No matter how busy you are, self-care is important to ensure that the world gets the very best of you and not what’s left of you. You should give yourself the same care you would give others, even if you only have 20 minutes.
Peer-reviewed research has shown the value of self-care in living a healthy and productive life. It boosts confidence, compassion, and creativity.
By caring for ourselves, we are better equipped to take on challenges, stay strong during a crisis, and care for others.
There are several ways to take time for self-care, and you really don’t need to devote hours of your day to experience the benefits.
Spending just 20 minutes can make a world of difference to your mental and physical wellness. Here are some ways you can fit self-care into even the busiest schedule:
Take A Walk Outdoors
Walking is a great way to exercise self-care. Fresh air and sunshine can do a lot to boost your mood.
Walking also provides a good time to think and practice mindfulness. You don’t have to go to a lush natural environment to get the benefits of walking outdoors.
A simple walk around your neighborhood is enough to uplift your spirits.
Start A Journal
Journaling is an excellent way to organize your thoughts. There are many approaches to this activity.
You can write down your challenges and struggles to help you work through your emotions and come up with solutions. Or you can write about your dreams, aspirations, and goals to inspire your next steps.
You can even simply pen positive words to help encourage positive thinking.
Get Creative
We all have a favorite creative hobby. Sadly, we don’t always have the time to enjoy them.
However, exercising your creative mind and doing a thing you enjoy is extremely valuable for your wellness. It helps you relax, find joy, and boost your confidence.
The next time you have 20 minutes, grab your paints, guitar, knitting needles, or materials for any artistic hobby that brings you joy and fulfillment, and dedicate some time to what you love.
Take Yourself Out For Ice Cream
Treating yourself to something special can be incredibly restorative. A great idea is to go and get ice cream.
Make it an experience, though—don’t just pick up ice cream and head home like you’re running an errand. Walk around the block, find a great park to sit and enjoy, or even have the ice cream at the parlor.
If you’re not a fan of ice cream, grab a delicious cup of coffee or go for your favorite pastry instead.
Declutter A Corner Of Your Home
Our environment has an impact on our mental health. Living in a cluttered space can often be a physical reminder of the tasks we still have to complete, which can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, and discouraged to keep going.
So pick a small corner in your home—perhaps a junk drawer or your laundry cabinet—and organize the space. Doing this will help you accomplish a small goal, create more positivity in your space, and feel self-actualized.
If you do this task every day, soon your entire home will be decluttered, giving you the space to spend time enjoying the tasks you truly love.
Take A Nap
Sleep is so important to our overall health and well-being. With our busy schedules, most of us are not getting enough sleep every night.
Taking a nap can help reduce fatigue, increase alertness, and improve your mood. Short naps are ideal because you won’t feel groggy when you wake up.
So curl up on the couch or lounge in the sunlight and get a few moments of shut-eye in.
Cook Yourself A Delicious, Healthy Meal
Many times when we’re so busy, we either grab takeout or just cook whatever is the fastest. Unfortunately, eating in a rush doesn’t always provide us with the nutrition our bodies need to stay strong and healthy.
Taking the time to cook yourself a healthy meal can have a positive impact on many aspects of your life. It can give you more energy, make you feel more satisfied, and give you something to enjoy.
Take A Candlelit Bath
There is nothing more relaxing than a candlelight bath. The ambiance that candlelight provides helps get you in a calm mood, while the warm embrace of a bath can help you feel nurtured and centered.
You can even take your bath to the next level by adding bubbles or our Lilliuma Turmeric Bath Salt.
Read
Reading is an excellent way to exercise self-care. Books can be time-consuming to finish, so many of us refuse to pick one up.
However, you can opt for an article, a short story, or a magazine. Reading is relaxing and informative, and it helps combat stress.
Just make sure to read something that brings you joy and not something complicated or work-related.
Spend Time With Someone Special
Too often in life, we do not get to spend quality time with the people we love. Try to find ways to bond with your partner, close friends, or family members.
Grab a quick coffee, have a video chat, or take a walk together. You don’t have to plan anything extraordinary—it’s better to keep things simple.
That way, you can focus on the other person instead of the activity.
Whether you take a long bath with any of our high-quality bath soaks or start a to-do list in your journal, taking time for yourself is a must for everyone.
Self-care does not have to take long; in fact, in just twenty minutes, you can enjoy any of these activities that will help keep you happy, healthy, and strong.