Hi Love:
Feeling the stress? Need a minute of you time?
Whether you’re at your desk at work, or just totally, completely swamped, you can still enjoy a moment of self care.
Sometimes you just don’t have ample time. And that’s ok!
I’ve put together 6 quick and simple self-care activities so you can self-soothe on the move (or in your cubicle).
You deserve it babe! So let’s talk about it…
Simple Self-Care
This lovely post is inspired by something I put together for my friends on Instagram. If you want more goodness like this more often, be sure to join my Insta family.
As a writer, sometimes my deadlines seem to all coincide, leading to me spending a lot more time with my laptop. And while I prioritize taking care of beautiful me, I’m not always dealing with the same amount of free time. Life gets busy, ya know?
While there’s totally some free time looming around the corner, sometimes I need some self-care right this second. I assume you get me?
Just because you’re a busy bee doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to self-soothe, destress and relax. If only for a minute.
So I put together a list of my self-care go-tos when life gets bonkers busy. May they make your busy days a little lighter. I can’t wait to hear what you’d add to the list!
1. Take a Few Deep Breaths
Slow, deep breath in, slow, deep breath out. Yes, it sounds simple! But a few deep, belly breaths can release tension, reduce stress and ease anxiety.
Place your hand on your chest and slowly count to three while breathing in slowly and deeply, filling your lungs. In through your nose, and out through your mouth. You can do this once, five times, for a few seconds or a few minutes. Whatever feels best for you. It’s a beautiful way to self-soothe.
Related: Self-Care For Bad Days – 8 Ideas To Help You Feel Better
2. Sip On Some Water (Or Whatever Drink You Enjoy)
Hydrate that beautiful body! And enjoy a mindful moment.
Close your eyes and take a sip. And then ask yourself:
- How the drink makes you feel?
- Is the temperature just right?
- What does it taste like?
- Does it quench your thirst or make you feel good?
This is an easy way to enjoy a drink and work in a quick moment of mindfulness. Whether you’re relaxing at home or sitting at your desk at work.
Related: 8 Simple Mindful Eating Tips to Help You Eat Better
3. Stretch
Whether you’re enjoying a yoga session or stretching in your computer chair, every little bit is fantastic for your body and mind.
What’s so great about stretching?
Not only does it relieve tension, it also allows you to focus on yourself and the present moment. Like a little (or long) moment of mindfulness meditation. You can combine stretching with deep breathing to really double down on the relaxing effect. (source)
Related: 5 Reasons Why You Need To Try Mindfulness Meditation
4. Enjoy a Snack
Rumbly tummy? Enjoy a snack, gorgeous. And truly savour every bite. Snack time is good for your body and your mind, especially when you turn it into a delicious, mindful moment.
Mindful eating helps to reduce feelings of stress, ease anxiety and promotes good cardiovascular health. (source)
Grab something delicious. Take a bite. Chew slowly and focus on the flavour. Doesn’t it feel awesome to enjoy such a scrumptious snack? Hello yum! Hello relaxing moment!
5. Doodle
How often do you let yourself get your art on, no judgement, no end goal? Just pure, artistic fun. That’s doodling baby! Spontaneous, freestyle drawing. And you can tap into it anytime, anywhere.
Your doodles boost memory, increase focus, help you problem solve, express yourself and bring your ideas to life. And, if that wasn’t already impressive enough, doodling also reduces stress.
When you doodle you’re activating your brain’s reward pathways. This boosts your self-perception while giving your mood a beautiful boost. And man does that ever make you feel amazing! Super bonus – it can work as a form of emotional expression, helping you work through those stressful moments.
Related: You’ll Love These 6 Awesome Benefits of Doodling
6. Text A Loved One
Whether you don’t have time for a phone call, can’t make one or simply don’t have the energy, texting is a great alternative. A sprinkle of conversation with a loved one can really boost your mood.
Not only is it uplifting to hear from someone you love, texts from your support system can provide comfort, remind you that you are loved and that you matter. So send a quick message, and smile wide when you hear back. (source)
Final Thoughts
Feeling better already? Me too! It’s amazing what a self-soothing moment or two can do for you.
What are your go-to simple self-care activities for busy days? Share with me below!
Health and love,
Thought of the day: You are so incredibly worth of your love and care.
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A Nation of Moms
These are nice strategies to help unwind a little bit. I get so stressed during the day and it is nice to have some ways to achieve self care.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m really glad these strategies were helpful! We all deserve little self-care activities when can dip into when we need a minute to breathe and unwind <3
Olivia Robins
these are inded simple fast and fun ways to unwind and switch off , i love texting so its good to catch up with loved ones especially now when we cant see them kind regards Pati robins @ style squeeze blog
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Yea, technology has been so helpful in allowing us to connect to our loved ones during these difficult times. I’m really glad you’re able to stay in touch too. Sending so much love your way Olivia 🙂
crisshex88
Do you know that you are right? They are small gestures that I myself do, but they help to “catch your breath” and continue to work with more attention!
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
We all need and deserve those moments to catch our breath :). I’m glad this helps you too!
Ntensibe Edgar
Hihi….I’m such a big coward when it comes to doodling. I guess I need to free myself from that chain of thought and feeling!
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Yes! I hope you let yourself doodle Ntensibe. You deserve to have fun and draw freely, no judgement or worries. Have fun and happy doodling ^^
Kuntala
These are wonderful tips. What I really love about this list is how easy they are. Self care doesn’t have to mean a big trip or a full day at a spa. Sometimes, it’s something simple.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Heck yes! I couldn’t agree more Kuntala! Thank you for sharing this wonderful point. The little things often have the biggest impacts. We should all have some accessible, free, easy self-care options up our sleeve when we need them.
Gunel Ibadova
I also do all these tips. Especially I need stretching while working with laptot. It prevents from back pain.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I love a good stretch break! My hubby and I are both working from home and make sure to get up and stretch together regularly. Not only is it fun and uplifting, it really does support your back so much, like you said – I’m happy it’s something you enjoy tapping into Gunel! Enjoy your next stretch break.
Benita McLaurin
We all need to practice self care, it is very important for our well being. We often forget to take care of ourselves. These are good tips, especially now on what is going on in the world.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I couldn’t agree more Benita! A little self-care can go a heck of a long way. I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy some wonderful you time this weekend 🙂
My Haute Talk
Self care is so important. I love to doodle. I also will take a nice afternoon walk on days when I need to let my mind relax some.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
I’m so happy you have such a lovely form of self-care to tap into when you need to relax. An afternoon walk is so wonderful! Enjoy your next one ^^
Tena
I like the idea of using doodling as a way to unwind! I need to do that more often.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Heck yes to doodles! It’s amazing how fun little actions like that can give us such a beautiful boost when we need it. Have fun and happy doodling Tena! <3
Tena
Thank you Sara! I think I’ll doodle some today!
emman damian
Iced cold water and some healthy snacks really help for me. Also, taking deep breaths really takes my stress away. Thanks for these valuable tips!
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Oh goodness, yes! A cold glass of water is so lovely! Such great additions to this list, thank you for sharing Emman! I’m really happy you enjoyed the post 🙂
Anosa Malanga
Couldn’t agree more on this. Most of the time we tend to forget this simple acts. Thank you for the reminder and glad I was able to read this again.
Sara | Ms. Health-Esteem
Sometimes the littlest actions have the biggest impacts, eh? I’m really happy you enjoyed this. I hope you’re having a beautiful, relaxing weekend 🙂