Parents don’t get much spare time — so when you do find a few free minutes, make them count. We’ve pulled together 15 sure-fire ways to relax and de-stress, each one doable in about 20 minutes. Whether you grab this time after the kids are in bed, on your lunch break, or during a rare quiet moment, these ideas are simple, realistic, and genuinely help take the edge off a busy day.
Taking even a few minutes each day to unwind isn’t a luxury — it’s good for your mental health, your stress levels, and how you show up for the people around you. Having a hobby is one of the best ways to relax, but if you don’t have time to properly immerse yourself in something, these quick ideas with proven benefits are a great place to start.
Jump to a section:
- Catch some rays
- Breathe deep
- Practice yoga
- Turn up the volume
- Read a good book
- Listen to a podcast
- Stick to screen time
- Try some aromatherapy
- Meditate
- Give yourself a facial
- Paint your nails
- Talk to a friend
- Take a power nap
- Be creative
- Get organised
Quick and Easy Ways to Relax
#1. Catch Some Rays
Even during the autumn and winter months, sitting outside in some natural light can do wonders for your mood. Sunlight can genuinely lift your spirits, so head outside when you can for a dose of Vitamin D and fresh air.
#2. Breathe Deep
Pop on your runners and head out for a walk or jog. The benefits are multiple — fresh air to boost your mood, some physical movement, and a bit of quiet time to think. Even a quick walk around the block can do wonders for stress relief.
#3. Practice Yoga
Even if you’re a complete beginner, you can reap real rewards from a few simple stretches and breathing exercises. Try a local class, or look for beginner-friendly videos online to get you started at home.
#4. Turn Up the Volume
Put on your favourite album or playlist and get moving. Dance around the kitchen, sing in the shower, or just sit and listen. Something upbeat can be a great mood-booster, while something chilled or classical is calming and great for winding down.
#5. Read a Good Book
Immerse yourself in the pages of a good book and feel your tension slip away, even if it’s just for ten minutes before bed.
#6. Listen to a Podcast
There are podcasts on just about every topic — whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Queue up a few favourites and listen whenever you get a spare moment, whether that’s during the school run or while you’re doing the shopping.
#7. Stick to Screen Time
Pick your favourite show or a comfort-watch episode you’ve seen a dozen times, and put your feet up. Losing yourself in a bit of drama, action or comedy for twenty minutes is a perfectly good way to de-stress.
#8. Try Some Aromatherapy
Scent can be genuinely therapeutic, and different smells suit different moods. Lavender, chamomile and rose tend to be relaxing, while citrus scents feel more invigorating. Try a few drops of essential oil in the bath, mixed into a carrier oil for massage, or in a diffuser to transform the mood of a room.
#9. Meditate
Meditation helps you focus on your body and your breathing and leave everything else aside for a while. If you haven’t tried it before, there are plenty of apps and podcasts to help — some offer soothing background sounds, others offer guided meditations that talk you gently through letting go.
#10. Give Yourself a Facial
Get into your pyjamas and give yourself a proper facial. Start with a good cleanse and a gentle scrub using your favourite products, then apply a face mask and let it work its magic while you watch TV or relax before bed.
#11. Paint Your Nails
We’ve all done the rushed nail-painting job that ends in smudges — usually because we tried to do bedtime, feed the dog and make dinner all with wet nails. Set aside 20 minutes properly: file and paint your nails, grab a magazine while you wait for them to dry, and finish with a nice hand cream for a proper at-home manicure feel.
#12. Talk to a Friend
Skip the text — pick up the phone for a proper chat, or arrange to meet for a coffee. Face-to-face (or voice-to-voice) contact makes a real difference, especially when you can use each other as a sounding board for worries and stress.
#13. Take a Power Nap
Sneak off for a quick nap to recharge. Even 20 to 30 minutes can give you enough of a boost to feel capable and calm again.
#14. Be Creative
Drawing, painting and other creative hobbies are particularly good for easing tension. If you’ve never tried it, an adult colouring book is an easy, low-cost way to start — all you need is a set of pencils or markers.
#15. Get Organised
This one doesn’t sound like the most relaxing option, but there’s nothing worse than the nagging feeling of “mess” — clutter is a genuine source of stress. If you have a room you avoid, or a counter buried under paperwork and post, take a few minutes to tackle it. Clearing even a small pile can lift a surprising amount of pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do I actually need to de-stress?
You don’t need hours. Most of the ideas above take around 20 minutes, and even five or ten minutes of focused relaxation — a short walk, a few deep breaths, a quick chat with a friend — can genuinely help lower your stress levels.
What’s the quickest way to relax when I only have a few minutes?
Deep breathing, stepping outside for some fresh air, or putting on a favourite song are all fast, no-prep options that fit into even the busiest day.
Do I need special equipment to start meditating or doing yoga?
No. A free app or a beginner video online is enough to get started with either. You don’t need a mat, a studio, or any special gear to begin.
Is it normal to feel guilty about taking time for yourself?
Many parents feel this way, but taking a short break isn’t selfish — it helps you feel calmer and more present with your family afterwards.
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