It seems that the second the clock strikes midnight on November 1st the country shifts into official Christmas-mode. Decorations have been out in stores for weeks, Elf memes rule the internet, and Thanksgiving inevitably gets lost in the shuffle. I look forward to the holidays as much as the next person…planning get togethers with family and friends, Bing Crosby, wrapping presents…I’m into it all. However, the holidays can also be SUPER stressful! Pressure to find the perfect gift, bake all the cookies, and make it a magical season for everyone involved. Now, more than ever, it’s important to keep self-care in mind!
Self-care is not always easy especially when you feel like you’re doing a different balancing act every day, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important to carve out at least 5 minutes a day just for you! Here are 5 self-care activities you can do in 5 minutes:
- Drink a cup of coffee in peace. Whether you have to get up early or schedule it into your day take 5 minutes to sip a cup of joe, put your phone on silent, and relax.
- Meditate. There are a ton of meditation apps out there that offer timed guided meditation. Make it a night time ritual to support healthy sleep hygiene.
- Call your best friend. In a world of texts, emails, and instastories it’s easy to feel less connected to the people you love. Spend 5 minutes on the phone bullshitting with your bestie.
- Take the dog for a walk around the block. Again, silence that damn smart phone. Enjoy nature and fresh air and 5 minutes to yourself.
- Rest your eyes for 5 minutes. Sometimes you just need a freakin’ break. Lay down with the lights off and a sound machine on for 5 minutes of quiet.
I make time for self-care every day and encourage everyone else to also. You’ll be surprised what a difference it can make! Comment below with what stops you from taking a few minutes to yourself each day.
Hello! It has taken me a long time to learn it is okay to take five. However, what I have learned that is more valuable is not to worry about baking the cookies or purchasing the perfect gift. The time you spend with the people you love is priceless and a gift. I only remember a couple of gifts I received last year, but I have a ton of memories from the people I spent time with during the holidays.
Yes! Time spent is always the most important part of the holiday season.
I absolutely LOVE this post!! I have been ALL about self-care lately and I get so excited when I find new ideas for incorporating it into our sparse free moments – I really want to try a sound machine!
Yay! There are some sound machine apps out there so you can just play them from your phone.
Thanks for the tip! I am going to look into these 🙂
Truth. You speak wise words. Meditation has been on my to do list for a while. I always feel so much more peaceful and balanced when I meditate. But alas….haven’t done it. What’s stopping me? My to do list. Ironic! Thanks for this reminder!
That to do list always tries to get in the way for me too!
Oh my gosh #3 speaks right to me, I 100% need to do this more. It always helps me to feel more connected and happier in my relationships.
Same here! Sometimes I don’t realize how much time has gone by without speaking to some of my closest friends.