You can’t pour from an empty cup. I learned that the hard way. But when you’re in the midst of a demanding job, bringing up kids, looking after elderly parents or all three, it’s hard to see where you can find the time to look after yourself.
On my wellness journey, I’ve discovered quick self-care practices you can weave into your daily routine. They all take under 10 minutes. Most of them you can fit into 2 minutes. Just 2 minutes a day for you. We can all manage that!
At-home facial
You don’t have to go to a spa to get that floaty relaxed feeling. Recreate it at home by intentionally applying your moisturiser during your morning routine. Focus on the aromas, how it feels on the skin and the warmth of your fingers gently massaging it in. This mindful moment steadies you for the day ahead.
Mini hand massage
Just take a little bit longer to apply your hand cream. Instead of rushing through it, slow down and apply the cream with love and care to your hands and whole body. Massage the fingers and palms while connecting to loving energy as a pitstop of self-care in your day.
Grounding visualisation
Don’t forget about your feet! They carry you through the day so preparing them with some foot cream followed by a grounding visualisation is a great way to start the day. It sets the tone for the rest of the day: calm, steadiness and resilience. It only takes a few minutes to anchor yourself like this, imagining your feet being rooted to the earth beneath you.
Tranquillity meditation
Meditations don’t have to be long. A few minutes every day is better than an hour every now and again. Use essential oils to anchor you in the present moment then take yourself through a body scan or a light visualisation. Focus your mind on being right here, right now, at peace and at ease. The aromas of essential oils make it easier to block out the rest of the world so you can reach the calming effects faster.
Full body embrace
When you have a little me-time in the evening, blanket yourself in calm from head to toe. Use a soothing body oil to massage and send loving energy to each part of your body that has got you through the day. This feels even better when you’ve just had an aromatherapy bath. (We have a matching bath/shower gel and body oil infused with a relaxing blend of essential oils.) But if all you have is 5 minutes before bed, you’ll still feel your body and brain relax.
These are simple but effective techniques you can find time for even with a busy schedule. I’ve got video guides for all 5 of these self-care practices in the 5 Days of Self-Care Challenge. I’ll show you how to use products you probably already have (or Esker Fields products for the added benefits of essential oils) to create mindful moments in a couple of minutes. Alongside the videos, I share an affirmation and journal prompt that will deepen the practice.
So take on the challenge to do something for yourself every day for 5 days by joining the 5 Days of Self-Care Challenge. Sign up now and get the video for the first day in your inbox today.