...and relax!
Julia Davies
Sometimes we imagine self-care as something that needs a whole hour, a quiet room, or a perfectly planned routine. But the reality is that life rarely pauses long enough for that. That’s why “self-care snacks” can be such a helpful approach—short, gentle moments that allow you to reset, release tension, and support your mental wellbeing even on the busiest days.
As a new month begins, it’s a great time to start by simply noticing your body a little more. Our bodies often hold onto tension we don’t even realise is there. Taking just five minutes to check in can make a surprising difference.
Find a comfortable spot to sit, take a steady breath in, and a slow breath out. At first you might think you’re already relaxed—and if you are, wonderful—but many of us carry small pockets of tightness without noticing.
Ask yourself:
🤔 Are my toes clenched?
🤔 Is my jaw tight or my teeth pressed together?
🤔 Is my forehead scrunching without me realising it?
These tiny tensions might not seem important, but they can add up. Once you become aware of them, you can release them—soften your toes, ease your jaw, smooth your forehead. With every small release, your body sends a gentle signal to your mind that things are safe, steady, and calm.
A self-care snack might be two minutes of stretching, a quiet sip of your drink, a short walk to another room, or a moment of mindful breathing. These breaks don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming; they simply need to be intentional. A few minutes sprinkled throughout the day can help you refocus, relieve stress, and feel more grounded.
So if an hour of self-care isn’t possible, don’t worry. These little pauses—tiny acts of kindness toward yourself—can bring balance and clarity in a way that fits smoothly into everyday life.
As a new month begins, it’s a great time to start by simply noticing your body a little more. Our bodies often hold onto tension we don’t even realise is there. Taking just five minutes to check in can make a surprising difference.
Find a comfortable spot to sit, take a steady breath in, and a slow breath out. At first you might think you’re already relaxed—and if you are, wonderful—but many of us carry small pockets of tightness without noticing.
Ask yourself:
🤔 Are my toes clenched?
🤔 Is my jaw tight or my teeth pressed together?
🤔 Is my forehead scrunching without me realising it?
These tiny tensions might not seem important, but they can add up. Once you become aware of them, you can release them—soften your toes, ease your jaw, smooth your forehead. With every small release, your body sends a gentle signal to your mind that things are safe, steady, and calm.
A self-care snack might be two minutes of stretching, a quiet sip of your drink, a short walk to another room, or a moment of mindful breathing. These breaks don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming; they simply need to be intentional. A few minutes sprinkled throughout the day can help you refocus, relieve stress, and feel more grounded.
So if an hour of self-care isn’t possible, don’t worry. These little pauses—tiny acts of kindness toward yourself—can bring balance and clarity in a way that fits smoothly into everyday life.