101 Ten-Minute Self-Care Ideas

Unfortunately, most of us can’t exactly vanish to the closest wellness retreat center or take a tropical vacation every time life gets overwhelming. 

Sometimes the best we can do is take a long bubble bath, get a mani-pedi,  or cozy up with our all-time favorite high fiction book and reread for the 100th time. Unfortunately, these take at least an hour. An hour you could use for just about anything else. After all, most days feel like there isn’t enough time. 

That’s the thing with our current perception of self-care. It is often perceived as extravagant and time-consuming. When you hear self-care, most people picture a fancy spa day. 

But that is a misconception. Self-care doesn’t have to be pricey or time-consuming. Real self-care is just about anything that helps you actually feel better and more energetic. You don’t need a full day off. In fact, you just need 10 minutes. Yes, just 10 little minutes. You can swing that, can’t you?

And you’d be amazed at what a difference those 10 minutes can make for your mind, body, and spirit. 

10 minutes is more than enough to stretch, hydrate, text someone you love and miss, reset your brain, unfollow a toxic social media account, or even get a full mini workout. 

Whether you are an overwhelmed student, a busy mom, a burnt-out professional swinging a 9 to 5 and a 5 to 9, or someone who almost always postpones self-care, this list is for you. 

Here are 101 10-minute self-care ideas that will make self-care a non-negotiable. 

How to Actually Make the Best of These 101 10-minute Self-care Ideas 

Option 1: Mix and match

Yes, I know, 101 is alooot. But you don’t need to go through all 101 ( although that would make for a great personal challenge).

Just pick one or two that fit the vibe and schedule of the day, and most importantly, your mood. 

Option 2: Use them as a challenge 

Challenges are popular for a reason. They make it easy to build a habit. Want to make self-care a non-negotiable habit in your daily routine? Pick 30 of these and do one each day. 

Or better yet, print out the whole list (yes, we have a free printable below), cut each item into strips, and pull one out like a surprise each morning. That would make for an interesting 30 days, don’t you think?

Option 3: Save them for your “overwhelm emergency kit.” 

You know that feeling? When you are anxious, drained, and feel like you’re running on fumes? That’s when you need this list. Keep it handy( Pinterest board, phone notes, fridge, your call).

Think of this list as your to-go-to option when you just can’t take it. And, as a bonus, you just need 10 minutes. 

Option 4: No rules 

Don’t let me put you in a box. Do any of these whenever you feel like it. Light a candle while journaling. Do a face mask while reading your favorite book.

The ideas can stack, overlap, or just stand alone. You do you, girl.

Option 5: Remember to repeat your favorites

We are all wired differently. That’s why a long list is actually a great thing. To cater to everyone. Some of these will become your go-to resets. 

Maybe it is a 10-minute playlist that instantly boosts your mood, or something about petting your cat just makes you feel at peace. Whatever it is, if something works, lean into it. 

101 10-Minute Self-Care Ideas 

Mindful and Mental Wellness Ideas

1. Meditate for 10 minutes – You can use a free meditation app. Or free YouTube videos
2. Practice box breathing, you know, inhale-4, hold-4, exhale-4. Repeat.
3. Do a brain dump in a notebook or on your iPad. This will help get all the mental chaos out.
4. Write 3 things you are grateful for – can be real small things like good coffee.
5. Visualize your dream life, really feel it. Daydream hard.
6. Say affirmations that uplift you out loud. 
7. Journal how your day went- whether it was messy, chill, or super fulfilling. Write it all.
8. Write down your current worries, then rip that paper up. It is actually very therapeutic.
9. Sit in silence and actually listen to your thoughts. We are too caught up in the outside chaos when the inside also needs attention. 
10. Listen to a calming podcast episode – Go for ones about slow living, mindset, or sleep.
11. Write down 5 things you are proud of today. Don’t overthink it. “I showered” could be one. 
12. Practice mindfulness while sipping some good old herbal tea.
13. Read a self-help quote and reflect on it. There are so many on Pinterest. 
14. Try EFT tapping for stress. – Check out our blog on EFT. You’d be surprised how amazing it feels.
15. Make a list of your personal strengths- you’ve got to appreciate yourself, babe. 

Emotional 10-Minute Self-care Ideas

16. Write a heartfelt letter to your future self. 
17. Cry it out – unapologetically – As a big crybaby, I approve this message 
18. Do a 10-minute guided self-love meditation– You are great. Let someone remind you just how much 
19. Send a quick text to someone just to say how much you appreciate them. And watch just how much you change their day.
20. Text a friend to check in- this is about getting to know how they’re doing. 
21. Re-read an old love letter ( or in modern terms, a sweet text)- this is an instant heart hug.
22. Check out some memes or funny videos and just laugh. Pet videos are great. Have you seen dog videos with awesome voice-overs that are dead funny?
23. Talk to yourself kindly in the mirror. Eye contact included. Do it, I dare you. 
24. Allow yourself to do absolutely nothing. And I mean nothing. That Bruno Mars lazy song just comes to mind.
25. Write down exactly how you are really, really feeling, no filters, no grammar checks.

Body and Physical  Wellness 10-Minute Self-Care Ideas 

26. Stretch your full body. 
27. Do a 10-minute yoga flow- Check out this yoga article for a few yoga sequences, or check YouTube. There’s one for literally every mood.
28. Go outside and walk barefoot. We don’t appreciate grounding as much as we should. 
29. Sip some lemon water. Yes, self-care really is that simple. 
30. Dance to your favorite upbeat song- Could be 2000s Britney, some old-school riddims, or Cardi B.
31. Do the legs up the wall yoga pose- it feels super amazing and helps with circulation. 
32. Try a simple 10-minute fun dance workout.
33. Give yourself a hand and foot massage.
34. 25 jumping jacks, 25 squats, 25 push-ups- 10 minutes is more than enough for this. Not to mention, it is a quick burn and an instant energy boost. 
35. Do some dry brushing – This is particularly great before jumping in the shower. It is excellent for circulation and the lymphatic system.
36. Drink a full glass of water. Yes, it can be done in under a minute. But it still counts.
37. Try a simple 10-minute workout challenge- There are so many on YouTube for different fitness levels. So, no excuses.
38. Thoroughly clean your face with your favorite cleanser.
39. Do a face steaming session. 
40. Do some progressive muscle relaxation- this blog on progressive muscle relaxation will help.

Pampering and Beauty Rituals 

41. Put a face mask on for instant main character energy.
42. Gua sha your face for lymphatic drainage.
43. Moisturize your hands, feet, and elbows. Yes, it is that simple.
44. Do a mini mani-pedi even if it’s just some clear polish. Or a file.
45. Apply some nourishing hair oil.
46. Spray your favorite perfume, even if you’re just staying indoors, especially if you are just staying indoors. 
47. Scrub your lips with a lip scrub, then apply a nourishing lip balm
48. Clean up and then shape your eyebrows. Yes, this could take under 10 minutes, and brows frame the face.
49. Try a soft, calming eye massage. Simply close your eyes, tap and press, and breathe.
50. Do your eyelash clusters. A DIY that will leave you really feeling yourself.

RELATED: SELF-CARE ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS EVERY GIRL NEEDS (AMAZON)

Learning and Inspirational 10-minute Self-care Ideas 

51. Read 10 pages of self-help books.
52. Watch an inspiring short TED talk.
53. Listen to a personal development audiobook.
54. Scroll through the good old Pinterest for new vision board ideas. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is. Inspiration is all year round.
55. Read a blog post that is all about developing yourself. This beats doom scrolling, don’t you think?
56. Learn a few new words and exactly how to use them. 
57. Watch a short how-to video, whether it is how to do your eyebrows at home or how to create a digital product on Canva. It doesn’t matter. 
58. Take a 10-minute online quiz- whether it is an enneagram, love language, or Hogwarts house – it doesn’t really matter. 
59. Explore new hobby ideas – look up something you’ve always wanted to try and find out exactly what you need to actually try it.
60. Write down one thing you’d like to do this year. Do some research and actually get started with that something. 

Creative and Fun 10-minute Self-care Ideas 

61. Do a quick sketch or doodle. And yes, stick figures totally count.
62. Try a 10-minute Pinterest craft- DIY something. So long as you have all the supplies at home, what’s stopping you?
63. Color in an adult coloring book. It is really therapeutic and oddly addictive. 
64. Create a mini collage from magazine clippings. If you are an iPad girlie, create a collage of some of the ideas you’ve collected from Pinterest.
65. Write a simple haiku or a 4-line poem. Rhyming is definitely optional, but I do encourage the sass.
66. Freestyle dance in your room
67. Take 10 aesthetic photos of your space. Simple Pinterest vibes that will have you falling in love with your place.
68. Start a mini vision board on Canva. Yes, Canva is free, and this will help you visualize your dreams.
69. Try a simple 10-minute journaling challenge.
70. Bake a single-serve treat. You can have all the ingredients for a mug cake ready in under 10 minutes. 

RELATED: 33 SIMPLE WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE WITHOUT SPENDING A DIME

Home and Environment 10-Minute Self-Care Ideas 

71. Light a scented candle and enjoy all the good vibes.
72. Declutter a small space- maybe a drawer that has been looking messy for a minute.
73. Make your bed. Yes, pop clean sheets and fluff those pillows 
74. Open all your windows for some much-needed fresh air.
75. Organize your skincare shelf. Throw out stuff you no longer use that might be way past its expiration date.
76. Create a cozy reading nook. Some pillows, blankets, lights, and all the aesthetic reading vibes.
77. Do a quick 10-minute power clean up.
78. Water your plants. 
79. Rearrange your nightstand or working desk.
80. Diffuse some essential oil. Are you feeling eucalyptus or lavender today?

Quick Mood Boosters

81. Watch the clouds outside. And yes, it is super therapeutic.
82. Rewatch a nostalgic feel-good movie scene. All the good scenes have clips on YouTube.
83. Listen to your favorite music – old time classics that slap are fantastic for this.
84. Watch a sunrise or sunset.
85. Sniff lavender or eucalyptus oil. Yes, this is an instant mood booster. It’s like you are inhaling calm and exhaling all the chaos.
86. Sit outside in the sun for 10 minutes. Vitamin D is a natural antidepressant.
87. Wear your favorite comfy and relaxing outfit, even if it is pajamas. 
88. Play with your pet, give them cuddles, and watch that fur therapy instantly make you feel better.
89. Put your phone away and enjoy 10 minutes of silence and no distractions.
90. Smile for absolutely no reason. Hold it for 10 seconds. It is a neat trick to make your brain think you are happy.
91. Read old journal entries. This is a great way to appreciate just how far you’ve come.

RELATED: SIMPLE WAYS TO INCREASE HAPPINESS HORMONES

Productivity and Reset 10-minute Self-Care Ideas

92. Write down your to-do list. This is a great way to get mental clarity.
93. Brainstorm content or ideas. Do it freely. No restrictions. No logistics.
94. Unfollow or mute toxic or draining social media accounts. No need to follow pages that make you feel bad about yourself.
95. Change your phone’s home screen. Use vibes that uplift you.
96. Organize your planner.
97. Quickly check in on your monthly goals. How are you doing? Adjust, celebrate, or restart as needed.
98. Plan a dream vacation. Even if it’s imaginary and you only have 30 dollars between you and your next pay date.
99. Create a desktop wallpaper. Make it cute and motivating.
100. Clean out your bag or purse
101. For 10 minutes, sit down, close your eyes, and simply breathe.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re squeezing a quick solo 10-minute dance party, quickly decluttering your nightstand before bed, or changing your wallpaper, remember, self-care doesn’t have to be big to matter. 

You don’t need to take a whole day and spend hundreds at a luxury spa retreat to actually take care of yourself(although this sounds great).

Just don’t overcomplicate self-care. 

The next time you find yourself blaming time for not taking care of yourself, come back to this list and give yourself some much-deserved self-care.

Which one are you trying first? Let me know in the comments. 

Remember to save this list to your Pinterest board so you always have quick inspiration on hand. 

If you loved this post, check out my 30-day Self-Care challenge for more realistic ways to prioritize yourself every single day.

Until the next one loves.