Sometimes, self-care might feel like an additional chore on your “must-do” list. As though you’re supposed to journal for 20 minutes, light a candle, sip a green drink, then magically take on a new personality by Monday.
In the meantime, it’s a challenge to stay awake and try to remember where on earth you left your phone (again!).
So here’s a collection of self-care ideas for real lives. You know, for those days when even doing the smallest things can feel like major achievements.
You’ll find options to match different situations in this roundup, from free and low-effort ideas to things to try on especially hard days.
We’re aiming for good enough without pressure, so choosing the tiniest version of a task is all you may need.
Heads up, this post is going to expand over time. I’ll be updating it with fresh content relating to self-care and habits, ideal for tired days. So be sure to save and revisit it!
Emergency Self-Care for Bad Days: 10 Tiny Things That Help
Bad day? You’ll find quick self-care techniques here, much like the contents of a first-aid kit. These are meant to bring clarity to your thoughts and restore a sense of control in a few minutes.
You can do all the ideas at home, which include engaging your senses, grounding tips, and little ways to get your life back on track.
Read next: Emergency Self-Care for Bad Days: 10 Tiny Things That Help
10 Self-Care Activities That Take 5 Minutes
Feeling like self-care is just another must do chore? Try the ideas in this post, which makes it easy to take care of yourself in brief bursts of time. Even when you’ve got nothing much left in the tank.
These quick, practical activities fit into real life, between other little jobs or while you’re waiting for your tea to brew. From breathing exercises that calm to a tiny dance and even ways to more gentle self-talk, you’ll find quick resets depending on what you need right now.
The 60-second versions ensure you’ll actually do them. Plus, it’s a subtle way to start a self-care routine without making a big deal out of it.
Read next: 10 Self-Care Activities That Take 5 Minutes
Low Energy Self Care for When You Feel Exhausted
Having one of those days where you’re barely functioning? These tips are for you.
When you’re overloaded and at limited capacity, it’s best to strive to look after yourself instead of trying to squeeze every drop.
There are gentle activities you can perform that will support your overall wellbeing.
Read next: Low Energy Self Care for When You Feel Exhausted
Phone-Free Self-Care Activities (That Don’t Feel Boring)
If you ever find your mood worsening after being bombarded by constant pings and notifications, that’s not a coincidence. And going phone-free might sound unimaginable, even equating to dullness.
The truth is, there are plenty of alternative activities that are actually enjoyable (not just a nice distraction). And go well with mindfulness without being too rigid.
As a bonus, you can do them as part of an at-home self-care day and give your nervous system a little break.
Read next: Phone-Free Self-Care Activities (That Don’t Feel Boring)
25 Simple Self Care Activities You Can Do at Home Without Spending Money
Let’s be honest, sometimes, we don’t want to spend money to feel better (or live on a tight budget). This list is packed with relaxed self-care at home ideas that are easy and comforting.
Keep this post handy for future reference when you’re unsure of how to spend your evening.
Read next: 25 Simple Self Care Activities You Can Do at Home Without Spending Money
30 Free Self-Care Ideas You Can Do Tonight
Here’s a curated list of when you need something comforting at the end of a draining day.
Consider these free ideas and easy wins when the urge is strong to scroll and know you’ll later regret it.
Start here for self-care advice that’s straightforward to do, without special gear or a complete personality change.
Read next: 30 Free Self-Care Ideas You Can Do Tonight
A Gentle Next Step
If you’re not sure where to start, choose based on what you need most tonight:
- Need quick comfort? Start with “emergency self-care for bad days”
- Need something short? Try the 5-minute self care activities
- Want to reduce screen time? Go for digital self-care
- Need a soft reset? Pick the 30-minute get my life together reset
Want to make this super easy for your future self? Save this post to your self-care ideas board, then come back whenever you need low-pressure self-care activities that actually help.
You can do self-care even when you’re wiped out and not up to much. Actually, that might be the most realistic way for most of us.