Photo by Alex Geerts on Unsplash

This blog post is coming a few days later than planned. I got sick so I decided to take my own advice, listen to my body, and get some rest. It worked out pretty well in some aspects, though, because at least I’m in the perfect position to share the following low-energy self-care ideas. Going for a walk, doing a workout, or deep-cleaning the apartment are all wonderful ideas but if the thought itself makes you feel exhausted for whatever reason, there are still plenty of other things to do to take care of yourself and make your day a bit better.

Some of these ideas might sound trivial but I know from my own experience that sometimes I can get stuck in a rut (especially when I’m struggling with my mental health) and barely take care of my body and mind at all, and then I’m like: “Wow, this tiny thing actually made quite a difference.” I’m a big proponent of making baby steps when more vigorous actions feel daunting.

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Light a candle

Listen. I’m not a big candle person. I own 1 (one) candle. It’s a salt lamp candle my mom gave me and I love it. It doesn’t really have any smell but it’s a nice piece of decor and it immediately bumps up the cozy factor of my place. Recommended accessories: a blanket, hot beverage of choice, and that book you’ve been meaning to read for a long time.

Do some coloring

Last year, I was quite heavily involved in a local swapping group, and I got a coloring book during one of the swaps. I can’t draw or paint to save my life but I have to admit that coloring has been a delight. I love how there are coloring books for all age groups and interests nowadays. The one I got is full of positive affirmations (similar to this one), which I’m fine with, but I have to say I’m also intrigued by coloring books with swear words in them (like this one) for a little extra fun. :- )

Listen to an audiobook or a podcast

While I’m coloring (or doing anything else), I also like to listen to an audiobook or a podcast. Listening doesn’t take that much effort, your hands are free to do other things, and you’ll get a break from staring at a screen. I still haven’t tried very many podcasts but I’ve been really enjoying listening to them while eating breakfast to start my day screen-free, while doing chores, or even to fall asleep more easily. (So if I say a podcast is great for falling asleep, it’s actually high praise!)

Play a video game

I’m sure some of you are video games fans and play them regularly but I… legit forgot that was something I used to do a lot as a kid. So when the first lockdown started in the spring and everyone was talking about Animal Crossing (which I’ve never played to this day), I revisited some of my old favorite games (mostly stuff from the 00s), and I had a blast. Video games can obviously have many benefits, and when I got back to a certain logical game I used to love, I felt like some part of my brain that I don’t use much has sprung to life. But whatever kind of game it is, the nostalgia effect alone might bring you some much-needed joy.

Stretch

A workout might be out of the question but how about a little stretching session? Stretching on a yoga mat, on your way to the fridge, or even while lying in bed, everything counts. Some time ago, I set a goal for myself to do some stretching every day. I’m failing miserably at the moment but it’s definitely something that can be made low-energy friendly and that makes me feel way better both physically and mentally.

Wipe down one surface

Just one. It might sound ridiculous but wiping down one surface I use a lot, like my nightstand, side table, or my desk, made me feel so much better on several occasions (especially in combination with lighting my salt lamp). The rest of the apartment might still be a wreck but at least this one area is nice and clean! :- )

Get some fresh air

If a walk sounds like too much, take advantage of your other options. I’m fortunate enough to have a balcony in this apartment and I’ve come to realize that spending even a few minutes “outdoors” (technically) and looking at something different than the same walls can really make a difference in how I feel (especially now during the autumn edition of lockdown). If you live in a flat with no balcony (been there!), remember to open your windows regularly to let fresh air in and (at least a part of) your frustration out.

Do a little digital declutter

If you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling on your phone or laptop and you feel like doing something a little bit productive, you can always do a decluttering session. Getting rid of items and organizing the rest can feel truly therapeutic, you’ll have an easier time finding stuff, and your device might run faster once it’s not bogged down by all the things you took a screenshot of a year ago and never looked at (just me? ok). If you don’t know where to start or you’re running out of ideas of what to declutter, check out my post about 10 things to declutter on your phone next.

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What are some of your favorite self-care activities for low-energy days? :- )

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