Extremely low effort self-care tips

[TomWambsgansSwans]

I'm exhausted this week - knackered, snappy at DH, struggling to get my mojo at work, sleeping badly...

I am trying to look after myself to help feel better but I thought we could all share some incredibly low-effort self care tips to encourage one another through this interminable January! I'm teetotal and trying to get a few festive pounds off much as I want to lie on the sofa scoffing chocolate.

For me:

• making a big pan of soup so there is something nourishing for lunch. I use ready-chopped frozen onion as I can't be arsed prepping them
• buying a water bottle with a straw and keeping it next to me so I'm drinking enough
• having an Epsom salt bath (I just throw in the entire packet!) and having an early night
• putting a comedy podcast on while I'm doing the cleaning to cheer me through the housework!
• going for a daily lunchtime walk (alone!), even more so in the sunshine

I'd love some new ideas that aren't too taxing!

Wearing a tinted lip balm is a very easy way to instantly feel a bit better and prettier during the day ☺️

If you like perfume, wear it whenever you like eg when you're just at home on your own. It makes me happy.

Try to keep your hands moisturised - I slather it on before bed

Playing or creating some playlists of favourite songs and dancing to a few songs each morning!

Stretching for 10 minutes while watching tv / listening to a podcast in the evening.

Bottle of non alcohol mouthwash that you can swill and swallow, next to bed in case you're too tired to clean your teeth.

Vaseline on your nightstand.

DAB around eyes and use on eyelashes and eyebrows and around lips. Also run into nails and surrounding skin.

Take less than five minutes and gives excellent results.

These are marvellous ideas!

@BertieBotts I bought myself a bottle of perfume for the first time last year for my 40th so I'll definitely do that!

Vaseline/hand cream on the bedside table is a good idea - I used to do that but got out of the habit.

I like your soup one@TomWambsgansSwans especially the frozen chopped onion.

• Having a bubble bath and watching a film on the tablet while I'm in there.

• Visit the library, choose a stack of books then buy a cake on the way home and drink tea, read and eat cake. As you say you're watching weight after Christmas how about a really nice drink instead of cake, kombucha or Tripp or similar.

• Message friends I've not been in touch with for a while.

• Sit in a coffee shop with a book and a tea. Enforced relaxation.

Cuticle oil. I massage it into my nails whenever I start a call or meeting. The one I have is apricot oil and it smells amazing and has definitely improved my nails this winter.

Makeup remover wipes and night cream on nightstand. So I can get into bed a whole 2 minutes earlier.

Fizzy multivitamins. You get a vitamin boost and rehydrated. Good if you are run down. (Same with iron tablets and Vitamin D mouth spray - takes 2 seconds to do and has a big impact on energy.

Put on your favourite music in the morning - upbeat songs or quiet piano sonatas - it really sets the mood for the day.

A 5 minute shower is better than none. 1 minute to get undressed, 1 to get wet, 1 to wash, 1 to rinse, 1 to dry. In and out in moments but you feel clean and refreshed.

Do squats while you clean your teeth. 30 each morning and night. Keeps your legs strong for running up escalators in morning commute.

Frozen berries - blueberries or raspberries. Add a handful to any cereal, or blend with banana and milk for a smoothie. Great antioxidants and no need to worry if they are off or too soft or need washing.

I keep a bottle of my favorite perfume in the car as well as at home so I can always freshen up or if I just want to feel good. It's very light, warm and clean and always makes me feel relaxed.

*I have a face mask that you put on a night- gel type thing, so no need to wash off.

• as others have said, lip balm & hand cream before bed.
• pillow mist. Doesn't have to be expensive . My favourite one was from Avon, not sure If you can get it anymore?. *like you have already mentioned- water bottle with straw, make it up night before in fridge. I add ice lemons, sometimes cucumber etc and take it out with me.

I’ve started “low sensory input” mornings and it’s done great things for my mental health. I do not look at my phone/a screen for at least 40 minutes on waking except to turn on a podcast. I keep lighting low (no main lights) and just have the podcast playing quietly whilst I get washed/dressed/have breakfast. Appreciate may not be possible for everyone but this small change has really helped my mood.

Light a candle

2 minute mask/peel while brushing teeth

Moisturise feet before putting socks on in the morning

Reduce phone time.
Arrange a meet up with friends

Following for tips as I've been feeling too rubbish to do any self care at all lately

I've found washing my face and starting my night skincare routine as soon as I get home really good for several reasons. It means you take off the makeup, sweat, dirt of the day off. night creams and oils can get to work earlier, rather than delaying. and also means you actually wash your face before it's too late and you can't be bothered to do it properly.

To that end I keep a face wash in the kitchen drawer so can do a cleanse before I start doing washing up.

I love your ideas, OP!

Second the perfume and hand moisturising.

I wash my scarves, hats, and gloves weekly - it's nice to have fresh smelling winter gear.

I splurged on some very nice wool socks this winter and love the cosy toes feeling when I go out in the weather.

I got a lovely candle for Christmas and light it up when I have a moment.

I also got a few books for Christmas and I'm already a few chapters in.

Foot cream before bed too. I use it every single night and the podiatrist commented how nice my feet were

Oh and in the mornings I do a smoothie

Milk, protein powder, frozen berries/banana and some Greek yogurt or kefir
I drink it to wash down my supplements on my break at work

That way if the rest of the days diet goes to shit, I've had some fruit, protein, and taken my vitamin d/multi vit etc

I’ve just ordered some vitamin d spray. Thankyou for that tip.

I spray my pillow with a pillow spray before bed or if I wake up during the night

I take my lunch to work every day except one where I meet a friend at a cafe.

i mainly drink water but every now and again I’ll buy mineral water as a treat.

Have your cuppa outside wherever possible.

If you google yoga for stress and anxiety there are plenty of free classes on YouTube.

Jigsaw puzzles are great for winter nights rather than staring at a screen. Buy from charity shops

call a friend for a chat while you walk

Small blob of fake tan on face every morning

Only wear colours that suit me