25 Self-Care Routines for Busy Women

Are you like most women who’re so busy taking great care of everyone else that they neglect their own needs? Let’s face it: it’s hard to find time to do it all. I could totally relax if I could get away for a weekend at a swanky hotel, lounge by the pool, order room service, and get a massage every few hours. But who has time for that? Sure, we need to get away every now and then. I love vacations! But time and budget and other annoying bits of reality prevent many of us from doing that more than once or twice a year.

Self-care is so important, though, that we need more than just one week a year. We need to carve out time on a regular basis, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. So in the interest of my fellow Too-Busy-To-Take-Care-of-Myself-Moms, here’s a list of instant self-care routines that you can do in 5 minutes or less. Happy pampering!

Shower every day – morning, night, naptime, whenever – just do it! Use a yummy-scented shower gel
Practice good skin care every day
Use yummy lotion or perfume – yes, every day, not just when you’re going out
Put on make-up if it makes you feel good – even if it’s just a great lipstick
Sit in your car for 5 minutes listening to the radio, or enjoying the silence before you go home (or pick up the kids)
Embarrass your kids with some crazy dancing, just to make yourself laugh
Put a water pitcher on the dinner table so not constantly popping up to get your kids’ refills
Pray
Read a book (well, OK, a few pages anyway)
Read the Bible
Journal
Light a scented candle
Drink coffee from your favorite mug
Do a few push-ups or jog in place
Let dishes go for a night
Schedule an appointment you’ve been putting off
Make naptime your time
Wear your favorite outfit
Sing a catchy song
Say “Not right now” to your kids
Close your eyes and daydream – picture yourself at the beach or remember a favorite event in your life
Chat with a friend
Sign up for a class to learn something new or to focus on a favorite hobby (or check out You Tube!)
Take deep, cleansing breaths
Say 5 nice things about yourself, out loud