Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day?
Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and an endless to-do list, relaxation can feel like a luxury you simply don’t have time for.
I get it. As a single mom and a writer juggling multiple projects, I know how easy it is to push self-care to the bottom of the list.
But here’s the thing: the more we neglect ourselves, the harder everything else becomes.
Self-care doesn’t have to mean an extravagant spa day or an hour-long meditation session. Sometimes, the smallest shifts make the biggest impact.
If you’re short on time but need a break (hint: you do!), here are seven easy self-care practices that fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedule.
1. Take a mindful pause—just 60 seconds
Let’s start small. If the idea of carving out time for self-care feels overwhelming, try this: pause for one minute.
Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and bring your focus to the present moment.
What can you hear? What can you feel?
Even a brief moment of stillness can reset your nervous system and help you feel more in control of your day.
As mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn puts it, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Taking even 60 seconds to reset can help you navigate your day with more calm and clarity.
2. Make hydration a self-care ritual
You’re drinking water anyway—why not turn it into a small act of self-care?
Instead of mindlessly gulping it down, use your hydration breaks as a chance to slow down.
Choose a favorite mug or glass, sip slowly, and appreciate the moment. Adding lemon, mint, or cucumber can make it feel like a little treat.
It’s a simple shift, but it’s a reminder that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to take extra time—it’s about making everyday moments more intentional.
3. Swap scrolling for a ten-minute movement break
We all do it—reach for our phones the second we have a spare moment.
But what if, instead of scrolling, you used that time to move your body?
Try this: the next time you catch yourself reaching for your phone out of habit, stand up and stretch, do a few squats, or take a quick walk around the room.
Even ten minutes of movement can improve circulation, release tension, and give your brain a much-needed break.
Research backs this up. According to the Mental Health Foundation, just ten minutes of physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress.
So, why not swap a doomscrolling session for something that actually helps you feel better?
4. Set a “micro-boundary” for yourself
Boundaries don’t have to be big, dramatic statements. Sometimes, the most powerful boundaries are the small, daily ones.
For example:
- Decide that you won’t check emails after a certain hour.
- Give yourself permission to say “no” to one unnecessary task today.
- Take five minutes before bed to decompress instead of jumping straight from work mode to sleep.
Setting even one tiny boundary each day signals to yourself (and others) that your time and well-being matter.
Over time, these micro-boundaries add up to major shifts in how you feel.
5. Turn an everyday task into a mindful moment
Who says self-care has to be a separate activity?
Sometimes, it’s about bringing a little more awareness into things you’re already doing.
Try this: the next time you’re washing the dishes, making tea, or brushing your hair, slow down and focus on the sensations.
Feel the warm water, inhale the scent of your shampoo, notice the weight of your mug in your hands.
This small shift can transform ordinary moments into pockets of calm in your day.
As psychologist Ellen Langer notes, mindfulness isn’t about sitting quietly in a room–it’s about actively noticing the world around us.
6. Give yourself a “no-pressure” creative break
Many of us associate creativity with productivity—writing, painting, or making something useful.
But what about creativity for the sake of joy?
Take a few minutes to doodle, journal, or play a song you love. No agenda, no expectations—just pure enjoyment.
Studies show that engaging in creative activities (even for a short time) can boost happiness and reduce stress.
So, whether it’s sketching in the margins of your notebook or dancing in your kitchen, give yourself permission to create just for fun.
7. End your day with a “letting go” ritual
Last but definitely not least, try creating a simple evening ritual to signal the end of the day.
It could be as small as writing down three things you’re grateful for, taking three deep breaths, or stretching before bed.
The key is consistency—having a small habit that tells your mind, It’s okay to rest now.
Sleep researchers emphasize that winding down before bed is essential for good sleep. Our brains need a transition period to shift from go-mode to sleep-mode.
By building a small end-of-day ritual, you create space for that transition—and ultimately, better rest.
Wrapping up
Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.
Sometimes, it’s about making tiny, intentional choices throughout your day—pausing for a breath, setting a small boundary, or turning a mundane moment into a mindful one.
The best part? You don’t have to overhaul your life to feel the benefits. Just start with one of these simple habits and see how it shifts your energy.
Because no matter how busy you are, you deserve care, too.
