When you’re feeling sad, it’s not always easy to focus on self care. This is a tricky issue, because low-mood days are when you need to take care of yourself the most. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have some simple self-love ideas in mind for “rainy day” periods! These activities should be low-maintenance, easy, and restorative! 💛
If my mood drops, I’ve noticed that I start to neglect my own needs. Often times, I’ll unknowingly ignore all of the things that make me happiest: music, cooking, and the outdoors. It’s ironic because these are the things that can lift my mood the most! I also struggle with anxiety, so keeping myself motivated is an ongoing challenge.
For example, this week it was hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. In order to feel better, I had to make sure that I was adding enough self care activities to lift my spirits. It could be as simple as taking a hot shower in the morning or getting a few moments of fresh air after work. These activities aren’t the most glamorous, but they’re powerful!
Sometimes, all you need is a little pick-me-up. Here are 47 easy and quick self-love ideas to inspire happiness! 💓
47 Low-Maintenance Self-Love Ideas
1. Make your bed in the morning.
Making the bed in the morning helps a lot with motivation. I’ve noticed that just doing this small act clears your mind. Your space looks so much tidier and put together! 🌸
2. Take a hot shower.
When you’re feeling down, getting in the shower is always the hardest part. You’ll feel so much better afterwards, though! Baths are also relaxing, but they may be too high maintenance on low-energy days. Simply take a hot, soothing shower. Spoil yourself by using your favorite body wash and conditioner!
3. Find your go-to restorative hobby, like crafting or gardening.
4. Have a playlist ready with uplifting music.
Store an uplifting playlist in your Spotify library for later. Create the playlist when you’re having a good day. As you’re making the playlist, include a lot of songs that make you feel happy and calm. It’s nice to have a go-to playlist for down periods. 🎵
5. Check off one thing on your to-do list.
Don’t feel like you have to do everything at once. Often times, we pressure ourselves to try and finish every single task before the day ends. This isn’t always possible, especially if you’re not feeling 100%. In this case, pick one errand to check off of your to-do list!
6. Watch the clouds and daydream.
7. Dress in comfy clothes.
Keep a few comfy fashion staples in your closet! 👚
When I’m at home, I get really tempted to stay in my PJs all day. This is especially true if I’m feeling anxious. With that being said, 99% of the time, staying in pajamas doesn’t really make me feel better during bad days. Lately, I’ve been implementing a lot of comfy staples. They keep me cozy and I still feel ready for the day!
A few of my comfy staples:
- Midrise leggings
- Sweatshirts (This Beatles shirt is my new fav!)
- Moccasins
8. Get out of the house, even for a 5-minute walk.
One of the most important self-love ideas on this list. Make sure you’re getting up, moving your body, and breathing in fresh air! ☁️
I’ve had periods where it was hard for me to leave the house. After college, I spent weeks indoors because of my anxiety. Getting out enough is something that you definitely want to monitor when you’re feeling down. Even just a 5-minute walk to the coffee shop or grocery store works wonders!
9. Doodle in your journal!
10. Treat yourself to a small gift or pick-me-up!
11. Distract yourself.
Sadness can unfortunately demotivate you. Actively combat this by distracting yourself. Get ahead on a work project, knit, draw, read, work on a puzzle — keep yourself active by doing things you love! 🎨
12. Visit a flower shop.
Flowers just have a way of boosting your mood. Visit a local flower shop and pick out a bouquet of beautiful roses. Or tulips, lilacs, daisies…. or any of your favorite flowers! 🌼
13. Stay hydrated.
14. Work on a crossword puzzle.
15. Keep snacks in your fridge.
Ensure that you’re nourishing your body with lots of veggies and fruits! When you’re feeling sad, often times it isn’t easy to cook or you may not feel as hungry. But your body needs fuel and it’s crucial to eat regularly.
I personally struggle with eating when I’m sad or anxious. I’ll start feeling nauseous or even lose my appetite. At it’s worst, I’ve skipped meals altogether because I didn’t feel motivated enough to prepare food. But I’ve learned that this is only the anxiety talking! And there are solutions to this problem!
Something that’s helping me these days is buying low-maintenance snacks! Stock your fridge with foods that are easy to make: a fruit bowl, peanut butter and jelly, soup, yogurt and granola, etc. I LOVE this Cheesy Tuna Mac recipe, because it’s super simple and quick! 🍲
16. Light your favorite candle.
Aromatherapy is a great tool when it comes to lifting your mood. Try some soothing essential oils like lavender, or simply light a candle that comforts you!
17. Go out with friends, even if it’s just for a coffee or lunch!
18. Schedule something to look forward to — like a movie date.
19. Watch a cheesy holiday movie.
I mean, it’s a cheesy holiday movie. What more can I say? Also, can we talk about this new Netflix movie featuring Vanessa Hudgens?! The Knight Before Christmas is about a modern day girl falling in love with a time-traveling 14th century knight. ADORABLE! ⛄
20. Window-shop at the mall.
21. Download a helpful self-care app, like Daylio!
22. Get a haircut or bang trim.
Sometimes, it’s nice to pamper yourself with something as simple as a haircut!
23. Snuggle with your pet!
Because puppies are the best! 🐶
24. Open your windows for fresh air.
Give your place some fresh air by opening the windows. Look out and marvel at the gorgeous night sky or morning sunrise! 🌙
25. Spray some of your loveliest perfume.
B&BW has amazing festive scents like Winter Candy Apple and Hot Cocoa & Cream! ❄️
26. Replace criticism with kind words.
27. Start your day a little earlier.
28. Take-out a healthier option for dinner.
If you’re feeling down, picking up something quick like McDonalds or Culver’s may be tempting. While it’s perfectly normal to treat yourself sometimes, you want to make sure you’re nourishing your body with healthy options. On low-energy days, preparing a home-cooked meal can be a challenge. Try to find go-to healthier spots for these times, like a local eatery or sandwich joint!
29. Add a bright decorative piece in your bedroom.
30. Move your body and stretch!
31. Give your eyes a rest by unplugging after work.
Have you ever watched more than a few episodes of your favorite Netflix series and felt tired afterwards? Being on the computer for too long can lead to eye-strain, which causes symptoms like headaches, dry eyes and blurry vision. While a movie marathon can be super fun at times, try to limit screen time. Avoid going online before bed and take a break by unplugging during the day!
32. Do a quick, low-maintenance tidy up session.
Just a few possible ideas:
- Fold laundry
- Throw away expired items in your pantry
- Dust your counters
- Sweep
- Empty the dishwasher
33. Wash your comforter & bedsheets.
34. Bring comfort items to work — like your coziest sweater or a picture of your family member!
35. Read a short story.
One of my favorite self-love ideas is to read short stories! They’re easier to digest than a novel and this is crucial if you’re not having the best day. All of these short-story collections look fantastic!
36. Sit under a tree at the park.
Back in high school, I experienced a really bad down period. What helped me back then was to drive to the park.
I liked sitting outside for a while under a tree and looking out at Lake Michigan. It always made me feel so peaceful and happy. I have a distinct memory of sitting on the grass and being amazed by the scenery: soft waves, a glowing lighthouse, and a perfectly clear night sky. 🌃
Nature has many mood-lifting benefits. Even just chilling out in your backyard for a little while can do the trick! 🌳
37. Work a little bit on a new skill.
38. Declutter your inbox & social media.
Are you following anyone who tends to bring you down? Also, do you ever notice any toxic posts on your timeline? Take some time to unfollow profiles and declutter your timeline. You have the right to remove anything that doesn’t positively contribute to your wellbeing!
39. Try a new drink at Starbucks!
One of the funnest self-love ideas on this list! Their toasted white chocolate mocha is amazing, y’all!
40. Think of three things you’re grateful for in this moment.
41. Podcasts, podcasts, podcasts!
Now y’all know about my love for podcasts! 🎧
I’ve mentioned before that I’m currently listening to The Highly Sensitive Person and Welcome to Night Vale (obsessed with this spooky series!) Would 100% recommend both podcasts!
Find an informative podcast that covers your interests and passions! It’s fun to listen to experts talk about topics you genuinely enjoy! There are also a lot of podcasts with a more fiction-y, book format, which is so awesome!
42. Enjoy a cup of Earl Grey Tea.
I made this Iced Lavender London Fog Latte the other day and it was super yummy! ☕
43. Wash and moisturize your face.
For skincare, keep things simple by washing your face and applying some moisturizer. You’ll feel so much more refreshed!
44. File and paint your nails.
45. Listen to an inspiring speech.
TedTalks has so many incredible speeches on their site! 💓
46. Subscribe to a wellness magazine.
I recommend Breathe magazine. All of their articles are insightful and feature stunning artwork! 🌱
47. Take breaks when you need them.
I hope that you enjoyed this post, lovelies! Have a great weekend!
What are some things that help you feel better when you’re sad? What about go-to self-love ideas that are low-maintenance?
Such a sweet list! I personally wanted to write this kind of list on a bullet journal or something, so that I can remember it whenever I feel sad 😊 Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you so much, Caroline!! 💓 Ooh, you totally should! I think keeping a self-care list would be so helpful in a bullet journal format!! That way it could be kind of a reminder of happy and uplifting stuff if you’re feeling sad or down. Thanks for reading!! I hope you’re having a nice Friday! x
Great tips – I especially love a low key tidy up! If anything it motivates me to get more stuff done and then taking the time to chill after is all the more worthwhile! Doing my nails is also my go to self care thing! Xx
Thank you so much!! 💓 So happy you enjoyed the tips!! Totally agree about the chilled out tidy up sessions lol! They really do help you feel more motivated! Even doing something small like running the dishwasher or folding laundry helps so much. Also, I haven’t done my nails in a while and that sounds lovely!! x
Great ideas and love your inspiring posts! Happy that you are focusing on self care girl 🙂
Aww, thanks so much, hon!! You’re so sweet!! 💗 Hope you’re having a great day!! x
Great tips as usual! When I’m feeling sad I especially like to pamper myself and have a shower, put on moisturiser, do a face or hair mask, apply nail polish, and then cuddle up with something cosy 😊
Thank you so much, Juliette!! 💛 All of those things sound super lovely!! I’m the same way with putting on moisturizer and taking a hot shower. I feel like it’s such an easy and quick pick-me-up for when your energy is low!
Hope you’re having a nice week!! x