10-Minute Movement: Quick Ways to Honor Your Body Today, because your body deserves your yes, too.
Let Me Tell You a Story…
The other day, I was sitting on the floor — surrounded by a cereal explosion, a half-folded basket of laundry, and one very energetic child pretending the couch was a trampoline.
I hadn’t moved all day — unless you count chasing socks and Goldfish crackers. My shoulders were stiff, my back ached, and I was carrying that familiar guilt:
“You should work out. You should take care of yourself. You should have time.”
But I didn’t have an hour. Or even 30 minutes. What I did have was 10 minutes and the smallest spark of energy left in the tank.
So, I pressed play on a 10-minute stretch video, laid down on the living room rug, and breathed.
It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t glamorous. But it was a YES to my body — and that felt like everything.
5 Easy, Judgment-Free Ways to Move Your Body in Just 10 Minutes
These aren’t workouts. These are love notes to your muscles. Little reminders that you’re still here, and you still matter.
1. Stretch on the Floor While Your Kids Play Nearby
Get down on their level — literally. Try a child’s pose, gentle neck rolls, or hip openers while they build or color. You don’t need quiet. You just need to show up.
2. Dance to One Song You Loved in High School
Yes, that one. Blast it. Move like nobody’s watching (and if your kid is — even better). Movement doesn’t need structure. It needs joy.
3. Walk the Perimeter of Your House or Apartment
Set a 10-minute timer. No destination, just movement. Bonus: count steps and involve your kids if you want. This builds a habit of "I move because I can."
4. Stretch or Do Squats While Brushing Your Teeth
We call this “habit stacking.” You’re already brushing. Add 10 squats or a few slow lunges. It’s not silly — it’s genius.
5. Try a Guided 10-Minute Yoga or Mobility Video
There are dozens on YouTube (or even better, keep reading for a few Amazon picks to make it easier). You don’t need to be flexible. You just need to breathe.
Why This Matters (Even If You Don’t Think It Does)
Movement isn’t punishment. It’s not about shrinking, fixing, or earning rest.
It’s about saying yes to your body as it is — tired, messy, wonderful.
You’re not weak because you’re exhausted. You’re not failing because you don’t have time for the gym.
You’re living a full, demanding life — and these 10 minutes? They’re an act of rebellion.
A way to reclaim one small piece of yourself.
A Loving Message to Squish
Dear Squish,
One day you’ll grow up and realize that adults don’t always take care of themselves the way they should.
But I want you to know — I said “yes” to my body today. Not with a big, fancy workout. Just a little stretch. A dance in the kitchen. A walk around the block.
And when you saw me do that, you learned something too:
That your body is worthy of care — not because of what it looks like or what it can do — but because it’s yours.
All Our Love,
Mom and Dad Who Are Still Learning Too
5 Amazon Finds to Make 10-Minute Movement Even Easier
The post uses affiliate links and we may make money if you click on the link and purchase — at no extra charge to you. But don’t worry: these are all products we believe in and use in our own home.
Yoga Mat with Carry Strap
Non-slip and perfect for quick stretches or yoga flows. Rolls up neatly behind the couch when not in use.Under-Desk Mini Stepper
Great for quick movement during screen time or phone calls.Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
For those 3-minute dance breaks. Add some joy to your movement!Resistance Bands Set
Small, light, and perfect for strength in 10-minute bursts.10-Minute Stretching DVD or Streaming Bundle
No searching, no scrolling. Just press play and breathe.
Your Yes, Today
You don’t need to commit to a program.
You don’t need to change your whole life.
You don’t need a gym membership.
You just need 10 minutes and a willingness to say:
“Yes, I deserve to feel good today.”
That’s enough. You’re enough.
So pick one square from your movement bingo. Put your feet on the floor. Press play on that song. Reach for the sky.
Let it be imperfect. Let it be enough.
Save this post. Share it with someone who needs a little permission today. And if you try one of the movements, tell us in the comments:
“What did your YES look like today?”
