10-Minute, 30-Minute, and 1-Hour Options
October is my favorite month to start new self-care routines. There’s something about the fall season that feels like a fresh start for me.
It feels like the perfect time to slow down, recharge and reset. With the crisp air rolling in, it’s a great opportunity to refocus on your well-being—especially before the holiday rush begins.
But if you’re like me, finding hours to dedicate to self-care isn’t always realistic. Between juggling work, family, and everyday responsibilities, it can feel impossible to carve out that much time.
That’s why I’ve found that building a flexible self-care routine—one that works whether I have just 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or a full hour—makes it easier to stick with, and it’s made a huge difference in how I feel.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started, no matter how packed your day is!
10-Minute Self-Care Routine: Quick and Refreshing
Even on your busiest days, you can carve out 10 minutes to care for yourself. These small moments add up, helping you feel more grounded and refreshed.
1. Breathe and Stretch
Spend 2 minutes practicing deep breathing to calm your mind. Focus on long, slow inhales and exhales. Then, do a quick 8-minute full-body stretch to release any tension you’ve been holding.
2. Hydrate and Refresh
Make yourself a refreshing drink—whether it’s a cup of herbal tea or simply a glass of water with lemon. Sip slowly while taking a mental break from your surroundings.
3. Mini Journaling
Use the remaining minutes to jot down three things you’re grateful for or something positive that happened during the day. This quick gratitude practice can shift your mindset and lift your mood.
30-Minute Self-Care Routine: A Deeper Reset
If you have a little more time to spare, this 30-minute routine will allow for a deeper mental and physical reset.
1. Morning or Evening Walk
Take a brisk 15-minute walk outside. Breathe in the crisp fall air, enjoy the colors of autumn, and focus on being present in the moment. Walking outdoors can help clear your mind and boost your mood.
2. Skin Care Ritual
Dedicate 10 minutes to a soothing skin care routine. Use a gentle exfoliant or a face mask, followed by a hydrating moisturizer. The physical act of taking care of your skin can feel luxurious and relaxing.
3. Mindfulness Meditation or Yoga
Finish with 5 minutes of meditation or light yoga. Focusing on your breath or doing a few simple yoga poses can relieve stress and set a calming tone for the rest of the day.
1-Hour Self-Care Routine: Full Rejuvenation
When you have an entire hour, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into a more indulgent self-care session that nurtures both body and mind.
1. Relaxing Bath or Shower
Start with a 20-minute bath or long shower. Add some bath salts, essential oils, or bubbles to create a spa-like atmosphere. Let the warmth and scent relax your muscles and ease your mind.
2. Nourishing Meal or Smoothie
Spend 15 minutes preparing yourself a nourishing snack or smoothie. Focus on something seasonal, like a pumpkin spice smoothie or a warm butternut squash soup, to enjoy fall flavors while fueling your body.
3. Creative or Restorative Activity
Use the remaining 25 minutes to engage in something that brings you joy. Whether it’s reading, painting, journaling, or even watching your favorite show guilt-free, give yourself permission to unwind and do what feels best for you.
Let’s be real—life gets busy, and self-care can fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But even small steps, like taking five minutes to breathe, can make a huge difference.
No matter how much time you have, practicing self-care is about prioritizing your well-being. Starting a routine this October will help you embrace the changing season with balance and calm. Take a little time each day to focus on yourself—you deserve it!
Would you like to save this blog post to reference later? Simply save it to your Pinterest board using the image below, ensuring you can revisit it whenever you want!
Let’s get social! Follow me on Pinterest here for daily inspiration.
Explore more of my fall-inspired blog posts here:
Cozy Up for Fall: Affordable Women’s Sweaters on Amazon
The Checkered Fall Phone Case You Need This Season
Transform Your Home with These Stunning Fall Decor Ideas
Stunning Fall Blonde Hair Color Trends to Embrace This Season
10 Of The Best Outdoor Doormats To Welcome Fall
The 20 Best Fall Bucket List Ideas For Couples
10 Warm and Cozy Fall Dinner Ideas for Chilly Nights
10 New Habits to Start in September for a Fresh Fall Reset
Tons of Boo Basket Gift Ideas for Toddlers & Kids
20 Fun Fall Activities For Toddlers
