20 Minutes Self-Care Ideas For Weekdays When You Don't Have Time + (How to do Each)

20 Minutes Self-Care Ideas is perfect when it is hard finding time for self-care during the week especially when you are a very busy person. Most of us are just out to look for money and we feel taking time to do self-care takes so much time and we will not be able to meet up goals or outputs.

Often times we are caught up with guilty pleasure or other times, we feel self-care is too much work and it’s not necessary plus it takes up too much time.

But Self-care is crucial for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But with busy schedules, it can be challenging to find time for self-care.

Fortunately, there are plenty of self-care ideas that can be done in just 20 minutes, making it easy to fit into even the busiest weekday schedule. Here are 20 minutes of self-care ideas to try during busy weekdays.

1. Take a relaxing bath or shower

Taking a relaxing bath or shower is a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider adding some bath salts, essential oils, or bubbles to your bath.

Lavender oil, for example, is known for its calming properties and can help you relax and sleep better. You can also light some candles or dim the lights to create a soothing ambiance.

When it comes to showers, you can still make the experience relaxing by using a body wash or soap with a calming scent, such as chamomile or eucalyptus.

Consider using a loofah or body brush to exfoliate and massage your skin, which can help improve circulation and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

No matter whether you prefer a bath or a shower, taking the time to care for your body and mind can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. So go ahead and treat yourself to a little bit of self-care with a relaxing bath or shower.

2. Meditate for 5 minutes

20 Minutes Self-Care Ideas For Weekdays When You Don't Have Time + (How to do Each)

Meditation is a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress. Even just five minutes of meditation can help you feel more centered and focused.

Here are some tips for meditating for five minutes:

Find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be interrupted. This can be a room in your house, a park, or anywhere else where you feel relaxed.
Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your feet flat on the ground. You can sit on a cushion, chair, or floor.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
Focus on your breath. Pay attention to the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body.
When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Don’t worry if you get distracted; it’s normal. Simply acknowledge the thought and let it go.

3. Do a quick yoga session

20 Minutes Self-Care Ideas,20 Minutes Self-Care Ideas For Weekdays

Yoga is a great way to stretch your muscles and release tension. You can do a quick 5-minute yoga session at home, following along with a video or online class. Some easy yoga poses to try to include downward-facing dog, child’s pose, and cat-cow.

To do relaxing yoga, find a comfortable and quiet space where you can practice safely.

Start by sitting cross-legged with your hands resting on your knees or in your lap. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Begin with a gentle warm-up for your spine. Inhale and lengthen your spine, and then exhale and round your back, dropping your chin to your chest. Repeat this movement a few times.
Move into a downward-facing dog. Come onto your hands and knees, tuck your toes, and lift your hips up and back. Press your palms and heels into the floor and lengthen through your spine.
Move into a Warrior II pose. Step your right foot forward and turn your left foot out to a 90-degree angle. Bend your right knee and extend your arms out to the sides, palms facing down. Keep your gaze over your right fingertips.
Repeat the Warrior II pose on the other side.
Finish with a few minutes of meditation or savasana. Lie down on your back, close your eyes, and allow your body to fully relax. Focus on your breath and let any thoughts or worries drift away.

4. Listen to calming music

Listening to calming music can help you relax and reduce stress. You can find a variety of guided meditations and relaxing music on YouTube or a meditation app. Put on some headphones and find a quiet place to sit or lie down.

Some calming music for you to listen to! Here are a few options:

“Weightless” by Marconi Union – This song is often cited as one of the most relaxing pieces of music ever recorded. It features slow, gentle rhythms and soothing sounds that can help calm your mind and reduce stress.
“Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy – This classical piano piece has a dreamy quality that can help you feel more relaxed and peaceful.
“Spa Music” by Relaxing Spa Music – This album features a collection of soothing instrumental tracks that are designed to promote relaxation and calmness.
“Gymnopedie No. 1” by Erik Satie – Another classical piece, this one is known for its gentle, melancholy melody and can help you feel more centered and calm.
“Weightless II” by Marconi Union – This is a variation on the original “Weightless” track, and features a similarly slow and calming rhythm.

5. Write in a journal or do some free writing

Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and emotions. You can write about anything that comes to mind, from your feelings about a certain situation to your goals and dreams.

Alternatively, you can do some free writing, where you write continuously for 5 minutes without stopping or worrying about grammar or spelling.

6. Take a short walk outdoors

Getting some fresh air and exercise can be a great way to boost your mood and energy levels. You can take a quick walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park. If you’re short on time, try walking briskly to get your heart rate up.

7. Make yourself a healthy snack or smoothie

Eating healthy can help you feel better both physically and mentally. You can make yourself a quick and easy snack, such as sliced vegetables with hummus or a piece of fruit. I love this Healthy smoothie recipe: “Strawberry Banana Smoothie“

How I make it;

In a blender, combine 1 banana, 1 cup of strawberries, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, and a handful of ice. Blend until smooth, and enjoy! This smoothie is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, and it’s a great way to start your day or fuel up after a workout.

Alternatively, you can make a smoothie with your favorite fruits, vegetables, and protein powder.

8. Treat yourself to a cup of tea

Taking a break to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee can be a great way to relax and savor the moment. Drinking tea can be a wonderful way to practice self-care and promote relaxation. Here are some tips for how to drink tea for self-care.

The first step in drinking tea for self-care is to choose a tea that you truly enjoy. Whether it’s a classic black tea, a soothing chamomile tea, or a flavorful herbal tea, selecting a tea that you find delicious will help you to savor the experience and enjoy the benefits.
Take the time to prepare your tea mindfully, whether you are brewing loose-leaf tea or using tea bags. Pay attention to the temperature of the water, the steeping time, and any other specific instructions for your chosen tea.
To fully embrace the self-care benefits of drinking tea, create a peaceful atmosphere. This could mean sitting in a comfortable chair, dimming the lights, lighting a candle, or playing soft music.
Once you have brewed your tea and settled into a peaceful environment, take the time to savor the experience. Close your eyes and breathe in the aroma of the tea, taking slow, deep breaths. Focus on the warmth of the tea as you sip it slowly, allowing yourself to fully relax.

9. Practice deep breathing exercises

Deep breathing can help you calm your nerves and reduce stress. You can practice a simple deep breathing exercise by inhaling deeply through your nose for a count of four, holding your breath for a count of four, and exhaling slowly through your mouth for a count of four.

10. Do some gentle stretching or foam rolling

Yes, gentle stretching or foam rolling can be beneficial for your body in a number of ways. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider incorporating these practices into your routine:

Stretching can help to improve your range of motion and flexibility. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals who engage in physical activity regularly.
Foam rolling, also known as self-myofascial release, can help to reduce muscle soreness and tightness. This can be especially helpful after a workout or after sitting in one position for an extended period of time.
Stretching and foam rolling can help to increase blood flow to your muscles, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Gentle stretching and foam rolling can be relaxing activities that can help to reduce stress and tension in your body.

While foam rolling and stretching can be helpful, it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and avoid overdoing it. During stretching or foam rolling, stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort, and seek medical advice.