Don’t have much time for long self care sessions? Try these 10 best self care practices that you can do in 10 minutes or less!
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. Many of us believe that self-care requires hours of our time, but in reality, even just 10 minutes a day (and even less) can significantly improve our overall well-being.
Whether you have a packed schedule or struggle to find time for yourself, these short self care practices can make a big difference. By dedicating a few minutes each day to care for your mental, emotional, and physical health, you can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and boost your energy levels.
In this blog post, I share 10 self care practices that can be done in 10 minutes or less. These practices range from self care practices for mental health to physical self-care activities, each offering unique benefits.
As a mum and a blogger, I know how hard it is to find time for self-care. However, I’ve found that just a few minutes a day, scattered throughout the day, has made a tremendous difference in my life. Not only has this approach helped me lose over 17kg—self-care has undeniably contributed to my weight loss journey—but it has also helped me manage postpartum depression, reduce anxiety and stress, and become the healthiest and happiest version of myself.
You’ll discover that although these self-care practices are categorized into mental, physical, and emotional segments, they all interlink. A physical self-care activity will also benefit your mental and emotional well-being. So, even if you choose just one practice from a particular category, you’ll find it supports your overall health in many ways.
This post is all about best self care practices!
Self Care Practices For The Body
1. Stretching
A 5-10 minute gentle stretching session is a fantastic self-care practice for your physical and mental well-being. It helps relax your muscles, improve flexibility, and alleviate any tension or stress you may be feeling.
I love incorporating a 10-minute stretching routine in the morning or evening, especially when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Trust me, it can instantly calm you. I also include this on my rest days to ensure that even then, I’m moving my body in a gentle and caring way. Check out the 10-minute stretching routine I follow HERE —it’s sure to make you feel calm and relaxed.
2. Quick Workout Routine
This is my absolute favourite self-care practice, which I do five times a week. Many of us lead busy lives or feel exhausted after work, making a 20-minute or longer workout seem daunting. Instead of putting pressure on yourself, try a 10-minute workout and see how amazing you feel. There are plenty of 10-minute workout videos on YouTube, and one of my favorites is by Growwithjo.
This self-care practice can be done at any time of the day and only takes 10 minutes. It helps boost endorphins, improves energy levels, and promotes overall health by reducing stress and tension.
3. Hydration Break
This self-care practice can be as simple as taking a break to drink some water, but even better is preparing a cup of herbal tea. Herbal tea is not only hydrating but also very calming. I do this every evening before bed to help me relax, and it has also helped reduce any feelings of overwhelm or stress from the day.
Staying hydrated is essential for your physical health. It improves your immune system, supports gut health, clears your skin, and leads to healthier hair and nails.
4. Enjoy A Healthy Snack
Enjoy a nutritious snack like a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or some yogurt. Eating something healthy can give you a quick energy boost and keep your body nourished.
This small self-care practice is part of my evening routine while I enjoy a herbal tea (two self-care practices in one). It makes me happy as I savor a healthy snack that I truly enjoy, leaving me feeling amazing. Here are some of my favorite healthy snacks you can enjoy in the evening:
- Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes (these are insane!!!)
- Banana Bread (gluten free)
- Cookie Dough Baked Oats
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Self Care Practices For Mental Health
5. Mindful Breathing
This is an excellent self-care practice for those days when you feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. All you need is a quiet place—your desk, bed, or even the kitchen. Sit comfortably and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this for 10 minutes to calm your mind and reduce stress.
6. Reading A Book
Spend 10 minutes or less reading a few pages of a book. It’s a wonderful way to relax your mind, discover something new, and take your thoughts away from daily stresses. This practice has been incredibly helpful for me during overwhelming times.
I’d let my daughter play in the garden while I sat nearby with a book. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I pause all tasks and immerse myself in reading for a few minutes. Even just a couple of minutes of reading helps shift my focus away from stress.
Another perfect time for this self-care practice is during your evening routine, right before bed. Reading a few pages for 2-10 minutes can work wonders to calm your mind and help you unwind.
7. Journaling
Journaling can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes and can be done once or twice a day, in the morning and at night. There are various types of journaling, such as writing down your thoughts, feelings, or a gratitude list. This practice helps you process emotions, gain clarity, and provides a mental release, ultimately boosting your mood.
I even created my own gratitude journal, which you can find HERE. It’s different from most journals because it features weekly challenges focused on healthy habits and self-care, encouraging you to prioritize your well-being and become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
Self Care Practices For Emotions
8. Visualisation
When I first heard of visualization as a self-care practice, I was a bit skeptical and wondered how it could help with mental and emotional well-being. Let me tell you—it really does. Spend 5-10 minutes visualizing a peaceful place or a positive outcome for a situation you’re facing.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a serene environment or achieving your goals. Visualization can reduce stress, boost motivation, and improve your overall emotional state.
I love doing this practice when I start to doubt myself and feel unmotivated, especially when it feels like I might not achieve my goals and dreams. Try it a few times, and you’ll see how much better it makes you feel and how it can improve your emotional state.
9. Connecting With A Loved One
Call or message a friend or family member for a quick chat. Social connections are vital for emotional health, and a brief conversation can brighten your day and reduce feelings of loneliness. Your friend or family member might need that connection just as much as you do.
You can also practice this self-care in various ways throughout the day. Consider doing a quick workout together, enjoying a healthy snack, or going for a short walk and chat for 10 minutes.
10. Positive Affirmations
You can combine this self-care practice with journaling, effectively accomplishing two practices at once. In my gratitude journal (available in my store HERE), there’s a morning section for writing down affirmations, allowing you to engage in both practices simultaneously.
This self-care practice doesn’t have to be written. You can also repeat positive affirmations to yourself, listen to them, or read them out loud. Doing this can build self-esteem, reduce negative self-talk, and foster a positive mindset.
This post was all about the best self care practices that can be done in 10 minutes or less.
I hope you found this helpful!
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Lots of love, Mariam x
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