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!

Blimey, I was going for brush your hair daily, brush your teeth daily, shower at least every other day if you can't manage that daily. There have been times when things like yoga, freshly prepared food, lighting candles - not a chance!

Absolutely do not mean to judge but I don’t think that this is a ‘self care’ tip - brushing your teeth is extremely important and putting a mouthwash next to your bed only makes it tempting not to when you’re tired.

OP I really enjoy a nice scented body lotion and perfume combo. Nice pjs, good quality bedding and using essential oils!

A walk in the fresh air.
Podcast whilst ironing.
A leave on facemask before bed.

Absolutely do not mean to judge but I don’t think that this is a ‘self care’ tip - brushing your teeth is extremely important and putting a mouthwash next to your bed only makes it tempting not to when you’re tired

If you're really struggling, you probably won't be brushing your teeth before bed. It's just too much. So I do get this tip.

Self care for me is a clean and tidy space but it’s also the first thing to fail when I feel depressed.

What I do is put on music and speed clean for 1 song in each main room (livingroom/playroom/kitchen). It’s amazing what a difference 10 minutes can do when you’re racing!

Brand new fluffy deep pile bath sheets have instantly lifted my winter days

Body oil I found was far more mosturising than body cream and the scent is like a spa

Taking a day off and sitting by the fire. Watching society in the snow. Checking out of life for a bit.

breakfast in bed - maybe just a slice of toast

Ooh I can help here. I've been working on self care this month, having been an exhausted lazy couch potato for far too long.

• Go to bed early, it's my comfort place. I don't go to sleep particularly early but I'll journal, read, listen to podcast or music, watch TV etc.
• I'm then up early. Plan my day, get into my gym clothes first thing to mentally prepare for the gym.
• Slowly enjoy my quiet morning coffee in peace, take my vitamins and a glass of water with a small smidge of salt to help hydration. If I'm hungry, I'll have a banana.
• Exercise. I've learned how to love this over the last 3 months. Spotify and headphones and get out there. I'll listen to music or podcasts or inspirational audiobooks on a walk or in the gym. Watching the pink and orange sunrise whilst getting my steps in have brought me joy.
• Skincare. I'm using up my beauty stash and cleansing every morning and night. Buy stuff that make you want to use it. Use lazy options, soap in the shower on an exfoliating body sponge cleans your body and smooths the skin. Spritz body oil spray when you get out and you've exfoliated and moisturised without any extra time, done in 5 mins. I keep handcream and lip balm all over the place, in the car, bedside table, office desk, handbags and use it a few times a day.
• water bottles, I have these all over too. I only like ones with internal straws. One on my bedside table, office and downstairs so I can sip away without realising how much I'm actually drinking.

@Theoldbird That's a great tip. I'm full of great intentions but then when it's time for bed I'm too tired/lazy so I flop into bed. Definitely taking this and a few more on board. 🤗

I’ve found that walking into the house, kicking off my shoes and heading directly up the stairs to the shower is a good start to a self care evening.

Occasionally, I’ll do a detour into the kitchen to switch on the oven, but generally I head upstairs first.

It just resets my system.

I like to use artificial light as little as possible in the mornings.
Houseplants help my mood.
Early to bed and early to rise suits my natural rhythm- I think its important to work out when you feel most energetic and utilise that.

Which bath sheets have you bought? I have been looking online but hard to tell the quality!

Thanks for all the tips - they are brilliant and easy to implement 😍

This is a good one. I always crave a shower and change of clothes when I get in from a day at the office. If I don't have to go out again that evening it's always a quick shower first for me, I feel so much better for it.

Drink water.

Put my phone away

have a nice bath with a coffee and a book

floss my teeth properly

I’m not good at relaxation but I am starting to practice it more. Just sit and do nothing. The world doesn’t fall apart.

listen to a hypno recording - I used to do this a lot and I’ve stopped, so you’ve inspired me. I will do this today!

Using mouthwash is better than nothing. No-one is suggesting that if you are currently managing to brush your teeth every night you should stop and just use mouthwash instead.

Sometimes even things that are "extremely important" are too much when you're struggling.

Set your intentions the night before I lay out my running kit. After last year with health issues I’ve spent months building back up my fitness from walking 2-3k daily to now running 3x 5k a week plus walking on other days. It’s really helped me mentally and physically. A period of health issues really brings it into sharp focus how much fresh air and exercise helps balance your soul.
Plus making time to read a book. I really got out of the habit and just kept picking up my phone in the evening until I realised it was because I hated reading wearing glasses in bed. I’ve only had to start using glasses in last two years. Im making more time for it now again.

Look out of the window or sit in the garden and watch/listen to the birds, look at clouds, stars, sunrise/sunset, see if any plants are doing anything.

More strenuously, you could do a bit of gardening but I prefer the above!

I put on hand cream, perfume and lipstick this morning, thanks to the tips on here!

It does make me feel a bit more put together than the grey jogging bottoms I managed yesterday!

Which foot cream do you use Paw? I need something decent for my hoofs

@Theoldbird CCS is really good, I usually get it off Amazon

IF NOT MUCH ENERGY :-

Sleeping

Lying in bed resting or reading

Bath

Quick walk

Lots of make up occasionally

Good quality food

Avoiding negative people

Avoiding internet

Art exhibition

Thank you, will look up

The laziest of lazy girl beauty tip I diligently follow is never to touch my face without having washed hands first. I've done for this for a few and haven't had breakouts for a long time.

Then, Spf every day. it's more important than things like tret. because you prevent the damage in the first place

Cleansing every single night.

I listen to sleep stories when im trying to sleep.
also using the free sachets of nice things I have lying around instead of saving them.
Does the whole packet of epsom salts help? I went through a phase of using half a packet when i was really aching but I dont know if it helped. I love the idea of it if it really does help.