7 Examples of 5-Minute Self Care Practices for Busy Moms

Busy moms need self-care probably more than anyone, yet because they are busy moms, they are more likely to put it on the back burner. When you’re managing your schedule and your children’s, who has the time? While we all love a spa day or taking an hour for a mani-pedi, we also know that self-care means different things to different people. So, if all you’ve got is five minutes, here are a few ways to make sure your self-care doesn’t fall by the wayside.

#1 Grab a Few Minutes for a Mini Meditation

I don’t know about you, but the idea of sitting quietly to meditate for 20 minutes seems like an unachievable goal. Try a mini-meditation that only takes a few minutes. Take a few deep breaths whenever you have a few minutes, even while doing laundry or loading the dishwasher. Or just practice mindfulness about what is going on around you. These few moments can help you stay centered and calm.

#2 Organize Your Bedroom

Before you go to sleep, or after your morning shower, take 5 minutes to organize your bedroom, closet, or dresser. Organizing is a great way to destress, and decluttering your space can help declutter your mind.

#3 Unplug from Devices and Social Media

Every once in a while, unplug from social media and all devices. Disconnecting from social media has proven benefits such as helping us balance our perception of ourselves, connect with our environment, and more. Tuning out your social media for five minutes can help you tune into yourself.

#4 Stretch for a Few Minutes

You may not have time for a full-on yoga session, but a few easy stretches can help loosen your muscles and fight fatigue. Reach your arms over your head to stretch your spine. Do a few gentle neck rolls. And take care of some of that nagging back pain that comes with carrying the little ones, and all their stuff, around.

#5 Eat a Healthy Snack

There’s nothing wrong with an indulgence every once in a while, but eating healthy is the best way to make sure you have enough energy to face your day, and of course, stay healthy. Eating a healthy snack also sets an excellent example for your family. Keep some fruit, almonds, or healthy popcorn snacks at the ready. Staying healthy is one of the best types of self-care.

#6 Write in Your Journal

Keeping a daily journal is a great form of self-care, and it doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. In just five minutes a day, you can write a sentence about how you feel, set an intention, or memorialize an important event.

#7 Go to Bed 5 Minutes (or More) Early

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and it is one of the things moms lack the most. With so much to do, getting enough sleep always seems to take a hit. Try going to bed 5 minutes earlier. Even a few minutes to decompress can improve the quality of your sleep.

Self-Care with Your Children

Although it is essential to take time to YOURSELF, for self-care, you can sneak some in by doing self-care activities with your children. There are self-care activities for kiddos of all ages, from reading a book with them or listening to music to taking a 5-minute walk outside or practicing affirmations or having them join in when you unplug from your devices or social media.