As a parent, “spare time” might feel like a mythical concept. Your days are packed with endless to-do lists, from preparing meals to chasing after little ones, managing school runs, and, let’s be honest, putting out fires all day long. But what happens when you find yourself with five rare minutes of quiet?
Do you freeze up, not knowing what to do with those precious moments of peace? Or do you dive into something productive—or fun—before the chaos resumes? If you’re nodding along, I’ve got some ideas for you. Whether you’re a multitasker who wants to squeeze in something productive or just need a quick break, here’s how to make those five minutes work for you.
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Catch Up on Messages (Or Finally Respond!)
Let’s face it—our phones are a black hole of unanswered texts, missed calls, and emails that linger. If you’ve got five minutes, why not tackle that? This could be the perfect time to reply to that message you’ve been meaning to get to or clear out the spam in your inbox.
Even better, shoot a quick text to a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. Keeping in touch doesn’t have to take hours. A simple, “Hey, thinking of you!” can go a long way.
Play a Fun Game on Your Phone or Tablet
Yep, I’m giving you full permission to indulge in some screen time! Playing a quick game of solitaire, Tetris, or your favorite puzzle app is an easy way to unwind when you have a few minutes. Not only does it let your mind take a little breather, but it’s also way more fun than scrolling through endless social media feeds.
And here’s a bonus: Games that require some problem-solving or strategy can even help sharpen your brain, so you can jump back into your day with a little mental boost.
Practice Some Deep Breathing or Meditation
Parenting can be hectic, and stress comes with the territory. One of the best things you can do with a spare five minutes is to pause and focus on your breathing.
You don’t need a meditation mat or a special quiet room—just take a few deep breaths in and out, close your eyes, and give yourself those moments to reset. Even a short breathing exercise can lower your stress levels and bring some calm to your day.
- Deep breaths – Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Body scan – Focus on relaxing different parts of your body, from your head to your toes.
- Guided meditation – Pop on a quick guided meditation app and let someone else guide you through a few minutes of peace.
Knock Out a Mini Chore
Okay, so this one’s more on the productive side, but it’s amazing what you can accomplish in five minutes when you put your mind to it.
- Fold laundry – Grab that pile of clean clothes that’s been sitting around for days and get it folded!
- Wipe down surfaces – Give your kitchen counter a quick wipe or tidy up the bathroom sink.
- Sort through mail – You don’t need to go through everything, but at least separate the important stuff from the junk.
These small wins can help keep your home from feeling overwhelming, and you’ll feel accomplished with very little time investment.
Stretch It Out
Feeling a bit stiff from all that running around? Take five minutes to stretch! Whether you’re sitting or standing, a little stretching can work wonders for your body and mind. Focus on the areas where you feel the most tension—your neck, shoulders, or lower back.
Even if you don’t have time for a full workout, just loosening up a bit can improve your posture, relieve stress, and leave you feeling a little more energized. No fancy yoga moves required!
Read or Listen to Something Interesting
If you’ve been eyeing a magazine article or that book you’ve been meaning to finish, now’s your chance. You might not get through a whole chapter, but even a few pages can help you feel like you’re squeezing in some “me time.”
Not much of a reader? Pop on a short podcast or audiobook while you sip your coffee or relax on the couch. It’s a great way to learn something new or just enjoy some entertainment in bite-sized chunks.
Reflect or Plan
Grab a notebook or use the notes app on your phone to jot down a few thoughts. Whether you’re reflecting on your day so far, setting an intention for the rest of it, or planning out something for the future, writing things down can help you feel more organized and in control.
You could even take this time to list a few things you’re grateful for or write down a couple of goals. Sometimes just putting pen to paper (or finger to screen) is all it takes to feel a little more centered and focused.
Drink Some Water and Hydrate!
It sounds simple, but when you’re busy with parenting duties, it’s easy to forget basic things like staying hydrated. Use those five minutes to grab a glass of water or a healthy snack to keep your energy levels up.
And while you’re at it, take a moment to check in with yourself—are you eating regularly? Getting enough rest? Five minutes may not be enough to tackle everything, but taking care of these small essentials can help you power through the rest of your day.
Enjoy Those Moments!
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of simply doing nothing for five minutes. Parenting can feel nonstop, so if you find yourself with a rare bit of downtime, it’s okay to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the quiet—however fleeting it may be.
Taking a moment to just be present can be just as valuable as ticking things off your to-do list. Sometimes, the best thing you can do with five minutes is absolutely nothing at all. You’ve earned it!
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Whether she is researching the latest trends in home decor, life-changing destination getaways, or the best way to maintain your finances, Dewey takes pride in leaving no stone unturned. She is passionate about distilling and delivering high-quality information that you can use to upgrade your life.
