What's your self-care routine for low energy days? 24 women weigh in.

Here we are, mid cost-of-living crisis, and intra-pandemic, doom-scrolling our way past midnight, feeling so burnt out we could stop a bushfire.

Seriously, hands up if the word "burnout" speaks to your exhausted soul and sums up exactly how you’ve been feeling lately (hi, me, I’m waving my arm frantically). 

It’s a similar story everywhere I look. It seems we’re a bunch of worn-out women and if we’re not careful, we might just fizzle out completely.

Right now, you’d think rest would be at the top of our to-dos, but just how the ever-loving heck are we supposed to live-laugh-love when we’re barely making ends meet?

Just how are we supposed to actually recharge? 

No, I’m really asking. Because most of us aren’t J-Lo and we can’t just take 6 weeks off to sail around the world on our yacht. 

I asked you all how you get that wellness routine nailed and you inner battery recharged and as always, you came through with the goods. 

But let me kick things off with my own little blues buster: 

I have a go-to winter drink I make most chilly mornings to give me a healthier buzz. It starts with a generous spoonful of Capilano Manuka Honey MGO30+ in the bottom of my favourite mug. (Turns out the higher the number, the more potent the honey's bioactive properties. Who knew?) Then I juice a lemon, grate some ginger, pour in hot water and stir. 

My little one absolutely loves it on crumpets as a morning treat before day-care drop off (and we both sneak an extra bit by the spoonful too). There’s just something about the goodness of manuka honey that instantly makes me feel cared for. Plus, it can’t hurt having something that has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties each morning.

Image: Supplied. 

Let me just say, you lot are absolute self-care queens… 

“One of those weeks? You mean every week?! Nah seriously, I HAVE to work out – boxing and pilates are my go-to and I always try and get a reflexology massage because my feet are in strife.” – Natalie J

"I love eating home-cooked meals with lots of nutrients from veggies and natural ingredients. I just feel like it gives me more fuel when I have little to no energy." – Phoebe A

“I hang out with my little people (nieces and nephews) for perspective and to be reminded of young creativity, and also what it was like to have little responsibility but finding ourselves.” – Nat B

“Nowadays, I would say acceptance is my new form of self-care. When I’m having a low energy day, I simply accept it. I say 'Okay, I’m not going to work out today, I’m not going to force myself to do anything but the bare minimum. Today is a couch day!' I never would have granted myself that kind of grace in my younger years, and I was worse off for it.” – Bec V

“During the lockdowns when we lived in Highett, we used to swim in the sea in winter to snap out of bad moods too.” – Lana D

Image: Supplied. 

“I try and plug back into my safe rituals which usually involve yoga, fewer commitments.” – Riley B

“Self tan, pedicure and blow wave my hair.” – Casey P

“Mine is a call to my grandma  – she’s 95 and still sharp as a tack.” – Nina B

“One word: facial” – Jess J

“On top of it all, my biggest self-care my mum has the answers to everything - she can both give advice and remind me that I’m little more than a pimple on this planet and that these problems aren’t really even a thing lol.” – Terry M

“Massage. Massage and more massage!” – Liz M

“I find comfort in stillness. I find familiar rhythms really help me feel settled and safe.” – Sarah C

Image: Supplied. 

“My two are: walking with a laugh out loud podcast on and having a clean space and lighting candles.” – Dianna P

"I have a nightly bath, almost every single night. It signifies the end of the workday and helps me unwind and process my thoughts, so I can relax and switch off when I get out. I'm only in there for about 10 minutes, with a big slurp of body oil in the water (I don't have to moisturise after!)" – Leigh Campbell

“Guided meditation and breathwork – usually just a few minutes before bed and first thing in the morning.” – Elliot G

“Oooh for me it’s a bath, binge watching Harry Potter with my dogs, walks by the river, lots of snacks. All sounds very cliché, but those activities are legit my happy place.” – Lydia B

Image: Supplied. 

“A social media break FOR SURE.” – Katie C

“I have a bath, do a face mask, get a massage, make a cake in a cup, watch a guilty pleasure show or film like Emily in Paris or Ratatouille, window online shop but then exit before buying, browse Pinterest for a make-believe wedding…” – Jess S

“I had to have Tuesday off last week as I was wrecked, tried to watch a TV show I hadn’t seen but couldn’t seem to process the new info so I did a sheet face mask, turned my phone off (to avoid calls/texts/Instagram scrolling).” – Liana T

Image: Supplied.

“I have realised lately that my biggest one is sleep. Sleep in all forms: going to bed early, sleeping in, or having a nap… just any access to sleep!!” – Alice T

“Full skincare – I’m talking hair mask, face mask, full body moisturiser, even cuticle oil. Freshly shaved legs into fresh pjs and fresh sheets.” – Lauren L

“I take myself out for dinner!” – Laura R

“Having the perfect amount of socialising – drinks with a friend, going for a nice meal but then having some alone time, and also since I’m so far away (from Ireland) a phone call with home.” – Laura K

Shop Capilano Manuka Honey, from MGO30+ to MGO300+ for a healthier buzz to your morning routine. Find it in the honey aisle at Woolworths, Coles or your local supermarket. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.