10 Self-Care Habits That Only Take 5 Minutes or Less

Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or just the constant buzz of everyday life, it’s easy for stress to build up without you even noticing. And when life gets this busy, taking care of yourself often falls to the bottom of the list.

I’m guilty of this, because there are days when just the thought of going to the gym makes me feel exhausted before I’ve even started. After a busy week, all I’m thinking about is crawling into my bed with my comfiest pajamas, a bowl of ice cream on one hand, and the TV remote on the other. Luckily, this is your reminder that self-care can be just that. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated.

For the longest time, we’ve been sold the idea that self-care is about spa days and grand vacations. But in reality, you don’t really have to spend thousands of pesos on flight tickets for a quick recharge. Even just a few mindful minutes a day can have a huge impact on your overall well-being. Over time, these micro-habits add up, creating steady moments of peace to your routine.

Here are 10 everyday habits you can start today:

1. Take a deep breathing exercise.

Feeling overwhelmed? Pause and take a few deep, intentional breaths. Sit comfortably, move your elbows back slightly to let your chest expand. Inhale through your nose as deep as you can, hold for five seconds, then slowly exhale through your nose. Repeat these steps as many times as you want until you feel better!

2. Do a quick stretch.

There’s no need to sign up for a yoga class to feel the benefits of stretching. Stand up, roll your shoulders, reach for the sky, or do a quick forward fold. A few simple stretches help relieve muscle tension and boost blood flow, especially helpful if you’ve been sitting all day.

3. Apply sunscreen.

Living in a tropical climate, SPF protection becomes your best friend. Harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, sunburn, and worse, it increases risk of skin cancer. Hence, applying sunscreen is as essential as drinking water. Make it a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Board-certified dermatologist Jella Garcia, MD, in a previous interview with Allure Philippines, recommends using a formula that encourages frequent use. “Usually, it’s more comfortable to use gel or liquid types in our tropical weather,” she says.

4. Spritz on your favorite perfume.

Ever notice how, in movies, a character sprays perfume and instantly transforms—sparkles, beams with confidence, with a dramatic hair flip for good measure? While real life isn’t quite as magical, there’s still something special about that little spritz. 

That’s because our sense of smell is the most closely tied to emotion and memory. Medical anthropologist and professorial lecturer at the Department of Anthropology of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Gideon Lasco, MD, PhD, shares in a previous interview with Allure Philippines that nostalgia can be triggered by something as simple as the detergent your mom used or home-cooked meals.

The olfactory bulb, which processes smells, is directly connected to the brain’s limbic system—home to emotion, mood, and long-term memory. That’s why just catching a familiar scent can instantly transport you to a different time or place, or shift your mood in seconds.

5. Massage your face while doing skin care.

While applying your nighttime serum or moisturizer, take a few minutes to massage your face using clean hands. Using your fingertips, slide upward from the sides of your face to your forehead. Make small circles around your temples, and don’t forget your neck! Always massage upward, don’t drag your skin down.

6. Touch up your makeup.

There’s nothing that a dab of blush and a swipe of lipstick can’t fix, so go ahead and grab your compact for a quick makeup refresh.

7. Clean one makeup brush.

Cleaning all your makeup tools can feel overwhelming, but cleaning just one brush? Totally doable. Pick the most used brush in your collection and get cleaning. It’s a satisfying mini-task that helps keep your skin clean and your routine hygienic. A small win that feels like a big one.

8. Write down three things that you’re grateful for.

Take a moment to reflect on the good in your day, and list at least three things that you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as seeing your favorite flower on your way to work, finding a forgotten 100-peso bill in your bag, or laughing at a meme. Don’t overthink it, just write it down. Gratitude journaling is a proven mood booster.

“Journaling is a way to decompress the conscious mind, as long as you do it raw, unedited, and unfiltered,” shares Darlyn Ty-Nilo, founder of the Belle de Jour Power Planner, in a previous interview with Allure Philippines.

9. Listen—and dance—to a favorite song.

If you’re feeling blue at the moment, it’s the best time to scroll through your list of favorite songs and play something that makes you feel good. You can even break out a few dance moves in your bedroom! In fact, dancing is also a great way to boost energy and productivity.

“Self-expression goes beyond words,” shares former Ballet Philippines principal dancer Madge Reyes in a previous interview with Allure Philippines. “Dance gives me the freedom to be unapologetically me.”

10. Disconnect before bed.

Here’s one simple yet surprisingly challenging task: Unplug before bedtime. As tempting as it is to scroll through TikTok videos or Instagram reels to help you fall asleep, screen time before bed can actually make it harder for your mind to wind down.

Licensed psychologist Eiza Fusingan-Lapay, RPsy of MindNation shares in a previous interview with Allure Philippines, “It’s important to create symbolic boundaries, like changing your clothes after work hours or designating a corner for rest… Don’t work in bed, because that will confuse your mind when you try to sleep.” So, if you’re reading this at night, take it as a sign to turn off your phone.

These simple acts of care may seem insignificant at first, but when practiced regularly, they gently shift your mindset and help you show up for yourself every day. More importantly, it’s doable.Self-care shouldn’t feel like another task to add to your list. Start with one habit, and build from there. You deserve to feel good, even on your busiest days.