In social work classes, we learn all about how to balance work and personal life. One of the major topics we usually hit on is self-care. Self-care is taking time for yourself to maintain a healthy mental status. When people are in need of self-care, they rarely know how to do it; here are five ways to perform self-care in 5 minutes.

1. Rest

Lay down for a minute or five wrapped in your favorite blanket and just be. Forget about the things you need to do or any other stresses and just be.

2. Move

Sitting in front of a computer or at a desk for hours on end isn't healthy for mind or body. Take a five-minute walk and stretch, skip, or even go out and hula-hoop, just get your body moving.

3. Talk (or don't)

Sometimes you just need to talk out your thoughts with another person. Other times, you just need silence. Choose which one is best for your situation and take 5 minutes and do it. Find a friend who will chat or just sit with you.

4. Create

I believe that everyone has some kind of artist in them, even if it isn't a good one. Take time to create something beautiful. You can draw, write, color, paint, sculpt, sing or dance. Whatever it is, do it for yourself and not others.

5. Clean

It is often shown that when an environment is chaotic, a person feels chaotic. Wherever you spend the most time should be organized in whatever way works and feels best for you. Maybe it is time to throw away all those hoarded receipts or finally wash those coffee cups on your desk. Make your space your own again.