5-Minute Self-Care Ideas You Can Do Anywhere

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Self-care activities can be soothing, as they minimize your stress while boosting your energy. The best news is you can do some of them in just five minutes or less. Whether you’re at home, in a hotel, or anywhere else, give these ideas a try. 

1. Stretch Your Body

Stretching can feel so soothing for the mind and body, especially if you’ve been seated for long hours. Stand up and practice simple or gentle stretches like the neck roll, shoulder roll, and calf stretch. You should dedicate about 30 to 60 seconds to working on a different muscle group, but you can also listen to how your body feels.   

2. Have a Meditation Session

Give your mind a workout by having a quick meditation session. For the best results, look for a quiet corner where you can sit and be alone with your thoughts. You can have prompts ready for what you’re going to contemplate, like an event that happened the other day or gauging your current energy levels. 

3. Practice Box Breathing

Deep breathing exercises like box breathing can provide a wonderful mental reset that sets you up for the rest of the day. Start by breathing in through the nose and count to four slowly. Hold for four seconds before exhaling through the mouth for the same amount of time. Repeat until you feel relaxed. 

4. Peel and Eat a Fruit

Healthy snacks like oranges and bananas can give you a boost of energy. They also keep hunger and anger at bay, which is ideal in between meals. Take your time to peel the skin away before munching on them mindfully. 

5. Get a Cup of Coffee

Get a cup of coffee or tea if you need a warm and soothing drink. It takes less than five minutes to make it yourself if you have the supplies, and it can be therapeutic to brew. Alternatively, it should take roughly the same amount of time if you’re ordering it at a local shop. 

6. Sing Along to Your Favorite Song

Nothing beats listening to your favorite song, especially if you sing along. Singing has some surprising health benefits. It releases endorphins, which are the hormones that make us happy, and can even lower blood pressure and stimulate your brain. On your drive home from work, put on your favorite tunes and belt your heart out.  

7. Go on a Brisk Jog

A quick five-minute jog can also be good self-care every now and then. It can help you regulate your energy levels while getting your blood pumping. If you’re still feeling a little sluggish, a leisurely walk can still give the same effect. 

8. Write Yourself a Note

Set up a widget on your phone where you can write yourself a note. You can leave a reminder to pick up groceries or give yourself a mini pep talk about how well you’re doing. Customize it with your favorite emojis and leave it on your screen for a bit. 

9. Text Someone You Love

Self-care can sometimes involve checking up on the people you care about for peace of mind. Text your relatives and friends about something you remembered or want to say to them. A funny cat video could also show that you care. 

10. Organize Your Space

Take five minutes to organize what you can around you. Clutter can make it difficult to focus since it divides your attention. Whether straightening up documents on your desk or rearranging the inside of your bag, direct yourself toward getting things into order. 

11. Lie Down

It’s easy to get overwhelmed from day to day, so take time to lie down for a while. Whether it’s a bed, a couch or a bench, call a timeout and take a rest. You can set up a timer to avoid dozing off, especially if you’re in a time crunch. 

12. Touch up Your Makeup

Looking good feels great, and you can help keep those emotions up by touching up your makeup. Whip out a mirror and use blotting sheets to get rid of oiliness. You can also swipe on a little lip gloss and add powder to mattify the skin for a quick pick-me-up. 

13. Look to the Sky

Take time to appreciate the sky, especially during late afternoons when the clouds gather and the sun is ready to set. Aside from getting a breathtaking view, it’s a much-needed screen break. You should look away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to minimize exposure to blue light, so you’d be really indulging yourself and your eyes by gazing at the sky for five minutes.

14. Go Starbathing

Find a quiet spot and admire the stars at night— it’s the perfect activity to do alone or with an astrophile in your life. The fewer artificial light sources like city lights, the brighter the sky will look. You can discover various star systems during these five minutes or make up your own constellations along the way. 

15. Wash Your Face

Wash your face to get rid of makeup, debris and sweat. Use a gentle facial cleanser twice to get your skin squeaky clean. If you’re not in a hurry, incorporate other products like a toner, serum and moisturizer. 

16. Brush Your Teeth

Freshen your breath by brushing your teeth. You should clean your teeth for two minutes minimum to get the front, sides and molars, but you can take your time to work on each section. You should also use other products like floss or mouthwash to eliminate the fibers and food stuck in your teeth. 

17. Make a Journal Entry

Practice your penmanship by whipping out a small journal and writing an entry for five minutes. It could be anything from recapping your day to doodling your feelings. Going through your diaries in the future can give a glimpse of what you’ve been through.

18. Plan What to Do Tomorrow

Some people find peace of mind by figuring out what they will do the next day. Have a quick mental brainstorming session of everything you’re expecting to do, from projects to chores to errands. You should also choose an activity to look forward to.

Prioritize Your Self-Care

Dedicate at least five minutes of your day to these easy and simple self-care ideas. You can do a little trial and error with each one throughout the week or pick your favorites to focus on. You’d be surprised at how big an impact these small acts can have in the long run.