Too busy for self-care? Try these 10 self-care ideas you can do in under 5 minutes!

As a busy mom, finding time for yourself can feel nearly impossible. Between keeping up with the kids, endless laundry, and trying to keep the house (somewhat) in order, self-care often gets pushed aside.

But here’s the good news: self-care doesn’t have to take hours or require a day at the spa (although that would be nice, right?). Even five minutes can make a big difference in helping you reset and recharge.

Why Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Time-Consuming

When we think of self-care, it's easy to picture luxurious bubble baths, spa days, or hours of quiet solitude. But the reality for most moms is that finding hours—or even 30 minutes—of uninterrupted time just isn’t realistic.

The good news? Self-care doesn’t have to take up a huge chunk of your day to be effective. In fact, small, intentional moments of self-care can add up and have a big impact on your mood and energy levels.

Think of self-care like recharging your phone. You don’t always need a full charge to keep going—sometimes just a quick boost is all you need to power through the day.

A five-minute break can give you the reset your mind and body are craving, helping you feel more grounded, refreshed, and ready to tackle your to-do list. It’s not about escaping motherhood; it’s about finding simple ways to take care of you in the middle of everything else.

The key is to focus on what you can do, instead of waiting for that perfect, uninterrupted hour that may never come. By embracing quick, meaningful self-care moments, you’ll be surprised at how even a few minutes can help you reset.

So without any further adieu, let’s jump into 10 easy self-care ideas that you can do in five minutes or less—because those small moments add up, and you deserve to feel your best!

10 Easy Self-Care Ideas You Can Do In 5 Minutes or Less 

#1 - Take a few deep breaths

Pause for a moment and take 3-5 deep, intentional breaths. Breathe in slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. This simple act helps lower stress levels by engaging your parasympathetic nervous system, bringing calm and clarity to your mind. You can do this anywhere, anytime, to reset during a hectic day.

#2 - Sip a cup of herbal tea

Make yourself a warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or peppermint, and savor each sip. This not only gives you a brief moment to slow down but also offers soothing benefits, (depending on the tea you choose!) Taking just five minutes to enjoy something warm can help you feel more centered and relaxed, grounding you in the present.

#3 - Do a quick meditation

Set a timer for five minutes and find a quiet space where you can close your eyes and focus on your breath. Let go of any thoughts that come to mind and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Even a short meditation can help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity, offering a fresh perspective to tackle the rest of your day.

#4 - Listen to a favorite song

Put on a song that always lifts your spirits and take a few minutes to enjoy it. Whether you sing along or just let the melody wash over you, music has the power to shift your mood almost instantly. It’s a fun, quick way to escape and boost your energy, perfect for breaking up a stressful moment.

#5 - Stretch your body

Take a few moments to stretch your arms, legs, and back. Whether you’re reaching for the sky or doing a simple neck roll, stretching can release tension held in your muscles from all the chores, cooking, and baby holding you do each day. Incorporating quick stretches throughout the day helps improve circulation and reduces tightness, leaving you feeling more energized.

#6 - Savor some dark chocolate

Take a small piece of dark chocolate and eat it slowly, letting it melt in your mouth. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can trigger the release of endorphins, which boost your mood (cool, right?) By savoring each bite mindfully, you're giving yourself a moment of indulgence while reaping the calming benefits of this sweet treat.

#7 - Give yourself a hand massage

Spend a few minutes massaging your hands with lotion or oil, focusing on areas that feel tense. Gently press your thumb into your palm and stretch out your fingers, releasing built-up tension from daily tasks like scrubbing dishes or folding laundry. A quick hand massage not only feels soothing but also improves circulation, leaving you feeling more relaxed and refreshed.

#8 - Watch a funny video

Find a short video that makes you laugh, whether it's a favorite comedy clip or something silly you stumble across. Laughter triggers the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and reduces stress, making it one of the quickest ways to boost your mood. In just a few minutes, a good laugh can help shift your mindset and lighten the mood for the rest of your day!

#9 - Visualize your happy place

Close your eyes and picture a place where you feel completely at peace—whether it's a cozy beach, a lush forest, or a quiet room with your favorite book. Imagine the sights, sounds, and smells of your happy place, allowing yourself to mentally escape for a few moments. Visualization can reduce anxiety and give your mind a mini vacay, helping you return to mom life feeling recharged.

#10 - Hug a loved one

Take a moment to hug someone you love—it could be a partner, child, or pet (you pick!). Physical touch releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," which helps lower stress levels and boost feelings of connection. Even a quick hug can offer a powerful emotional reset, reminding you that you're supported and loved.

Final Thoughts

Life is busy—I totally get it! But you are absolutely worth the five minutes it takes to reset and recharge. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish, and it’s definitely not a waste of time. It’s essential for helping you show up as the best version of yourself for your kids and family. I hope this post has inspired you to start carving out time for yourself, no matter how small those moments may seem. You deserve it!

And if you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to grab my free guide: Self-Care Success, your go-to resource for creating self-care habits that actually work - even on the busiest days!

Do you have any favorite quick and easy self-care ideas? I’d love to hear them—share in the comments below!