How 15 minutes Can Change Your Day
Hey friends!
I’m always encouraging you to walk, work out, and stay active, but today, let’s talk about something just as important: self-care. I get it, life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else, carving out time for yourself can feel impossible.
But here’s a little secret—self-care doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming event. Even 15 minutes devoted to yourself can make a huge difference.
Think of self-care as your mental reset. With everything going on in the world, sometimes it is all too much. It’s important to carve out time for yourself. Don’t skip out on opportunities to recharge your mind and body. Your fitness journey isn’t just about reps and sets—holistic health includes feeling good both mentally and physically.
So, what does self-care look like when you’re strapped for time? Great question! I’ll share with you three of my favorite ways to show myself some love, even on my busiest days. I’m sure you’ll enjoy these as well.
1. Naturetherapy:
Nature is a natural healer. There’s something truly magical about stepping outside, feeling the sun on your skin, listening to the rustle of leaves, or feeling the breeze run across your face. A quick walk in the park or a short hike in the woods isn’t just exercise—it’s a reset for your soul.
Studies show that spending time in nature reduces stress hormones and boosts your mood. Plus, the fresh air and natural scenery help your mind unwind from the never-ending information overload from your phone, the news, and emails.
Norwegians have a name for being out in nature. Friluftsliv, a Norwegian word that means “open-air living” or “free air life.” It highlights the importance of spending time outdoors for both physical and mental health. Friluftsliv is a cultural tradition that is deeply rooted in Norwegian identity. It encourages outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Norwegians appreciate nature—no matter the weather.
2. Aromatherapy:
I’m a huge fan of using aromatherapy to create mini spa moments at home. When you’ve been rushing around all day, try tossing a shower steamer into the corner of the shower after your workout or at the end of the day. As the steam hits it, calming scents like eucalyptus, jasmine, or lavender fill the air, helping you breathe easier and relax your mind. I love these shower steamers and rely on them way too much to soothe my soul.
If you have a bit more time, how about a bath? Relaxing in a warm bath with a bath bomb or some Epsom salts can work wonders. The scents and fizz of the bath bomb create an experience that’s both soothing and refreshing—like a mini-vacation in your own bathroom. I’m a fan of Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom salts. Not only after those intense leg workouts, but also to calm my anxiety.
3. Meditation or Quiet Time:
You don’t need to sit cross-legged for an hour to meditate, but there is something to mindfulness. We are constantly inundated with technology, information overload, chirping phone notifications, reminders from Alexa, traffic congestion, and more.
Even 10 minutes of quiet time can help reset your brain. Find a comfy spot, close your eyes (or not if you’ll fall asleep), and focus on your breath. Let your thoughts drift without judgment.
If meditation feels intimidating, just sitting quietly can help you slow down and unwind. Notice the sensation of your breath, the sounds around you, or even the warmth of your blanket. This small pause can carry you through the rest of your day with more calm and clarity.
You can find many meditation videos the help get started on a mediation journey.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential to your overall well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges and show up as your best self—in workouts, at work, and in relationships.
So the next time you’re overwhelmed, try one of these quick self-care ideas. Fifteen minutes is all it takes to hit refresh and keep moving forward with strength and grace.