13 Quick Self-Care Ideas You Can Do In 5 Minutes Or Less.

Autumn is finally here which means the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting longer and the temperatures are seriously dropping.

For some, the ber months can seem daunting. Besides holidays and celebrations such as Halloween, bonfire night, and Christmas, the colder months can leave us feeling a bit blah, due to the decrease in the amount of hours of daylight.

That's why self-care should be a priority to help lift your mood and help you to feel your best.

Self-care doesn't have to take up hours of your time, (but even if it does, that's okay,) there's small things you can do that take just a few minutes of your day, and that can go a long way to making you feel good.

So, if you want to know 13 acts of self-care you can do in 5 minutes or less, then read on.

1. Light A Candle.

Lighting a candle not only scents your room, (if it's a scented candle of course,) but it gives off a soft, calm, laid-back vibe to your space, which in turn can soothe and lift your mood. And it's even better if you turn the lights down or even all the way off for a completely atmospheric experience.

2. Step Outside Into The Fresh Air.

Whether it's stepping outside first thing in the morning when the air is crisp and cool, or late at night when there's a nip in the air and a sky full of twinkling stars, getting outside and breathing in that fresh air can do the world of good for both your mind and your mood.

3. Smile.

Smile often, either to yourself in the mirror or to a loved one, or even a stranger. Smiling has been proven to boost our mood. Plus, smiling is contagious, so pass it on to whoever you meet. You never know, you might just make someone's day.

4. Brush Your Hair.

I know it can be hard to make the effort to take care of your appearance when the days are gloomy and cold, but push yourself to brush your hair. You'll be surprised just how good it will make you feel.

5. Listen To Your Favourite Upbeat Song.

Music quite literally feeds our souls, and nothing can cheer you up quite as well or as fast as listening to your favourite feel good tune.

6. Dance Around The Room Like No One Is Watching.

You remember how I suggested playing your favourite upbeat song? Well, get your body up and moving and dance like crazy to the beat. Just go with the flow and allow your body to move in a way that comes naturally.

7. Make Yourself A Cup Of Tea.

And drink it while looking out of the window at the beauty of autumn. Savour the delicious hot liquid and watch how the trees move in the cool breeze, notice the colours of the leaves slowly transitioning from vibrant green to yellow tipped edges as they prepare to fall.

8. Give Yourself A Foot Rub.

Grab some lavender scented body lotion and give your tootsies a much needed massage. Foot massage has been known to release tension and aid calm, so treat yourself to a quick 5 minute rub then pull on those fluffy socks for maximum comfort.

9. Make A list Of 5 Things You're Grateful For.

Grab a notebook and quickly write down 5 things you're grateful for. Don't think too hard about it, just write whatever comes to mind. Gratitude goes a long way when it comes to self-care, helping you to focus on what you have rather than what you don't, which in turn can help boost your mood.

10. Drink Your Water.

Staying hydrated is vitally important, especially when it comes to your mood. Our brains are mostly made up of water, therefore they need plenty of the clear liquid in order to function at their best. So, grab a glass and get drinking.

11. Text Someone You Love.

Send a quick text to someone you love letting them know how much they mean to you. Not only does receiving love feel good, but giving love feels just as good too.

12. Spend 5 Minutes On Focused Breathing.

Focused breathing can reduce stress, increase alertness and boost your immune system. There's plenty of information online regarding focused breathing techniques if you need them.

13. Buy Yourself A Small Treat.

Such as flowers, or even a decorative ornament that's fun and makes you smile. Flowers can breathe life into a space, not to mention the beautiful scents they provide to the air.

xoxo, Taylor.

The tips and advice featured in this post are entirely optional. Take what resonates and leave the rest. Most importantly, live your life in a way that suits you. ✨️