Three minutes,
just for you.

The baby is finally asleep. You can see the washing, the bottles and the message you still haven’t answered.

Before you pick one up, here are three things you could do for yourself. Each takes less than five minutes. None costs a thing.

1. Sit down for the first few sips.

Pour a glass of water or make your usual cup of tea. Then sit somewhere comfortable.

For the first few sips, leave your phone on the table and the washing where it is. Enjoy your drink without doing three other things.

2. Freshen up, just for you.

Gently rinse your face and pat it dry with a soft towel. Tie your hair back if it’s bothering you.

That can be the whole thing. No full routine to finish. Just a chance to feel a little fresher.

3. Find a different view.

Take a seat near a window. Notice something outside: leaves moving, a passing cloud, the colour of the house across the street.

You don’t have to empty your mind or make yourself feel calm. You can sit there exactly as you are.

Try whichever feels easiest today. There’s no need to do all three.

And if your baby wakes halfway through, you haven’t done it wrong.