In this blog post, I’m writing about 25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes. These can take longer than 30 minutes or even less if you only have a few minutes. Time out and relaxing for one person is different from person to person and even from day to day. It is so important to take some time for yourself away from any demands. You’ll thank your self and the people around you will also thank you. I love me time so much and after hours of zoom calls every day, I need even more down time to myself. These are some things that I do when I need a quick break and some me time.
25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes
Stretching/Yoga
I loved going to yoga classes before quarantine life and now I love popping on Youtube and doing a quick yoga or stretching video. I love MadFit Yoga Sessions on Youtube linked HERE. Some are only 20 minutes so I do one sometimes before work. I prefer following a session on Youtube. MadFit also has some great workouts.
Meditating
Meditating is a new self care idea for me as I’ve only recently got into it. Meditating is so calming. I use the app Headspace or Calm. There are also free guided meditations on Youtube also.
Listening to a podcast
Listening to a podcast is another new one for me. I love putting podcasts on while I cook or while I go for a walk. There is a podcast for every single topic.
Listening to some of your favorite songs
I love love love listening to music whether it is piano music as I get ready for bed or an energetic song before I do my workout in the morning. Spotify is one of my most used apps. Blast some of your favorite music. Has a great song ever changed your mood?
Treat your hair with a hair mask
Everyone needs a hair mask and feels better when their hair looks healthy and repaired. Aim for once per week. Most only take minutes even 2 minutes so take the time to take care of yourself! Click HERE to read about my new favorite self care hair treatments with Olaplex.
25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes - do a self care hair mask
Treat yourself to a face mask or an entire facial routine
I light a candle, play spa music and have a facial night twice per week and I am in heaven! This can be a 5 minute skin care routine or an elaborate 10 step facial routine.
Have a long, bubbly bath
I used to be too busy for a bath (lol) now I remember how relaxing they are. In my head, they take much longer than I think between the effort of running the bath and then the relaxing time. Now I have the time, I am making them a habit.
Paint your nails & toenails
Nothing like a fresh set of nails.
25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes - paint your nails
Go for a walk without a phone
I rarely go for a walk without a phone as I always walk and call someone or listen to a podcast. Recently, during the few times that I have walked and put my phone away, I notice more of the beauty around me & am more refreshed after some time out in nature.
Read a book
I always have a book beside my bed and love reading a few pages before I go to bed. There have been a couple of books this quarantine that have completely transported me to another world like this one set in Cuba & Miami. I read it in 2 days it was so good. Other times, a book can last me 2 months.
Go on Pinterest & search positive quotes
I love pinterest for finding ideas for my bedroom, travel, positive quotes and more. It is picture heaven. Pin some positive quotes that you can read anytime.
Call the friend that makes you laugh
We all have a few friends/family members that instantly make us feel happy. Call them & brighten your day.
Watch a beauty/skincare/travel/how to video on Youtube
Youtube has so much to offer and so many amazing videos. I love finding new vlogs, tutorials or travel series to watch.
Spend time outdoors
This quarantine, I’ve been spending so much more time outside especially on the weekends as the sun has been shining. Even now as I type this, I am sitting outside in the evening enjoying nature. It’s so refreshing and offers a change of scenery. The days that I spend outside are the nights I sleep the best.
Do a quick online work out
There are so many great workouts online now and I really love how I can quickly pick from a wide variety of trainers. I recently started a Chloe Ting challenge. It is quite the challenge (!) however I am feeling so good already and I am only a few days in. There are so many benefits of exercising other than just trimming up. It helps mentally also along with greater nights of sleep.
Have a treat & relax doing nothing
I love having some Irish Dairy Milk Chocolate or some cake and just enjoying the moment. I eat really healthy foods normally however always allow myself treats.
Browse online and treat your self to something nice
Retail Therapy is a favorite of mine. I love shopping especially for clothes and something at Sephora. Nothing like looking forward to that delivery in the coming days.
Watch old videos on your phone
A couple of times over quarantine, I went to find a video or a photo of something and went down a rabbit hole of looking at old photos and videos. They made me laugh and smile so much. I am remembering that this is temporary downtime and much adventure awaits us.
25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes - Look back on old travel memories
Light a candle & relax
I love lighting candles and relaxing and this is one of the first things that I do when I am having some me time. I always light a couple as they relax me so much.
Go for a cycle
My old love of cycling has re-surfaced during this quarantine and it is the perfect way for me to relax and forget about work or anything else. I highly recommend cycling as you don’t even realize it is a workout.
25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes - take a break and go for a bike ride
Take a long shower & moisturize and pamper yourself with products after
Pamper time is naturally my favorite self care thing to do. Lock your self in the bathroom and have a mini spa session.
Bake something delicious
I’ve realized over quarantine, I dislike cooking except baking. I’m working on it! I’ve baked banana bread (of course), scones, flapjacks and more treats and I really focus when I’m baking and forget about everything. I also have something delicious to enjoy after.
Plan out some exciting things for the next week
I love planning and looking forward to things so right now, it may not be the most exciting things that I am planning however all the small things like a zoom call or an online dance class are all little things to look forward to.
Write down things that you are grateful for
It’s so important to stop and think of all the things in our lives that we are grateful for. Each one of us has so many great things in our lives and perspective makes such a difference in our mood and outlook. You can even think of 10 things you are grateful in your head as a quick few minutes break to instantly make you feel a little better.
Spend time doing your make up & add a spritz of fragrance
I love spending time doing my make up and trying out new products. Adding a spritz of fragrance during this time makes me feel almost like normal.
Hope you enjoyed my 25 easy self care ideas that you can do in 30 minutes. Taking time for yourself is so important so make sure you schedule it whether that means getting up 30 minutes earlier or taking a break during the day. Rest is as important as work for a fully functioning and productive mind.
Find out more tricks and tips in my recent blog posts
