143 of the Best 5 Minute Self Care Ideas

We often think of self care as something we don’t have time for. It’s something to schedule in — something that we have to go out of our way to make space for on our to-do list.

I’m here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case. Five minute self care ideas really do exist.

Today I’m sharing some of my favorite self care ideas that don’t take long at all. You can use these when you have some spare time in the morning, afternoon, or evening, to add a little self care to your day.

There’s (almost) always time for self care

It might not feel like it, but there’s almost always enough time for some self care — even if it’s just a tiny moment.

Self care doesn’t have to mean running a bath and relaxing in it for an hour, or spending the afternoon rewatching your favorite TV shows. Self care can be as small as drinking a glass of water, listening to your favorite song, writing a gratitude list, or taking a few deep breaths. There are so many self care practices and ideas you can try out that don’t need much time or energy.

These short and sweet self care ideas are ideal for when your energy levels are low, you have a busy schedule, or when you’re approaching burnout. Even a few minutes of self care can dramatically change the way your day feels — without the need for an in-depth self care routine.

How to use these 5 minute self care ideas

When you don’t have long, having a list of quick ideas to pull from in the present moment can be so useful — which is why I’ve put together this guide!

Here’s how I’d recommend using it:

• Save this blog post as a bookmark so you can come back to it later
• Write down your favorite ideas in a notepad
• Copy the list of self care ideas over to Notion for your own personal use
• Print out the list and put it up somewhere in your room
• Print the list, cut every idea out, and add them to a self care jar

However you use the list, I hope it helps you find some small ways you can introduce self care moments into your everyday life.

When to just a few minutes for self care

Finding the actual time to take a break for yourself can be tough. Everyone’s lives are different, but here are a few moments in the everyday where I’ve found you can sometimes steal a few minutes away to practice self care:

• While you wait for the kettle to boil
• On your commute
• Before you get out of bed
• While you wait for the kids at school
• Before you unwind before bed
• While you wait for the oven to warm up
• Between meetings or calls
• Before or after your lunch break
• If you get up five minutes earlier

What do you think? Maybe you can find one of these moments for yourself today or tomorrow!

143 of the best 5 minute self care ideas for when you’re low on time or energy

Let’s take a look at some tiny self care tips and moments to try out. Each of these self care ideas can take as little as five minutes to complete, but you can make them last longer if you want to.

1. Drink a glass of water
2. Turn on your favorite playlist
3. Text a friend or loved one
4. Apply hand lotion or cream
5. Try a quick workout
6. Add to your bucket list
7. Watch the sky
8. Open the curtains and let some light in
9. Download a new app or game
10. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
11. Wash your face
12. Write a gratitude list
13. Download a printable self care planner
14. Try a scalp massage
15. Have a quick shower
16. Watch a short positive video
17. Try a new yoga pose
18. Declutter one surface or drawer
19. Turn on an essential oil diffuser
20. Read a positive affirmation
21. Doodle
22. Take some deep breaths
23. Relax your body
24. Look at cute animal videos
25. Update your Pinterest boards
26. Make your bed
27. Fill in a five minute journal
28. Look for a movie or TV show to watch later
29. Snuggle up in a blanket
30. Put on a face mask
31. Try a quick meditation
32. Dance to your favorite song
33. Plan a day trip
34. Make a quick and easy snack
35. Read a lighthearted article
36. Tidy your bedroom
37. Work on a new habit
38. Order a small self care treat
39. Put on some perfume or cologne
40. Get lost in a daydream
41. Update your self care vision board
42. Give the bathroom a quick clean
43. Check in with a friend or coworker online
44. Tidy your workspace
45. Plan your afternoon or evening
46. Change into some cozy clothes
47. Read inspirational quotes
48. Brush and style your hair
49. Put on some cozy socks or slippers
50. Scroll through social media
51. Rest your eyes
52. Pay someone a compliment
53. Try a hair mask
54. Eat your favorite snack
55. Watch funny videos
56. Try a new skincare or makeup product
57. Read a few pages of a book
58. Make plans with a friend
59. Listen to a new song
60. Post to your social media account
61. Find inspiration for your next project
62. Tidy your kitchen surfaces
63. Smile at someone in the street
64. Tidy your closet
65. Do a quick quiz or brain teaser
66. Find some new journal prompts
67. Write a review of something you loved
68. Sit in silence
69. Make your own self care menu
70. Sing out loud
71. Write in your gratitude or self love journal
72. Call someone special
73. Go on a walk for some fresh air
74. Try a new hairstyle
75. Romanticize making a drink
76. Read a review of something you want to buy
77. Find someone new to follow on YouTube
78. Declutter your photos
79. Lie down and rest for a moment
80. Write a quick meal plan
81. Read a feel-good news story
82. Start planning a self care day
83. Put some fresh flowers in a vase
84. Update who you follow on social media
85. Trim or paint your nails
86. Get excited about a vacation or day off
87. Watch a movie trailer
88. Enjoy a healthy snack
89. Plan your outfit
90. Do some stretches
91. Try a coloring book
92. Light a scented candle to de-stress
93. Leave a positive comment for someone
94. Hydrate!
95. Plan out a new daily routine
96. Listen to a short podcast
97. Drink some herbal tea
98. Wake up earlier and read a few pages of a book
99. Buy some new bubble bath
100. Drink chamomile tea
101. Eat some fresh fruit
102. Listen to a guided meditation
103. Read an affirmation to uplift your mood
104. Eat some nourishing food
105. Try a breathing exercise
106. Do a few jumping jacks
107. Practice deep breathing to release tension
108. Try a foot massage
109. Do a brain dump
110. Try a mini meditation exercise
111. Play a quick game on your phone
112. Try a mini hand massage
113. Use a foam roller
114. Put on some body lotion
115. Create something new
116. Doodle on your journal
117. Write down a list of what matters to you
118. Meditate to reduce stress
119. Dedicate time to replying to a friend or family member
120. Write your own self care list
121. Write down what a fulfilling life would look like to you
122. Have a quick self massage
123. Take a walk in the fresh air
124. Read about self love and self compassion
125. Create a regular self care moment in your busy schedule
126. Stretch to release tension
127. Listen to a well being podcast
128. Find new ways to practice self care
129. Be quiet and listen to nature for a few minutes
130. Watch a video podcast about mental health and well being
131. Create a piece of artwork
132. Appreciate how you’ve overcome one of life’s challenges
133. Rank your favorite self care activities so far
134. Reflect on how you can make your busy life more calm
135. Relax with a massage ball
136. Imagine your best self
137. Look for a way to turn a time consuming task into a simple one
138. Color with colored pencils
139. Write down 10 things you appreciate about your body and mind
140. Listen to a feel good playlist
141. Watch a video on reducing stress
142. Take a cool shower so you’re feeling refreshed
143. Write about your favorite self care practice

Turn small moments into self care opportunities

Self care doesn’t have to be big or fancy to be impactful to our wellbeing. In fact, some of these 5 minute self care activities might be more rewarding or beneficial to our physical and mental health than dedicating an entire morning or weekend to the practice.

Take inspiration from these 5 minute self care ideas whenever you need a small pick-me-up or break from your day. Set a five minute timer and see what happens when you prioritize self care, even if you only have a short amount of time.

Turn a handful of these into a mini morning routine or evening routine, or add them to your self care menu or self care day plans instead. After all, it only takes a few minutes to practice mindfulness and improve your overall well being.