14 Self Care Ideas for When You’re Tired and Have No Energy

When you’re tired or running on empty, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming. In moments like these, taking care of yourself does not have to be complicated or require a lot of effort. Self care can look like small, gentle choices that help you slow down, reset, and give your body and mind the rest they need. In this post, I’ve compiled some simple self care ideas for when you’re low on energy and need a soft way to recharge.

Self Care Ideas for When You Have no Energy

1. Get Some Fresh Air Outside

One of my favorite low or no energy self care ideas, is to step outside and get some fresh air. This can look like so many different things. You can go for a walk, sit on your balcony or porch, relax in your backyard, or even head to a park and simply rest for a bit.

The best part is that you don’t have to do this for very long. You can stay outside for as little as 5 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on how you’re feeling. You can also amp it up by bringing along a coloring book, reading a book, sipping tea or a refreshing drink, or enjoying a light snack while you relax outside.

Remember, sometimes the most powerful forms of self care are also the simplest. Taking a few moments to step outside, breathe deeply, and enjoy some fresh air can do wonders for your mood and help you feel more refreshed.

2. Open a Window and Let Sunlight Into Your Room

Continuing with the idea of letting the outdoors refresh and reset your mind; another self care idea is to open the windows in your space and let the sunlight fill your room. This is especially great if you’ve been inside for a while and feel too tired to go outdoors.

There’s something powerful about opening a window, letting in fresh air, and allowing natural sunlight to brighten your space. The warmth and natural light can help make a room feel more inviting, while also giving your mood a gentle boost. 

3. Take a Warm Shower

When it comes to self care, especially after work when I tend to have super low energy, I always look forward to taking a warm, (or in my case a hot) shower.

There’s something about the steam filling up the bathroom, the water hitting your skin, and being able to just breathe, relax, and feel refreshed. And it helps me to wash off the physical and emotional “gunk” from the day.

4. Change Into Clean and Comfortable Clothes

Continuing on from taking a nice shower is changing into clean and comfortable clothes or cozy pajamas. This is especially nice when you are winding down for the night and want to feel relaxed and reset.

If you want to use this idea earlier in the day, taking a shower and then dressing in fresh clothes can also help boost your mood and prepare you both physically and mentally for the day ahead. 

5. Listen to Music

Another super chill and cozy self care idea is listening to music. You can lay in bed while playing your favorite playlist, or listen while you’re up and doing something around the house.

If you’re someone who enjoys podcasts, that can be another great option for unwinding. 

6. Watch a Show or Movie

Whether it’s a comforting rewatch of a favorite show or trying something new, if you enjoy watching movies or tv shows; this is a great self care idea to try when you just want to relax and reset.

7. Eat a Simple Nourishing Meal

When you’re running low on energy, the last thing you want to do is spend hours prepping food and cooking. A great self care idea you can incorporate is making a simple and nourishing meal instead.

You can look up quick 30 minute recipes, easy meals, or one pot meals. You can even do something like a “girl dinner” and keep it simple with light and easy foods. 

The goal is to take the pressure off and not feel overwhelmed by the idea of cooking a full, long meal when your energy is low. 

Self Care Ideas When You’re Tired

8. Order Takeout Instead of Cooking

Now, if cooking a simple meal still feels like too much, you can skip it altogether and just order takeout. Go to your favorite restaurant and order takeout, or even stop by the store and grab a rotisserie chicken or something quick and nourishing.

9. Read a Few Pages of a Book

If you enjoy reading and find it relaxing or fun, pick up a book and read a few pages. Just read for enjoyment and entertainment without putting pressure on yourself.

There’s no need to finish the whole book or get through a certain number of chapters in one sitting. The goal is simply to enjoy the moment and read at your own pace.

10. Journal About How You’re Feeling

A great way that I like to wind down and reset is through journaling and doing a brain dump. I write down how I’m feeling, what’s been going on in my life, and what happened throughout my day.

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed with emotions or just want a moment to release everything, grab a notebook and start writing. Just let it all flow out as a brain dump of everything you want to say. 

11. Call or Text a Friend

Another self care idea for when you have low energy, is to call or text a friend/ family member. Sometimes it can feel tempting to isolate, but this is a great way to stay connected while still keeping things low effort.

You can relax with your friend and just chill, unwind, and talk about your day; or even just be on the phone or video chat while you both do your own thing. 

12. Color

When it comes to low energy activities, coloring always comes up, and honestly it makes so much sense, because it’s such a great way to unwind. Since all you have to worry about is coloring in the shapes. 

There are different types of coloring options too. You can use detailed adult coloring books with more intricate designs, or you can go for larger, more simple childlike coloring books with bigger pages and less detail. Either way, it’s about slowing down, having fun, and enjoying the process of coloring your image.

13. Reschedule Nonessential Plans

Another self care idea for when you have no energy, is canceling or rescheduling nonessential plans. 

Often times, we get caught up in the busy hustle and bustle of our day to day lives with a jam packed schedule. But if you’re needing to reset and slow down a bit, it is okay to take a step back, slow down, and take some things off of your plate.

14. Take a Nap or go to Sleep

Last but not least, when it comes to self care, simply take a nap or go to bed and get some physical rest.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I take a 20 minute or even an hour long nap, I wake up feeling so rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world. So don’t underestimate the power of a good sleep.