different areas: physical, mental, and emotional self-care.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care means feeding your body healthy foods, staying active by going for a walk or doing exercise, and also taking the time to rest when you need it.

If you’re in pain, it’s your responsibility to see a doctor or someone who can help you. Also, going to the dentist is an act of physical self-care.

Mental Self-Care

Activities for mental self-care look different for everyone. The main aim is to unwind and relax. Take a break from social media and just be with yourself.

Get creative, read a book, or start a veggie garden!

Do whatever makes you happy.

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional self-care means listening to yourself and your feeling actively and intentionally.

Write in your journal, meditate, or read some affirmations to find back to your true self and to see how you are REALLY going.

What Are The 6 Rules of Self-Care?

In addition to the physical, mental, and emotional self-care, there are 3 more self-care types to practice full self-care.

Practical Self-Care

This is probably something we don’t see as self-care, but it’s vital for you to have a good life and look after yourself. Practical self-care includes things such as:

Creating a budget so you don’t suffer from financial hardship
Working on your career or taking professional development classes
Cleaning and organizing your house/apartment, which will keep you healthy

Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-care means something different for everyone. Some see this as a time to pray.

For others it means going for a walk, connecting with nature, and reflecting on themselves and the world around them. Meditating and Yoga are acts of spiritual self-care as well.

Social Self-Care

Social self-care includes activities that strengthen your relationships with others, such as your family and friends.

Be sure to stay in contact with everyone regularly, check up on them, and make time to meet them for lunch, a walk in the park, or invite them for dinner.

Do You Have More Time Than 5 Minutes?

Try having a relaxing bubble bath or a rejuvenating self-care shower as part of your evening routine.

In addition, you can also try out some of these 100 self-care ideas to feel recharged and motivated again.

About The Author of 5 Minute Self-Care Activities

Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.

Find out more about her here or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.

Simple 5 Minute Self-Care Activities When You Have No Time [+ PRINTABLE]