Self-Care Ideas You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less

Do you make time for self-care? Many people with busy lifestyles have such hectic schedules that they can’t put any time aside to take care of themselves. However, that doesn’t mean that you can abandon self-care. Proper self-care is an important part of work-life balance and has long-lasting effects on your physical and mental health. 

Even if you can’t reserve an hour or two for yourself, there are some ways you can sneak in your self-care throughout your day. Here are a few self-care ideas you can do in 10 minutes or less, so that you can prioritize yourself wherever you are.

Self-care ideas you can do at work

1. Do some digital decluttering. A cluttered inbox leads to an uncluttered mind. Clearing up your emails and text messages can help your mental state much more than you might think. You can take it a step further if you have time by clearing up your contacts and photo gallery.
2. Tidy up your workspace. In the same vein, a messy desk won’t help you focus on your work. Take a few minutes to give your table a good wipedown to clear up all the dust. Toss out or recycle old papers you don’t need, and check your drawers for any trash.
3. Do some deep breathing exercises. A good breathing exercise lowers anxiety, reduces stress hormones, and increases your energy levels. Take a ten-minute break at your desk just to breathe. Sometimes, breathing exercises are what you need to get back to work and be productive.
4. Step away from the work desk. Working for eight hours without any sort of break can tire you out fast. Even if you have a lot you need to do, it’s important to take time for yourself. Step away from the work desk for a few minutes and go to the breakroom, if you have one. If not, you can still take a quick walk around the office to help your wind down.
5. Get yourself your favorite snack or drink. Sometimes, all you need is a good treat to help you through the day. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, you can order some coffee or tea to keep you awake, or a muffin to keep you energized.
6. Listen to some music. If you’re allowed to listen to music as you work, it can really help you with your productivity and improve your mood. Ambient music without any lyrics can even help you concentrate better as you work.
7. Add movement to your work commute. Our busy lives make it much harder to include exercise in our schedule. One way to make sure you stay fit is by adding more movement to your daily commute. Even 10 minutes of walking in a day can make a huge difference.
8. Socialize with your coworkers. They say ‘no man is an island,’ and that saying applies at work, too. Don’t limit your interactions with your coworkers to strictly professional matters. Instead, get to know them better and learn more about who they are outside of their work! You might end up meeting your new best friend.
9. Check off something small in your to-do list. Starting off the day with a long, looming list of tasks can be daunting. Starting with a couple smaller tasks can help you work your way up towards the larger tasks easier.
10. Take a lunch-break nap. Make the most of that one-hour break! Try to take a 10 minute power nap before or after eating your lunch. It’s only a short rest, but it might be all that you need to get through the day.

Self-care ideas you can do at home

1. Do some stretches. Warm your body up for the rest of the day’s work with some stretches. You can do your own stretching routine or look for an easy one to follow online.
2. Meditate. Meditating can be as simple as sitting still and quieting your mind, but there are a few techniques to make it easier. You can focus on one thing, such as your own breathing. Or, you can repeat a mantra to help your mind slow down.
3. Journal. Journaling is a great creative outlet that can also help you sort out your thoughts. It can be as simple as keeping a diary for you to spill all your thoughts on, or a detailed and well-decorated bullet journal to help keep track of all your appointments.
4. Try self-massaging. If you don’t have the time or money to book a massage, a quick self-massage can be just as effective. You can use a massage gun, a massage ball, or just your hands for some quick relaxation.
5. Go for a short walk. A quick stroll around your house exposes you to fresh air and the outdoor sights. Sometimes, a change of scenery can be all you need to pick you up.
6. Call a loved one. A quick talk with a friend or family member can pick your mood up and help you get back on your feet. It’s a great reminder of the support system that you have, letting you know that you’re not alone.
7. Make your bed and clear your bedside table. Just like clearing your work space, cleaning your bedside table can help clear your mind. Clear out any accumulated clutter, used water glasses, and 
8. Take a power nap. Set an alarm and snuggle up in bed for a quick nap. The ideal mid-day nap can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as an hour. Just make sure not to oversleep–you’ll only feel more tired when you wake up!
9. Try some brain games. Puzzles can be good exercise for your brain, keeping you sharp and focused. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, or modern games like Wordle are quick ways to keep your brain active.

Indulge in a hobby. Taking the time to do what you love can do wonders for your mental health, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Read a few pages of a new book, sketch something, or boot up your favorite video game.