How To Look After Yourself When You’re Short On Time

 

Self care often feels like something we should do but never have time for. Our days are packed with responsibilities—work, errands, family, social commitments—leaving little room for rest and reflection. But self care doesn’t have to mean taking an entire day off or booking a spa retreat. It can be as simple as taking a few intentional minutes for yourself. With the right approach, even the busiest person can carve out moments of calm. 

This guide will show you how to practise self care when time is tight, without compromising your well-being.

 

What Are Some Quick Self Care Techniques?

Short on time? That doesn’t mean you have to skip self care entirely. Here are a few quick, effective techniques that help you reset and recharge in just minutes.

Take A Short Walk

Never underestimate the power of fresh air. A five or ten-minute walk around the block or even through your house can refresh your mind, boost circulation, and shift your mood. Walking away from your workspace, even briefly, gives your brain a break and helps you refocus.

Listen To Your Favourite Music

Music is one of the fastest ways to boost your mood. Create a “feel-good” playlist and hit play while making tea, commuting, or tidying up. Even a single song can bring back positive memories and create an emotional lift.

Practice Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a calming, accessible form of mindfulness. Try inhaling deeply for four counts, holding for four, then exhaling for four. Do this for a few rounds to feel grounded and centred. 

To elevate the experience, light a candle from the Queen B Mindfulness Kit, which features natural beeswax candles and a brass beehive holder. Creating a ritual around breathing can turn a quick pause into a powerful act of self care.

Take A Hot Shower Or Bath

There’s something incredibly soothing about warm water. A quick shower can feel like a reset button, especially when paired with calming aromas or body washes. 

When you have a little more time, run a warm bath and add half a packet of The Base Collective Magnesium Bath Salts. A 20-minute soak in a magnesium bath can help release muscle tension, soothe your mind and leave you feeling restored.

Read A Few Pages Of A Book

Reading is a great way to escape your daily grind. Even if you only have five or ten minutes, getting lost in a good book can calm your mind and change your mood. For something nourishing try Yang Sheng – The Art of Chinese Self-Healing

How Do You Put Self-Care Into Your Daily Grind?

Self care isn’t about occasional treats—it’s about building small habits that support your mental, physical and emotional health every day. Here’s how you can make self care a part of your routine.

Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier

Starting your day with a few minutes to yourself can make all the difference. Use this time to stretch, journal or sip a cup of Love Tea Organic Sleep Tea. While a bedtime blend, its calming mix of chamomile and lemon balm can calm morning anxiety and create a peaceful start to the day.

Take Breaks Throughout The Day

Breaks keep your mind fresh and your stress levels in check. Whether it’s stepping outside for some fresh air or simply standing up and stretching, micro-breaks are powerful tools for mental clarity and physical wellbeing. Use a timer to schedule your breaks and create blocks of time to make your use of time as efficient as possible.

Unplug From Technology

Technology connects us—but it also overwhelms us. Set aside short periods each day to disconnect from your phone and computer - especially at night before you sleep. Even 10 minutes of no screen time can clear your mind and help you reconnect with yourself.

Make Time For Hobbies

Doing something you love—even for a minute—can be super therapeutic. Whether it’s drawing, journaling, knitting or gardening, hobbies feed your soul. 

To enhance your reflection and creativity try using a Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal or a Bespoke Letterpress Gratitude Journal. These beautiful journals are perfect for tracking your thoughts, documenting small wins and rediscovering what makes you happy. See our blog post on how to create a bullet journal for more ideas.

You can even give yourself a gift! You don't need to wait for someone else to do it for you - pamper yourself with self care gifts - At Rest and Digest we are fully loaded with a great range of self care gift ideas.

 

What Are Some Practices That Take Longer?

When you have the time, invest in more immersive self care experiences. These practices take more time—but the benefits are often deeper and longer lasting.

Go For A Long Walk

Nature has a amazing ability to ground us. A long walk allows you to move your body, breathe deeply and disconnect from screens and stress. The rhythm of walking in nature is meditative and restorative, it’s one of the best long form self care practices out there.

Spend A Day At The Spa

A spa day can work wonders for your body and soul. But if going to a spa isn’t realistic, recreate the experience at home. Light a candle, play some soft music and indulge in self care rituals using our Hayo’u skin care products or The Base Collective skin care ranges. 

From body balms to nourishing oils and facial treatments, our products are designed to soothe, hydrate and restore balance. Add a Gua Sha massage to support circulation and reduce facial tension for a real treat.

Take A Weekend Break

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is get out of your usual environment. A weekend away—whether it’s to the coast, countryside or a nearby retreat—brings new scenery, new energy and a break from the daily grind. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; the change of pace alone can help you calm down and reset your body and mind.

Go On A Yoga Or Meditation Retreat

If you want a deeper reset, consider a yoga retreat. These immersive experiences help you unplug, realign and connect with your inner self through movement, stillness and intentional living. 

Not ready for a full retreat? Start your home practice with the Rest and Digest Yoga Bundle. It includes an eco friendly Jute Mat, longer stretch strap to experience a wider variety of poses and a 7.5cm x 15cm x 22.5cm Cork Block—everything you need to establish a regular practice and experience the restorative power of yoga from the comfort of your own home.

Your Time Is Valuable—So Is Your Wellbeing

Self care doesn’t need hours of free time or elaborate plans. It’s about creating space in your day— even just a few minutes—to attend to your mental, emotional and physical needs. It is the crux of the culture we are trying to embrace here at Rest & Digest. From deep breathing and mindful tea rituals to reading a few pages of an inspiring book or journaling before bed, these small acts add up to real, lasting wellbeing. 

By making self care a priority—no matter how busy your schedule—you’re investing in a more balanced, happy and resilient you. Remember: it’s not about how much time you have. It’s about what you do with it.