Let me ask you a few questions: How well do you take care of yourself? Do you do it consistently? How do you feel after you take care of yourself? We are told to take care of ourselves but what does that really mean? For me, it doesn't mean a grand gesture, it means those subtle actions I do regularly to improve my quality of life. If you haven't read my first 20 ways to take care of yourself, here is the link.
Since the first list was so popular, I wanted to share another 20 ways to take care of yourself in 20 minutes.
-
Give yourself a well-deserved at home facial to relieve dry skin. Use this recipe. Gently warm 2 tablespoons of honey with a half teaspoon of cider vinegar and apply to your face. Leave on for 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
-
Take a 20 minute power nap on your favorite sofa.
-
Watch a short comedy sitcom and laugh out loud to every scene that makes you chuckle.
-
Take a bath with relaxing lavender, ylang ylang, or chamomile essential oils added to the water.
-
Write down 5 things you are grateful for. If they are people, contact that person by email or text or phone and tell them. Start by saying, "I am grateful for you because ...."
-
Sit quietly and focus on quieting your mind. Taking deep breathes and when your mind starts to talk, tell yourself, "I appreciate the reminder but please remind me later, I want to sit quietly right now."
-
Turn on the aromatherapy diffuser and add drops of your favorite essential oil, then make yourself a cup of your favorite warm herbal tea or coffee. Then, sit and enjoy the scent.
-
Jot down a "to do" list to remove it from your mind. Divide the list into to columns "must do" and "would like to do" tasks. Include all the steps that need to be done only for the "must do" list. Then write dates next to each "must do" item.
-
Put on your favorite music and dance. Freely and like no one is watching.
-
Clean your jewelry, especially the ones that sparkle and remember who gave it to you and how much they love you. If you gave it to yourself, remember why you bought it.
-
Make a smoothie that contains at least one fresh fruit, a protein, a grain, and one dark green veggie in it. Drink it slowly and enjoy!
-
Add a deep conditioning treatment to your hair. Try making a mixture of 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place it on your hair and wrap in a warm towel or plastic wrap for about 20 minutes.
-
Run warm water over two wash clothes. Squeeze out the excess water than wrap the top of both hands with the wash clothes. Sit for 10 minutes. Do some deep breathing and then moisturize your hands completely.
-
Run two black tea bags under cool water. Press them to remove excess water. Be careful if there are staples. Then lay down and place the tea bags over the eyes, add a damp cool squeezed washcloth to keep in place. Stay there and relax for 20 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
-
Remove all papers from your desk for 20 minutes and sit quietly without anything in front of you.
-
Sit outside and watch the wild animals in their natural habitat.
-
Read an inspiring short story.
-
Play in the dirt. Pull weeds, spend time in the garden, looking at the flowers and being with nature.
-
Write in a personal journal and answer this question: What characteristics make me who I am?
-
Listen to a motivating podcast while stretching.
Well, there you have it! Another 20 ways to take care of yourself in 20 minutes. Let's continue the conversation, what is your favorite quick take care of yourself task? Feel free to share it below in the comment section. I would love to hear from you.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Daria
My curly hair is so dry. I'm definitely trying your at home recipe! I have a diffuser by my bed so I can inhale a relaxing smell right before bed. It feels so luxurious.
Sabrina Quairoli
I'm with you. Check out http://www.ouidad.com for great deep conditioning products for curly hair. You can do them in 20 minutes too. =) Thanks for commenting.
Autumn
I've been sick so I need to do 1-8 today! 😉
Sarah Soboleski
I'm all about the 20min power nap. I think I was one of the new moms in the minority who actually napped when their baby napped! It made such a difference!
Janet Barclay
I received an email from a client this weekend saying that she was thankful for all I do. That sort of thing really does go a long way!
Maureen DeGarmo
My favorite is, “I appreciate the reminder but please remind me later, I want to sit quietly right now.”
Linda Samuels
Brilliant. I love the variety and creativity of this list. We can all do better at self-care...especially when most of us do so much for so many. If we don't renew the source, we'll get depleted. Thank you for the lovely reminders. I'm not much of a napper, but DID take a 20 minute one this weekend and it felt great!
Ellen Delap
Love these simple and quick ways to take care of yourself. There's not enough time to make yourself a priority.
Seana Turner
The 20 minute power nap and being out in nature are my favorites from this list. I find a 20 minute rest is incredibly restorative! When I wake up, I drink a tall glass of water and I really do have a fresh perspective. I enjoy just taking a moment in the winter (when it is too cold to actually sit outside) and watch the birds at my feeder as well.
Mary
I totally need this list in my life! It’s so easy to put our needs on the back burner especially during the holiday season. 20 minutes is a good amount of time for a little personal “me” time. I’m going to give myself a facial this weekend.
Phoenicia
I am all up for 20 minutes of "me" sessions. This is far more doable than trying to find one hour. Definitely need to try the tea bag on my eyes.