10-Minute Habits for a More Elegant Life

There are days when I’m just completely tired or not in the mood to do anything. But I know that if I do something, even something small, it will make me feel better.

Or sometimes I have a little time that I want to do something smaller that won’t take up too much time.

That is why I have a list of many 10-minute habits that I can add in when I need to get the momentum of being productive started.

If you have any for yourself, be sure to add them in the comments!

1) Polish My Shoes

I choose a pair of shoes that need some cleaning or ones that I have worn a few days in a row and need to be polished. Sometimes I can’t believe how dirty or spotted they get!

The polishing doesn’t take me too long, and in ten minutes I can get done at least 2 pair, depending on how dirty they are.

I dampen a cloth and just start to wipe down. I have a dedicated toothbrush for the grooves and if my shoes are white with white laces, I soak my laces in a little bit of bleach mixed with some water.

2) Curate a Signature Scent

Since I love essential oils, I have quite the collection and I love to spend time mixing them and creating scents that I want to wear. I usually do this in the warmer months because my perfume sometimes feels a little on the heavier side.

I don’t make too much though so I am able to switch it up often, whenever I want to.

3) Write A Few Nice Words to Someone

We are all so busy, depending on what time of life you are in, it can be a challenge to stay connected to people. If you’re running errands, trying to keep your home clean and organized, cook meals, keep up with the kids, sometimes some of your relationships can take a back seat.

This is where I intentionally take time out of my day and try to send over some nice words.

It can be a thoughtful text message.

Perhaps a longer email, letting them know what you have been up to and how you have been thinking of them.

Or even a note that you write with a pen and paper and send it through the mail.

All of these are thoughtful gestures that let your friends or family know that even in the season of busyness, they are still important to you.

It’s a beautiful way to stay connected to everyone.

You can write a list of people that you need to write to and try to go through it once a month or a season.

4) Refresh Your Jewelry

Personally, I don’t have too much jewelry, but what I do have, I like to keep cleaned and put away.

I won’t lie, after a long day, when I get home and ready for bed, I don’t aways put my watch or rings or earrings away properly. Sometimes, (I shouldn’t be saything this…) I just throw them in my little box and close the lid and it will be a tomorrow problem!

I know, it’s not the most elegant thing to do.

However, every once in a while, I just need to take everything out and clean the jewelry and wipe down my watches and put it back nice and neatly. When I see how neat everything is, I usually tend to keep it like that for a bit longer until it gets a little messy again.

5) Rearrange a Tiny Space

I was tempted to say even smaller than tiny, almost a micro space! Something so small that it shouldn’t take you longer than 10 minutes (I’m thinking, it shouldn’t take you longer than 5 minutes really).

You know the kind of days when you really don’t feel any motivationa at all, but you can’t be lazy, again…

This is the habit for you!

I like to choose the bathroom counter, my nightstand, a portion of the kitchen counter. Something small. Even if there is no clutter on it, but just give it a nice wipe down. Make it sparkle!

What a boost to your morale!

This has the ability to give you the little push to keep going and tackle more, or feeling productive because you knocked something off a to do list. And when you see the job done, it makes you feel good!

6) Practice a Graceful Walk

This one may seem a little silly, but as I walk throughout my house doing chores or running up and down the stairs, I like to check in on my posture.

It’s one of those things that can be forgotten, but can be so important to your image.

But chances are you will be walking near some mirrors and at home you are more comfortable to study yourself in the mirror and see where you can fix it a little more.

7) Learn a New Etiquette Tip

It can seem a little overwhelming to learn all these “rules” of etiquette. That’s why I opt to learn a little over time. This not only prevents from exhuastion but also, you have a better chance remembering them too!

It’s also nice if you’re out waiting at the doctor’s office or sitting down where instead of scrolling your social media, you can look up a new etiquette tip to learn or improve on!

8) Iron or Steam Your Clothes

Take ten minutes and iron your clothes. If they don’t need to be pressed, what I like to do is just press the collar of my shirts. And if my pants have a fold line down the middle of the pant leg, I quickly press that too.

If I have the time, I will go through my closet and see what clothes need a little refresher!

It doesn’t take long and it gives the clothes a little more life.

9) Practice Handwriting

Okay, this one might be a little old fashioned, but I love this. Especally, taking a few mintues to improve my signature. Everyone notices beautiful hand writing.

If you’re passionate about calligraphy, even better.

However, as someone right now who has enough hobbies and interests, I like to work on my handwriting and it is that special little detail that can make a thank you note or a quick reminder note so special.

It’s these little details that help you stand out and live elegantly!