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 yourself and the people around you will also thank you. I love “me-time” so much. 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 love going to yoga classes before quarantine life and now I love being able to visit a studio again. If you are a near a studio, class pass has so many options. You can sign up for a free trial here. It’s an easy way to explore classes in your area without the commitment of a membership.
If you prefer to stick to Youtube to do 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. MadFit also has some great workouts.
Meditating
Meditating is a newer self care idea for me since 2020. It does take a while to get used to it. Meditating is so calming and worth a little patience. 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. 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 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.
I love using Cozy Earth’s plush wash cloths to take off my makeup each night. Use your favorite cleanser and remove with a warm, plush, hotel-like wash cloth. My code LORNA40 gets you 40% off everything on Cozy Earth including these facial towels.
I also LOVE their new silk pillowcase. It is so soft and gentle on your skin and hair. Silk pillowcases have so many benefits which you can read about here.
One benefit about silk pillowcases is that they absorb less hair oil, skincare and hair products than a traditional cotton pillowcase. This reduces breakouts as you are not continually exposing your skin to product and oil build ups on your pillowcase each night. Silk pillowcases also help reduce frizz (bonus!)
You can get this one at 40% off using my Cozy Earth discount code LORNA40 for a limited time.
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. I am making them a habit and even have bought a bath tray for reading in the bath.
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 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. You can follow me here for the latest updates on my blog.
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
I’ve been spending so much more time outside especially on the weekends as the sun has been shining. It’s so refreshing and offers a change of scenery. The days that I spend with time outside are the nights I sleep the best. I also admit that some days when I work from home, I don’t leave the house. Self care is a working progress over here.
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, 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. Balance is key.
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 lately, 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.
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. 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
Cooking isn’t my favorite activity but I do love baking delicious scones. I love playing music or a podcast when I’m cooking. Home made food is very nutritious so I’m working on cooking more at home.
Plan out some exciting things for the next week
I love planning and looking forward to things. With life almost back to normal, I’m enjoying lots of fun activities and local outings.
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 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. There are so many beautiful new products that I have written about here e you want to try out any fun new beauty products.
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
