5-minute indulgences for hectic mornings

Buzzzzzz! No time to hit snooze, there’s breakfast to make, hungry mouths to feed, school bags to pack and washing to hang up, all while trying to get yourself trussed up like a chicken for another day in the office. It’s just another hectic morning in your household. Do you remember the last time you had any time to spoil yourself? Hold the laughter. You don’t need long, just five minutes to indulge yourself. With this SheKnows guide to five-minute indulgences for hectic mornings, you can feel a little more human.

De-stress in the shower

Dab a few drops of Australian sandalwood essential oil on the back of your neck and your shoulders and jump into a steamy shower. The woody scent creates tranquillity and instils inner calm.

Down-time on the dunny

Lock the door, grab a magazine or take the book you’ve been meaning to start or close your eyes and just think. Time on the toilet can be a good way to escape the morning madness, even if only for five minutes.

Coffee and chocolate

Forget the bran flakes. Have a deliciously naughty breakfast with freshly brewed coffee or a steaming hot mug of Cadbury drinking chocolate with a chocolate bar to kickstart your morning. You might have to get up a little bit earlier before the kids are awake, otherwise you might incite a riot. But chocolates are bad for you, I hear you say? Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which may increase the skin’s capability of safeguarding against some types of skin damage, including sunburn. It can also assist in stopping your skin from becoming dehydrated, increasing oxygen saturation and boosting blood flow.

Fancy a frappucino?

Brew a pot of coffee, add a can of sweetened condensed milk, mix and chill in the fridge. Serve over ice. Enjoy while flicking through a magazine or reading the morning paper.

Have a shag

Before you get up to dish out the Cocoa Pops or make toast, a little bit of morning delight releases the feel-good chemical oxytocin, which makes couples feel loving and bonded all day long. It can also boost your immune system. 2009 studies at Queens University in Belfast found having nookie three times a week could actually halve the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Listen to music

Crank up the stereo or plug in your earphones and chill out to some of your favourite tunes. You can bounce around to upbeat, feel-good songs while doing morning chores or, if you'd prefer something a little more laid back, close your eyes, tune out the world and ponder the lyrics. Just five minutes will help you feel a little more refreshed.