5 Self-Care Routines You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less

Life does get to be overwhelming at times, and it's easy to put self-care at the bottom of your list. But here's a secret: you don't need hours of free time to simply take care of yourself. In as few as 10 minutes, you can pick up your mood, recharge your batteries, and feel more in control. Whatever you're dealing with—school stress, friends, or just trying to keep up with everything life is throwing your way—these quick self-care fixes are on the job to put you back on track, stat!

When life gets frustrating, a sudden time-out to catch your breath can soothe your body and mind. Deep breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which tells your body that it's time to chill. Here's a quick trick:

1. Sit comfortably in a quiet place.

2. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 seconds.

3. Hold for 4 seconds.

4. Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.

5. Repeat the cycle for 2–5 minutes.

You can also try box breathing, which is an even-numbered count cycle: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. This rhythmic breathing calms you down and clears your mind. If you are extremely anxious, pairing your breathing with calming music or white noise can be a booster.

Physical tension builds up throughout the day, especially if you're leaning over a desk or sitting in a classroom. Take 10 minutes to stretch and relax your body. Do this easy routine:

• Neck stretches: Gradually tilt your head side to side to loosen tension.

• Shoulder rolls: Roll shoulders slowly forward and backward in a circle.

• Forward fold: Stand and bend at the hips, attempting to touch your toes. Let your arms hang loose to stretch the hamstrings and back.

• Cat-cow pose: On hands and knees, alternate between arching and rounding your back to open up the spine.

These stretches do not require any equipment whatsoever and can be done in your room, school, or wherever there is room. Stretching every day not only decreases stress, but also increases circulation, which helps keep you more alert.

Self-care doesn’t necessarily only have to be stretching and meditating, either. Sometimes, self-care can be as simple as brewing a warm drink and savoring it. No matter what you're having, whether it's herbal tea, hot chocolate, or your go-to latte, the process of making a drink can be soothing.

Take a moment to stop and notice the world around you: listen to the water boiling, feel the warmth of the mug in your hands, and breathe in the warm aroma. As you sip, pay attention. Feel the taste, the texture, and the sensation. This small act of self-kindness can be grounding, especially on frustrating or overwhelming days. Bonus: certain teas, like chamomile or peppermint, have a calming effect that can enhance your relaxation.

Journaling is the simplest and most convenient means of emptying out your thoughts and feelings. Don't worry if you're not a writer, you have to be in possession of any special gear—simply grab a notebook or open up the Notes app on your phone. Write for 10 minutes on anything that comes to mind.

Some ideas to get you started:

Gratitude list: Write down three things you are grateful for. They can be big (your family, for instance) or little (the sun on your skin, maybe).

Brain dump: Let all your thoughts come flooding onto the page. Don't worry about form or grammar—just write whatever comes to mind.

Positive reflection: Consider one good thing that happened today, no matter how small.

Journaling in a diary has the ability to enable you to work through feelings of exhaustion, gain some perspective, and even recognize patterns in thought. Writing daily can be a useful tool for self-care and personal development.

Nature has this wonderful power to make us feel refreshed and centered. Whether it’s chilly or rainy, taking 10 minutes to venture out can make a huge difference in how you're feeling.

Take a quick walk around your neighborhood or school. Sit in a park or a quiet spot and just take in some fresh air. Take note of what's around you—hear the sounds, see the colors, and feel the warmth on your skin. If you cannot venture out, open a window for a few minutes, or stand on a balcony. Letting fresh air have space in your area might clear your head and keep you awake.

Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or take hours of your day. It is simple, small, conscious moments that leave you feeling more grounded and loved. Whether it is breathing deeply, stretching, sipping a hot drink, writing in a journal, or going outside, these can become part of your day and leave you feeling calm and alert.  Don't forget: your mind is as much a part of you as your body is, and you are worth putting it first. So take a deep breath, give yourself 10 minutes, and don’t be afraid to send yourself some well-deserved love. You’ve got this!