Feel like you never have time for self care? We’ve all been there— But five minutes can change everything. These 100 self care ideas are able to fit in anyone’s routine, no matter how busy & I’m so excited to share them with you!

Mindfulness

1. Take 5 deep belly breaths
   
   
2. Do a body scan from head to toe
   
   
3. Sip a cup of tea or coffee in silence
   
   
4. Watch the clouds or nature for 5 minutes
   
   
5. Light a candle and focus on the flame
   
   
6. Sit outside and listen to birds
   
   
7. Smell your favorite essential oil
   
   
8. Try 5 minutes of mindfulness meditation
   
   
9. Lie down and rest your eyes
   
   
10. Use a calming breathing technique (e.g., 4-7-8)
    
    

Emotional Self-Care

11. Journal 3 things you’re feeling right now
    
    
12. Write a letter to your future self
    
    
13. Write a letter you’ll never send
    
    
14. Vent to your journal (uncensored)
    
    
15. Practice saying “I am enough” aloud
    
    
16. Cry if you need to — no shame
    
    
17. Revisit an old photo that brings joy
    
    
18. Listen to one song that reflects your mood
    
    
19. Make a list of everything on your mind
    
    
20. Give yourself a mental pep talk in the mirror

Physical Self-Care

21. Stretch your back, neck, and shoulders
    
    
22. Do 10 squats or jumping jacks
    
    
23. Give yourself a quick hand massage
    
    
24. Drink a full glass of water
    
    
25. Roll out your shoulders slowly
    
    
26. Sit or lie in child’s pose
    
    
27. Use a jade roller or gua sha
    
    
28. Dance to one song
    
    
29. Take a few slow sips of something nourishing
    
    
30. Apply lip balm or hand lotion mindfully

Mental Self-Care

31. Do a quick brain dump on paper or your phone
    
    
32. Unfollow 3 toxic social media accounts
    
    
33. Read 1 inspiring quote or mantra
    
    
34. Solve a mini puzzle (Sudoku, crossword)
    
    
35. Organize one messy corner of a drawer
    
    
36. Clean your phone screen or glasses
    
    
37. Read 1 page of a book
    
    
38. Watch a 5-min educational video
    
    
39. Set one intention for your day
    
    
40. List 5 things you can control today

• Free Self Care Planner Blog Post

Spiritual/Soul-Care

41. Say a prayer or word of gratitude
    
    
42. Write down 3 things you’re thankful for
    
    
43. Light incense and sit with your thoughts
    
    
44. Pull an oracle or tarot card
    
    
45. Read a verse, mantra, or affirmation
    
    
46. Repeat an affirmation 10 times
    
    
47. Write down what your “ideal self” feels like
    
    
48. Speak a hope or dream aloud
    
    
49. Watch the sunrise/sunset
    
    
50. Sit with your hand on your heart and breathe

Creative & Fun Self-Care

51. Doodle or draw something random
    
    
52. Create a mood board on Pinterest
    
    
53. Pick a color and take photos of items in that shade
    
    
54. Sing loudly to your favorite song
    
    
55. Do a 5-minute photo shoot of yourself
    
    
56. Play a silly game on your phone
    
    
57. Try a simple DIY or craft
    
    
58. Write a mini poem or haiku
    
    
59. Color one section of an adult coloring book
    
    
60. Change your phone wallpaper to something inspiring
    

• 100 Daily Affirmations for Women Blog Post

Digital Detox

61. Set your phone to Do Not Disturb for 5 minutes
    
    
62. Delete one app you don’t use
    
    
63. Turn off social media notifications
    
    
64. Log out of Instagram or TikTok
    
    
65. Clean up your camera roll
    
    
66. Reorganize your home screen
    
    
67. Put your phone in another room and just be
    
    
68. Sit in silence with no screen or distraction
    
    
69. Listen to your breathing instead of music
    
    
70. Read from a physical book or magazine
    
    

Quick Beauty & Comfort Rituals

71. Do a face mist spritz + deep breath
    
    
72. Use a warm washcloth to refresh your face
    
    
73. Apply a lip mask or balm
    
    
74. Rub lotion into your feet
    
    
75. Use dry shampoo or brush your hair
    
    
76. Splash cool water on your face
    
    
77. Put on your favorite comfy socks
    
    
78. Wrap yourself in a soft blanket
    
    
79. Apply under-eye cream or a cooling gel
    
    
80. Put on a cozy hoodie or sweater
    
    

Connection-Based Self-Care

81. Text someone “thinking of you”
    
    
82. Send a funny meme to a friend
    
    
83. Leave a voice note to a loved one
    
    
84. Compliment someone in real life or online
    
    
85. Hug someone (or your pet!)
    
    
86. Scroll through happy photos with a friend
    
    
87. Call someone and say hi — even briefly
    
    
88. Share a gratitude post
    
    
89. Comment something kind on a stranger’s post
    
    
90. Write down 3 people you’re grateful for

Tiny Acts of Productivity

91. Make your bed
    
    
92. Wipe down your desk or nightstand
    
    
93. Load or unload 5 things from the dishwasher
    
    
94. Fold a few pieces of laundry
    
    
95. Set a timer and tidy your space
    
    
96. Throw out 3 things you don’t use
    
    
97. Clean your water bottle or coffee mug
    
    
98. Clear 5 emails or texts
    
    
99. Declutter your purse or backpack
    
    
100. Prep one healthy snack for later
     
     

Bonus Tips:

• Even if you only do ONE thing from this list, you’re honoring yourself.
  
  
• Print or screenshot your favorite sections.
  
  
• Self Care Routine That Changed My Life Blog Post
  
  

How to incorporate these practices day-to-day

Morning Grounding Combo

1. Deep breathing (1 min)

2. Stretch your body (2 min)

3. Set an intention for your day (2 min)

Start your day grounded and connected. This combo helps wake up your body, regulate your nervous system, and get your mind in the right space before diving into tasks or social media.

Mental Detox Combo

1. Do a brain dump in your notes app (2 min)

2. Unfollow 3 toxic accounts (1 min)

3. Read one page of a book or quote you love (2 min)

Great for clearing out mental clutter and reconnecting with healthier inputs. You’re not just decluttering your mind — you’re shifting your entire energy.

Evening Wind-Down Combo

1. Journal 3 things you’re grateful for (2 min)

2. Apply your favorite lotion or hand cream (1 min)

3. Sit in silence or stretch gently (2 min)

Wind down peacefully and signal to your body that it’s time to rest. This simple combo supports emotional balance and improves your sleep quality.

Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be long, luxurious, or saved for a special occasion. It can be simple, intentional, and still incredibly powerful. Taking just five minutes out of your day to check in with yourself can boost your mood, lower stress, and help you feel more grounded. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule, feeling overwhelmed, or just need a quick reset, small acts of self-care can make a big difference — and they’re absolutely worth prioritizing.