7 self-care activities that only take 5 minutes

Phew, are y’all okay? Because we’re not, and we don’t really know anybody who is right now. From covid to climate disasters to threats to abortion rights, it really feels like we’re stuck in a one step forward, two steps back kind of situation. Even when we know we still need to take care of ourselves, it can be hard to figure out what that means at this point or how to do it. So we’ve laid out a few really easy places to start. Pick one of these and do it right now, and your future self will thank you.

1. Clean one thing

You can actually get a surprising amount done in 5 minutes and setting a timer makes it easier to just do it, since you know it’s a tiny commitment. Just do one thing, like stacking up the papers on your desk, or picking up the clothes on the floor and putting them in a pile.

2. Have a good cry

Sometimes the best thing you can do to take care of yourself is to allow yourself to feel your feelings. If that means crying, all the better, because crying emotional tears actually releases endorphins and flushes out stress hormones.

3. Read some good news

Here, we’ve got some for you!

4. Play your favorite song

If singing is your thing, go on and belt it. If dancing is your speed, flail it out, honey. We find it’s best if no one is around so you can really let loose.

5. Put on lotion

Moisturizing is always good—you know we’re fans of lubrication in general. Go for something that smells really nice if you have it. The more senses you can engage, the more grounding the experience will be.

6. Cut your fingernails

No it’s not Instagrammable self-care, but it is self-care, and you will almost certainly feel better after doing it. Unless you go too short and then you’ll be cursing our name for a few days.

7. Light candles

Light a few candles and place them around the room. If it’s dark out or you have really good curtains, consider turning off all the lights and just sitting in a totally candlelit room for a few minutes. The flickering and the warm glow can be really soothing.