10 Low-Energy Things That Still Count as Self-Care

When you live with chronic illness, self-care doesn’t always look like bubble baths and green smoothies. Sometimes, it looks like brushing your teeth while sitting down. Or texting a friend, even if you don’t have the energy to talk.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough to take care of yourself—this post is here to remind you: the little things count.

1. Putting on fresh pajamas

Not real clothes. Not a full outfit. Just soft, clean pajamas that help your body feel slightly less like it’s glued to yesterday’s struggle. When energy is low, comfort matters—and changing into something clean is a simple, loving way to care for yourself.

Chronic illness self-care doesn't need to be fancy—sometimes, it just needs to feel good.

2. Sitting in a patch of sunlight (even through a window)

Natural light has a way of softening a hard day. Whether you’re lying on the couch or curled up in bed, letting sunlight touch your skin can lift your mood and regulate your circadian rhythm.

For those living with chronic fatigue or POTS, this kind of passive self-care is both accessible and healing.

3. Using dry shampoo or facial wipes

When showers feel like marathons, these quick hygiene swaps can make all the difference. Dry shampoo, facial wipes, or even brushing your teeth while lying down are valid and helpful.

These little shortcuts aren’t laziness—they’re chronic illness life hacks that support dignity and comfort.

4. Drinking water with electrolytes

Hydration is foundational, especially for those of us with POTS, Gastroparesis, or fatigue disorders. Adding electrolytes helps your body absorb fluids better and can ease lightheadedness, headaches, or energy crashes.

Whether it’s Liquid I.V., coconut water, or a DIY blend, it’s care you can sip.

5. Eating something, anything

Chronic illness often complicates eating—whether it’s nausea, pain, fatigue, or sensory overload. Even a few crackers, a soft meal, or a feeding tube formula is a step toward nourishment.

You don’t need to cook a full meal for it to count. Every bite is a win.

6. Saying no without explaining yourself

You don’t owe anyone a full breakdown of your symptoms to protect your energy. Saying “no” is an act of self-respect—and saying it without guilt is next-level healing.

Setting boundaries when you’re chronically ill isn’t selfish. It’s survival.

7. Doodling, coloring, or scribbling in a notebook

You don’t have to be an artist to create. Marking a page with color or lines can be grounding, meditative, and even joyful. Low-energy creativity can help you process your experience or simply pass time in a soothing way.

Art is medicine—even the messy kind.

8. Lying down with music or a podcast you love

Engaging your mind without needing to move your body is a powerful form of rest. Whether it’s an audiobook, a cozy playlist, or a podcast about healing, this is how many of us stay connected when our bodies need stillness.

Self-care for chronic illness includes rest that nourishes your spirit too.

9. Putting on lotion or lip balm

When pain or fatigue disconnects you from your body, small sensory rituals can help you feel more grounded. Applying a favorite lotion or lip balm is a quiet way to say, “I’m still here. I still matter.”

Chronic illness self-care can be soft, simple, and soothing.

10. Letting yourself rest without guilt

Rest is not a luxury. It’s a biological need—especially when your body is constantly in fight-or-flight mode from pain, fatigue, or autonomic dysfunction. Giving yourself permission to rest without shame is one of the most powerful self-care practices there is.

You don’t need to be productive to be worthy of care.

A Gentle Reminder for You

You don’t have to earn rest. You don’t need to cross anything off a list to deserve care. You’re allowed to have slow days, still days, and even “nothing” days—and still be worthy of love, support, and healing.

We live in a world that measures value by productivity. But your worth isn’t tied to how much you get done. It’s okay if all you did today was survive. That counts. That matters. That is enough.

Every little thing you do to support your body and mind—whether it’s drinking water, setting a boundary, or just breathing through a hard moment—is a valid act of self-care.

You’re doing so much more than you think.

A Simple Prompt for You