119 5-Minute Self-Care Ideas To Treat Yourself Every Day

119 fun 5-minute activities for self-care that you can practice right now

Why did I come up with this blog post about 5-minute self-care ideas? Because the effectiveness of 5-minute self-care activities stems from their brief duration.

Even on a busy schedule, we can carve out five minutes of our day. We can concentrate for five minutes. There’s literally no excuse.

Five minutes of shared joy is enough to begin with, but you may find that you enjoy these minutes so much that you want even more at some point.

If you’ve had a bad week and are angry or frustrated, five minutes is all it takes to start recharging yourself. When you regularly connect with yourself, you learn what it means to be loved.

We frequently forget to enjoy life and rush from one day to the next.

We don’t usually spend much time thinking about what we could do today to make the next day or the future a lot better and less carefree.

Instead of that, we concentrate on getting through today, and the next day we think about how to roll into the evening.

You should take a pause every now and then to take a closer look at life. To pay more attention to minor details and learn to appreciate them.

You should learn to love yourself in addition to enjoying and loving life.

Think about it. Why should others take care of you if you don’t do it yourself? And who should look after you if you don’t look after yourself?

‘Now let’s talk about what to do during your 5-minute self-care breaks.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you click on a link and purchase something I recommend, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

It’s time to share some 5-minute self-care activities with you

1. Whiten your teeth

Crushed strawberries and baking soda are a simple teeth-whitening trick. Brush your teeth with this paste to achieve the desired result using natural means.

If it’s not strawberry season, try activated charcoal like this one.

2. Brush your hair

To get good-smelling hair, spray your favorite perfume on a comb and brush it through your curls. Hair absorbs a variety of odors, not all of which are always pleasant.

3. Exfoliate with coffee grounds in the shower

Why is it among these 5-minute self-care ideas? Ground coffee is a natural exfoliant that helps in the removal of dead skin, boosts circulation, and reduces cellulite.

Instead of throwing away the remnants of your morning coffee, store them in the bathroom until the evening.

4. Apply apple cider vinegar to your skin

Why? It’s antibacterial and antiviral, and it helps to clear clogged pores. Apply an apple cider vinegar and water mixture to your face, let it dry, and then apply some face cream.

If you do this on a daily basis, you will soon notice the difference!

5. Look up motivational quotes

This is one of my favorite self-care acts because reading motivational quotes is scientifically proven to improve your self-esteem, lift your mood, give you some inspiration, and help you deal better with obstacles.

And it’s totally free! Could it get better?

6. Meditate

If meditation is something new for you, it’s always a good idea to start slowly. Meditation means different things to different people.

I just like to sit down on a comfortable carpet, cross my legs, close my eyes, and try not to think about anything for 5 minutes while also trying to focus on my breathing.

7. Try practicing positive affirmations

Positive affirmations like these ones are a guaranteed way to improve your self-confidence, boost your mood, and start believing in yourself more.

Keep in mind that positive thoughts attract positive things, and vice versa.

8. Eat some fresh fruit

Fresh fruit is so good! It will give your body some energy, which might be exactly what you need at the moment. 

9. Massage your feet

Look up some self-massage techniques on Google, and you won’t regret it.

10. Just lay down for 5 minutes with no interruptions

Try not to think about anything. Relax your muscles, one by one. Your body will later thank you for that.

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11. Cuddle with a pet

Pets are a proven way to decrease your depression and anxiety, boost your mood, and make you appreciate life more.

12. Use a scalp massager

Five minutes is a short amount of time to go to a masseuse, but giving yourself a quick massage by massaging your own scalp with that scalp massager to help you relax is just as good.

It’s one of these 5-minute self-care ideas that will have an impact on both your physical health and mental health.

13. Listen to an uplifting speech

Listening to other people talk often gives us a totally new outlook on life. We can gain inspiration, good ideas, and directions on how to improve and become a better version of ourselves.

14. Use a diffuser to diffuse essential oils

Good smells will improve your mood, give you new ideas, and motivate you to keep going with your day. Good smells also remind us of heartwarming memories.

Here’s an affordable diffuser that you can use (and it comes with essential oils!).

15. Treat yourself by buying something online

I’m not saying money can make you happy, but I’m saying that treating yourself by buying yourself something isn’t a bad thing if it’s a calculated buy.

Don’t buy something just for the sake of buying something, but if you’ve been dreaming of buying a new notebook or some new pillowcases, just do it.

16. Daydream

I’m a huge fan of manifesting. I believe that by focusing on only good things, we can create our dream life and attract anything we’ve ever dreamed of.

Take five minutes to think about your dream life or a specific part of it that you wish to achieve.

While you’re dreaming, really focus on the positive emotions and gratitude. Soak it all in and think as if you’ve already achieved your goals.

This will help you get closer to your dreams faster because positive thoughts and emotions attract even more positivity.

17. Read positive news or stories

It’s always good to keep a positive outlook on life, and one way of doing so is by reading good news.

We often get caught up in gossip, but we need to keep in mind that if we want to attract positive things into our lives, we need to focus on surrounding ourselves with positivity and only positivity.

18. Do some breathing exercises

When you have a short break, practice breathing exercises. Deep breathing helps to lower tension by increasing the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Sit comfortably. Take deep breaths through your nose for four seconds, and then exhale deeply for eight seconds.

Do it five to ten times, paying attention to the sensations of each breath in your body. You can also try box breathing. You’ll soon notice that you feel more relaxed.

19. Write down everything you’re grateful for

Make a list of at least 25 things for which you are thankful. This could be everything, from your work to your health or family.

By expressing your gratitude and writing a gratitude list, you can steer your attention away from the things that are causing you anxiety and be reminded of all the positive things in your life.

20. Do a nice stretch

Your body releases tension and stress by stretching. Stretch your muscles for 5 minutes, paying special attention to any tight or tense regions.

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21. Empty your mind by creating a to-do list

It’s a quick self-care activity that’s also productive. Writing down everything that’s on your mind can help you focus and relax.

Do a brain dump and write down your daily tasks, the food you need to buy from the grocery store, or even the things that are causing you the most anxiety right now.

22. Call your friend or a family member

Sometimes all we need is a sympathetic ear and some assistance.

Calling your best friend or a family member might help you feel more connected and take the pressure off a difficult day.

23. Try coloring an adult coloring book

One of the best self-care ideas to unwind is coloring. Actually, any kind of art form works.

Coloring is a terrific way to unwind after a stressful day and is thought to help with attention and concentration.

You can either print out some free coloring pages from the internet or find a coloring book that appeals to you.

I personally like this motivational coloring book with swear words the most.

24. Do some light journaling

Writing your thoughts down can be a terrific way to analyze and work through your ideas and emotions.

Keeping a journal can also help you monitor your development and see how you’re improving over time.

Here’s a nice one-minute gratitude journal that’s also suitable for beginners and takes up literally ONE minute of your day.

25. Prepare a quick snack

It’s common to reach for unhealthy treats when we’re stressed. Instead of this, prepare a healthy snack for yourself rather than raiding the candy jar.

You can get a huge amount of energy from something like a banana or a handful of walnuts. My favorite snack is peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches with banana slices.

26. Sit outdoors and soak up some sunlight

Sometimes all we need to unwind and relax is some fresh air. Spend a couple of minutes relaxing and admiring the view in your backyard while being outside and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

27. Do some organizing

Being surrounded by clutter can be unpleasant and stressful. Spend five minutes decluttering your desk, drawers, or any other area that’s been causing you some anxiety.

28. Read a few chapters from a good book

Clearing your mind by reading can be quite beneficial. Reading has so many good benefits, from improved vocabulary to better memory and so on.

Pick your favorite book and read a few pages of it for five minutes.

29. Take a quick foot bath

It’s a good quick self-care idea to consider if you don’t have time for a spa day. Spend a few minutes pampering your feet in a foot bath with some Epsom salt or good-quality essential oils.

This is a fantastic technique to treat your feet if you spend most of the day on your feet.

30. Do your manicure or pedicure

One of the simplest 5-minute self-care activities to feel more put together is to paint your nails. Spend a few minutes painting your nails a color that makes you happy. Mine’s pink, for sure!

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31. Moisturize your cuticles and hands

Use oil and cream on your hands and cuticles while relaxing and watching a good TV show. It’s both relaxing and beneficial to your hands’ appearance.

If you want to really treat yourself, use this luxurious hand cream that smells really good.

32. Create a hair-washing routine

You can use these five minutes to establish and write down your hair-washing routine.

The most common cause of greasy hair in most people is overwashing, which causes the scalp to produce sebum even more actively.

If you let your hair stay oily a little longer between washes and reduce the number of days you wash your hair, you’ll notice that your hair doesn’t become oily as quickly after just a couple of weeks.

If you don’t like that idea, you can also take these 5 minutes to come up with your own self-care routine, daily routine, or morning routine.

33. Turn your world around

This is an unexpected but simple trick, so I thought it would be a good idea to include it. You only need to be upside down for a few minutes to achieve beautiful hair.

There is no need for acrobatics; simply sit in a chair and place your head between your legs. Then, for 2–5 minutes, massage your scalp.

It may appear to be inconvenient, but the end result is a healthier scalp and hair, as well as increased hair growth.

34. Create a hairstyle without using heat

There are numerous heat-free hairstyle tips floating around the Internet, but the best ones are time-saving methods that can be applied overnight, i.e., while sleeping.

What you can do is take five minutes after washing your head at night to braid damp hair, and when you wake up in the morning and untie your hair, you will be blessed with luxurious curls—no hair curler needed.

35. Exfoliate your lips

It’s one of those quick self-care ideas that also eliminates the need to purchase expensive products online.

Combine sugar and oil to make a simple homemade lip scrub, then rub the resulting mixture on your lips in gentle circular motions.

You can also use a warm, damp towel or a toothbrush. After exfoliation, apply a deeply moisturizing lip balm to your lips for beautiful, smooth lips!

36. Make your body glow

Do you want clear and radiant skin all over your body? To accomplish this, try rubbing a dry brush like this one or scrub all over your body.

This removes dead skin cells, revealing softer and smoother new skin. It also helps prevent the ingrown hairs that shaving usually causes.

37. Drink something warm

Whether you prefer coffee or tea, a warm beverage awakens your body. PS: Never skip breakfast!

38. Do some ice-cold water therapy

Cold water is one of the most underappreciated ideas for self-care. Try turning the water as cold as possible for a few minutes and then switching to warm water.

You can do it a few times every morning, and it will guarantee healthier skin.

If you don’t feel like showering, you can also try dipping your face in ice-cold water before applying makeup to shrink pores and improve blood circulation.

39. Play your favorite song that makes you happy

Listening to your favorite music is an excellent way to start your day. Listen to your favorite songs. It could be something energetic, which might even make you want to dance.

Then dance as if no one’s watching. Besides, if you start dancing, it not only lifts your mood but also acts as a mini workout.

40. Do some steaming

One of the most enjoyable aspects of getting a facial is having your face steamed. It opens the pores and allows the active ingredients in facial care products to absorb more easily.

However, you do not need to visit a spa or purchase expensive equipment for this; simply boil water. Then, place the boiled water in a large bowl and cover it with a large towel.

Make sure that the water isn’t too hot, because this will damage your skin. The steam will remain under the towel, opening your pores.

After that, apply a moisturizer or a face mask for even better results.

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41. Exfoliate your face

It’s one of those really great 5-minute self-care ideas.

Of course, you shouldn’t do this every morning, but exfoliating your face in the morning when you have an extra five minutes is one of the best things to try.

42. Use your favorite fragrance

Once you’ve made sure that your skin is clean and fresh, apply your favorite perfume, and you’re ready to start enjoying your day.

43. Make your bed

A bed that’s been made indicates that you are leaving the previous 24 hours behind and beginning a new chapter to start the day fresh.

A tidy bedroom makes our inner neatness fanatic (sometimes in a hidden form) happy and creates an overall better mood.

44. Do some eyelash therapy

Every woman wishes for long, thick lashes. Apply a mixture of aloe vera, vitamin E, and castor oil to your eyelashes before going to bed. After a month, you can expect to see results!

45. Apply a mask under your eyes

Lack of sleep and fatigue can result in dark circles under the eyes. Try a small amount of coconut oil mixed with ground coffee to provide relief.

For better results, apply the mask under your eyes three times a week.

46. Treat your nails

Many women are concerned about their nails breaking easily. Combine lavender oil, honey, and a small amount of coconut oil.

Apply the mixture to your nails, and you will notice a huge difference right away!

47. Refresh your face

After a long and tiring day, mix water and a little aloe vera gel and spray it on your face to get fresh facial skin. 

48. Sensory grounding exercise

Take a moment to tune into your senses and connect with your body. Close your eyes and focus on the feeling of your feet on the ground. Take a deep breath and notice the smells around you.

Run your hands over different textures and surfaces, noticing the sensations. Spend a few minutes simply being present in your body and paying attention to your surroundings.

49. Creative expression

It’s also among my favorite 5-minute self-care ideas. Set a timer for 5 minutes, and spend that time expressing yourself creatively.

You could write in a journal, draw or color, sing, dance, or play an instrument.

Creative expression can be a powerful form of self-care. It allows you to connect with your inner self and release any emotions or stress that you may be holding onto.

50. Laugh break

Take a quick break to watch a funny video, read a humorous article, or chat with someone who makes you laugh.

Laughter is a natural stress reliever and can help you feel more positive and relaxed in just a few minutes.

51. Drink a glass of water

Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall health, and drinking enough water can boost your mood, energy levels, and concentration.

So, grab your water bottle and drink water to feel revitalized.

53. Write a love letter to yourself

Take a few minutes at the end of the day to write down some things you love about yourself.

This is one of those easy self-care ideas that can boost your self-esteem, improve your mood, and help you appreciate your strengths and accomplishments.

54. Arrange fresh flowers

Surrounding yourself with beautiful things can uplift your spirits and improve your mood. So, pick some fresh flowers and arrange them in a vase to add some color and fragrance to your space.

55. Do a quick yoga session or watch YouTube videos on yoga

Yoga is a great activity that can improve flexibility and your mental well-being.

Grab your yoga mat, do some quick stretches, or watch some yoga videos on YouTube to feel refreshed and centered.

56. Take a quick shower and stay off social media

A quick shower can refresh your mind and body, and taking a break from social media can help you feel more present in the moment.

So, turn off your phone, hop in the shower, and enjoy a few minutes of uninterrupted time to yourself.

57. Create a vision board

Spend a few minutes gathering some images or quotes that inspire you and creating a vision board.

This is a great activity to help you clarify your goals, visualize your dreams, and boost your motivation.

58. Take a short walk in bare feet

Walking barefoot on grass or sand can ground you and help you feel connected to nature. Take a quick walk outside on your bare feet to improve your mood.

59. Write down five positive changes you’ve made

Reflect on the positive changes you’ve made in your life recently, whether they’re big or little things.

Write down five important things you’ve accomplished, and take a moment to feel proud of yourself.

More soothing acts of self-care that take up to 5 minutes

1. Remove your chipped nail polish (no judgment here).
2. Pin some inspiration on Pinterest.
3. Jump rope.
4. Write down three things you’re grateful for in a gratitude journal.
5. Sip a cup of herbal tea and savor the warmth and flavors.
6. Do a quick yoga pose, such as a downward dog or child’s pose.
7. Apply a face mask or do a quick skincare routine.
8. Spend a few minutes listening to calming instrumental music.
9. Savor a piece of dark chocolate.
10. Spend a few moments gazing out of a window, appreciating nature or the cityscape.
11. Read a few pages of a book or a poem that brings you joy.
12. Doodle or draw something simple.
13. Make your bed.
14. Have a quick dance party to your favorite upbeat song.
15. Do a quick decluttering session by tidying up a small area.
16. Spend a few minutes stretching your wrists and fingers if you’ve been using a computer or phone.
17. Use a foam roller to massage your muscles and release tension.
18. Watch a funny video or read a joke to have a good laugh.
19. Take a short walk outside and enjoy the fresh air.
20. Write a kind message or compliment to a friend or loved one.
21. Do a quick brain teaser or solve a puzzle.
22. Light a scented candle or use essential oils to create a calming atmosphere.
23. Talk to your partner.
24. Find new positive accounts to follow.
25. Watch a motivational or inspirational video.
26. Do a quick digital detox by turning off your phone for five minutes.
27. Use a stress ball or squeeze a soft object to release tension.
28. Write down one small goal or intention for the day.
29. Close your eyes and visualize yourself in a peaceful place.
30. Listen to guided meditation or relaxation audio.

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31. Do a few minutes of gentle stretching exercises.
32. Watch the sunset or sunrise, taking in the beauty of nature.
33. Browse through a photo album or old pictures that bring back happy memories.
34. Drink a glass of water mindfully, paying attention to each sip.
35. Practice progressive muscle relaxation by tensing and releasing each muscle group.
36. Spend a few minutes journaling your thoughts and feelings.
37. Do a quick desk or workspace organization.
38. Write down a worry or concern, then tear up the paper, symbolizing letting it go.
39. Look up at the sky and try to find shapes in the clouds.
40. Practice positive self-talk by repeating affirmations or compliments to yourself.
41. Do a quick mini-meditation by focusing on a single word or mantra.
42. Write down one thing you love about yourself.
43. Spend a few moments massaging your feet or rolling a tennis ball under them.
44. Take a power nap or practice a short guided nap meditation.
45. Engage in a creative activity like coloring or painting for a few minutes.
46. Listen to a favorite song from your childhood to evoke nostalgia.
47. Spend a few minutes petting or playing with a furry friend.
48. Browse a collection of inspiring quotes or affirmations.
49. Spend a few minutes in natural sunlight to boost your mood.
50. Write a quick note to yourself with a positive message or reminder.
51. Decide on a new TV show to start watching.
52. Spend a few moments in a comfortable position, focusing on your body’s sensations.
53. Do a quick digital declutter by organizing your computer files or deleting unnecessary emails.
54. Use a foam stress ball to squeeze and release tension.
55. Spend a few minutes doing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle.
56. Do a quick gratitude meditation by mentally listing the things you appreciate.
57. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, paying attention to each one.
58. Write a short poem or a few lines of creative writing.
59. Spend a few minutes mindfully brushing your hair.
60. Do a quick five-minute workout, focusing on exercises like squats, push-ups, or planks.

FAQ: Here are some reasons to practice 5-minute self-care

Taking care of yourself is synonymous with taking care of others

You have more time, energy, and love to give to those around you when you take care of yourself.

You have to put on an oxygen mask first

We’ve all heard the advice that, while on an airplane, the first thing to do is put on an oxygen mask on yourself.

This is also true in life: if you don’t take care of yourself first, you won’t be able to help others.

We subconsciously allow others to shine when we allow ourselves to shine

When you are bright and positive, you inspire others to do the same and spread love and energy. This is when these 5-minute self-care activities come into play.

You can do it all, but not all at once

Many superwomen in the world today feel the pressure to juggle many things at once, from children, marriage, and careers to a sexy body, a lovely home, and good friends.

Remember that you can do it all, but if you try to do it all at once, you may burn out.

Energy debt is as harmful as financial debt

No one would probably advise you to take out large loans, would they? One resource that you should seriously conserve is physical energy.

You won’t be able to do wonderful things in life if you get into energy debt.

You will not shine from within if you don’t take proper care of yourself

Beauty comes from within, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, our inner glow fades.

If you love, respect, and take care of your body, it will love and respect you back

Why do so many women believe that if we abuse our bodies, starve ourselves, and complain about how we look, it will magically change into what we want it to be?

Our bodies help us feel like beautiful goddesses when we learn to love and respect our bodies, eat right, exercise, and notice the things that are beautiful about ourselves.

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These were my favorite 5-minute self-care ideas that I personally use to unwind after a stressful day

How do you unwind after a stressful day? What’s your go-to activity when you have little time but still want to practice some self-care? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!