I encourage you to enjoy all your self-care dates, but I’ve always been practical.
One of the most common complaints about self-care is that it can be expensive or time-consuming. So, I want to share with you how to have an impactful self-care date for just 5 minutes.
This is a perfect first date if you feel like you need a little lift. It’s also suitable for those who are very busy and may not have time for anything else.
The best part?
This is something that anyone can do without breaking the bank or sacrificing any time away from their obligations! I know that sometimes we think we don’t have time for self-care, but we do.
It’s just a matter of taking inventory and choosing to take care of ourselves before we get so overwhelmed that we start to break down and fall apart.
Enjoy!
#1: The Countdown:
Keep your eyes peeled on the clock and /set the alarm precisely five minutes from now.
#2: The Space:
When the alarm goes off, immediately stop what you are doing and go to your special space. This is the place where only you will be for this date. If you have a bedroom set aside just for self-care dates, so much the better! In my case, it’s the bed. I lay down, covering myself with a special comforter that only comes out on these occasions.
#3: The Blanket:
Now, go to your expendable wardrobe and pull out the most oversized blanket you have (or can find). This is your safety blanket; you will not leave this space without it.
#4: The Tunes:
Next, put on your favorite music. It’s best to have a single-person playlist so that there is no conflict with your chosen songs.
#5: The Listening:
If you have a pet in the house, bring them in with you and put on their favorite music. But remember, they don’t get to go outside this space until after the 5 minutes are up!
This is your space and your 5 minutes, not theirs.
#6: The Snacks:
Now it’s time to eat something. If you have a table in this space, pull it up and use the blanket as your tablecloth.
Use real silverware or chopsticks for this date! You may drink out of glassware if you wish, but you will use your special cup if not.
#7: The Comforts:
It’s time to get comfy! If you can do so without falling off your makeshift table, lay down on the bed and cover yourself with the blanket.
This is going to be your most comfortable position for this date, so take a minute and get situated. If you have a pillow, bring it in with you!
#8: The Conversations:
Now, talk to yourself or someone else who is not there. A good conversation starter would be, “I’m so tired, I just don’t want to do anything about it.”
#9: The Rest:
Close your eyes and get ready for the most relaxing moment of your life! You can stay in this position for up to 5 minutes, depending on the playlist you choose. If you drift off before the time is up, don’t worry! It happens to the best of us.
#10: The Remainder:
After 5 minutes is up, get up slowly and put everything back where it belongs. Lay your comforter out on your bed and cover yourself with a second blanket.
This will help you warm up if you get chilly while lying down.
#11:Take a few minutes to reflect on your date.
Did you enjoy it? Was there something that could have made it better? If so, create a mental note of it for the next time!
Now take care of yourself! Pat yourself on the back for successfully taking this vital step in your journey! You deserve this break, and you did it all by yourself.
#12: Now, proceed to your bathroom and clean yourself up as you usually would.
You currently have a new tool in your self-care belt, so be sure to use it whenever you feel overwhelmed or stressed out! Put on fresh clothes and go about the rest of your day as if nothing ever happened.
Have fun!