Self care. It's funny, but whenever things get too much, or too busy, or too stressful, my self-care routines are always the first to get pushed to one side. In all honesty, though, that's the time we need self-care the most.
As a qualified yoga teacher, I'd like to think I've learned a thing or two about self-care over the years. So here are my top tips for self-care practices that take less than 5 minutes, so you can almost definitely find a way to squeeze them in, even when you think you don't have the time.
1- Breathe. Take some deep, calming breaths. I like to close my eyes and breathe in for a count of 3, and out for a count of 3. It's so easy that you can do this anywhere!
2- Get some fresh air. Get outside. You'll be glad you did.
3- Have a cup of tea.
4- Cuddle a pet.
5- Stretch (there are plenty of videos online with quick 5 minute stretches or yoga flows if you need inspiration)
6- Take your shoes off and go barefoot on some grass.
7- Buy yourself some flowers.
8- Write down 5 things you're grateful for.
9- Listen to your favourite song.
10- Put on hand cream.
11- Light a candle
12- Take a 5 minute screen break (no cheating! Step away from your phone!)
13- Paint your nails
14- Grab a healthy snack
These are just a few of the many ways you can practice self-care. Remember, self-care might look like something else for you- perhaps it's exercise that makes you feel better, or a face mask, or a phone call to a friend, roller skating, playing board games or journaling. Whatever works- you do you!
