Free Self-Care: 25 Bizarre Ways to Take Care of Yourself
When someone mentions self-care, I bet your mind jumps to bubble baths, face masks, and expensive spa treatments. And while there's nothing wrong with those classics, what if I told you that some of the most effective self-care strategies from a therapist (like me) involve doing completely ridiculous things that cost absolutely nothing?
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, time-consuming, or even make total sense. Sometimes, the best way to take care of yourself is to break routine, shake things up, and let yourself be weird while doing things that make you laugh out loud.
25 Weirdo Self-Care Activities for Your Souls
These unconventional self-care activities might seem bizarre, but they work because they help you reconnect with joy, playfulness, and authenticity. So here are 25 completely free, slightly bizarre ways to nourish your soul:
1. Wear a wig or fake glasses all day
Surprise yourself and everyone around you.
Sure, you might look ridiculous, but there's something powerful about standing out and feeling a little different for the day.
This is one of those self-care strategies that sounds silly but actually helps you practice self-empowerment.
2. Narrate your life like you’re in a documentary
Picture you're shuffling to the kitchen at 7 AM, and instead of cursing your tiredness, you narrate in your best voice: “Here we see a very tired human bravely making coffee.”
This simple shift in perspective transforms mundane moments into victories worth celebrating.
When you narrate your life, you're actually practicing one of the most effective self-care tips—acknowledging your efforts and giving yourself credit for showing up, even when it's hard.
3. Stare dramatically out of a window while listening to a film score (Bonus points if it’s raining)
Find a window, put on your favorite movie soundtrack, and stare out dramatically like you're the main character in an epic film.
This isn't just about looking cool (though you absolutely will). It's about creating space for introspection.
Music has this incredible ability to transport us emotionally, and when you pair it with stillness and a bit of drama, you're creating the perfect conditions for self-reflection.
4. Send a voice memo to yourself in an accent describing your troubles
Future you will be delighted. Or confused. Either way, it’s a win.
Whether it's a posh British accent or your attempt at sounding like a pirate, recording yourself in different voices helps externalize your problems. Accents change how we perceive messages, and they also change how we see ourselves. "Aye, looks like I be havin’ a proper shite day, eh matey!" you proclaim.
This playful self-care activity lets you get your worries out of your body and into the world in a safe and silly way. Plus, you'll probably crack yourself up, which is always good for mental health.
5. Walk backward for a bit
Yes, literally walk backward. It feels strange, resets your brain, and might freak out your neighbors. They may think you've lost it, but you're actually gaining something valuable—a new perspective.
Walking backward engages different muscles, improves balance, and forces you to pay attention to your surroundings in a completely new way.
Think of it as a metaphor for life: sometimes stepping back gives us the clearest view of where we're heading. It's one of those self-care activities that works on both physical and mental levels.
6. Carry a tiny object in your pocket and give it a backstory
This paperclip? It’s been on three international journeys.
This practice of creating narratives helps you find meaning and wonder in everyday objects.
It's mindfulness and presence disguised as storytelling, and it trains your brain to look for magic in the mundane.
7. Wrap yourself in a blanket burrito and roll around the floor
You are safe. You are cozy. You are a human cinnamon roll.
This isn't just about comfort; it's about reconnecting with your inner child and embracing playfulness as a form of self-care for mental health.
When we allow ourselves to be silly, we release stress, boost creativity, and remember that joy doesn't have to be earned—it can be as simple as rolling around in a blanket.
8. Sit in a different spot than usual
Instead of staying glued to your usual spot, switch it up dramatically. Switch sides of the couch. Sit on the floor. Or even try working while lying on your stomach.
These position changes do more than prevent stiffness. They stimulate your brain and encourage new ways of thinking. Voila! Your world has changed!
Sometimes, the best self-care tips are the simplest ones: move your body to a new position and watch how it shifts your mental perspective.
9. Give an award speech for an imaginary achievement, accept it humbly
“I never thought I’d win Best Internal Monologue, but here we are.”
This might sound silly, but celebrating yourself, even for made-up accomplishments, reinforces positive self-perception.
It's a form of self-care that builds confidence and reminds you that every effort deserves recognition.
10. Talk to a houseplant like it’s your therapist
Ferns are excellent listeners. But you can also share your worries with your succulent.
Research shows that talking to plants can actually help them grow, but it also helps you process emotions and thoughts out loud.
Your plant won't judge you, interrupt you, or give unsolicited advice. Sometimes that's exactly the kind of therapeutic conversation you need.
11. Look up “tiny crabs wearing bottle caps” on the internet
Set aside time to specifically look up the most ridiculously cute things you can find online. You will not regret this.
Laughter and joy are important components of self-care for mental health.
When you intentionally seek out content that makes you happy, you're actively choosing to prioritize your emotional well-being.
12. Make up a conspiracy theory about your pet or a household object
What is your cat plotting? Let your imagination run wild.
Creating silly stories about your pets engages your creativity while deepening your bond with them.
Humor and storytelling are powerful stress relievers, so don't hold back on the absurdity.
[Photo credit (L to R): Franco Dupuy, Jessica Madavo, & Ivan Resnik, & Matthew Addington] Click image to download.
13. Put a sticker on your forehead and go about your day
You are now a walking art project. Put a sticker on your forehead and go about your day.
It might seem ridiculous (because it is), but that's exactly the point. This tiny act of rebellion against taking yourself too seriously can be incredibly liberating.
Sometimes the best self-care activities are the ones that remind us not to worry so much about what other people think. Your forehead sticker is a badge of authenticity and playfulness.
14. Profess love to yourself dramatically in the mirror
“There’s no one, who has such a spark in their eye, such a zest for life as you. You are the wind beneath my wings.”
Maybe you’re used to canned affirmations like: “I am confident. I am worthy,” but why not get creative about self-affirmation.
When you look yourself in the eye and speak lovingly with intention, you're practicing self-love and acceptance.
It's a reminder that you are worthy of attention and care (especially from yourself).
15. Eat something in an extremely tiny or extremely large bite
One single grain of rice. One entire pancake in one go. Balance is key.
This mindful eating practice turns an everyday activity into an extraordinary experience of presence.
You'll taste flavors more intensely and appreciate textures in ways you never noticed before.
16. Pretend you’re in an indie movie and do something mundane very poetically
Washing dishes has never been this deep.
Romanticizing the mundane helps you slow down, become present, and find beauty in the ordinary. Zen Buddhism has a proverb: “chop wood, carry water,” which emphasizes this principle, that focusing on present tasks within small moments is the best way to take small steps towards enlightenment.
It’s a form of mindfulness that turns everyday tasks into small rituals of self-care and creative expression.
17. Find a ridiculous YouTube workout and attempt 5 minutes of it
Interpretive dance cardio, anyone?
Search for the most absurd workout videos you can find and give them a genuine try.
These workouts provide laughter, movement, and a sense of accomplishment all at once.
They remind us that exercise doesn't have to be a punishment. It can be pure joy.
18. Use an absurdly specific compliment generator online
Use an online compliment generator or make up your own ridiculous praise: “You do have the energy of a wise yet mischievous wizard.”
Taking time to acknowledge your unique qualities, even in silly ways, boosts self-esteem and encourages positive self-talk.
It's a fun way to combat negative thoughts and remind yourself that you deserve kindness.
19. Write a letter to your future self and hide it somewhere dumb
Compose a letter to yourself, sharing your hopes, dreams, and current obsessions. Then hide it somewhere completely unexpected—like inside your winter boots or a cereal box.
This practice combines introspection with anticipation. Writing to your future self helps clarify your goals while creating a delightful surprise for later.
20. Lie on the floor and stare at the ceiling for an amount of time that concerns others
No phone, no distractions—just you and the ceiling having a meaningful relationship. “I’m meditating, Karen.”
This forced stillness allows your mind to settle and your thoughts to organize themselves naturally.
Sometimes, the most effective self-care strategies from a therapist involve simply giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing.
21. Drink your morning beverage out of the wrong type of glass
Coffee in a wine glass? Elegance.
These tiny acts of rebellion against routine can spark joy in unexpected ways.
Breaking your own patterns, even in tiny ways, keeps life interesting and reminds you that you have the power to shake things up whenever you want.
22. Name objects around your house for no reason
That chair is now “Greg.” That lamp? “Ethel.”
This playful renaming exercise helps you see your environment through fresh eyes and creates a more whimsical relationship with your surroundings.
Your home becomes a reflection of your creativity and personality.
23. Give yourself a temporary alter ego for the day
Create a completely different version of yourself with your own name, backstory, and personality traits. For example, today, you are Maximus, a chaotic but well-intentioned poet.
This isn't about escaping yourself; it's about exploring parts of your personality that might be hiding under layers of social expectations.
Your alter ego gives you permission to try on different aspects of who you could be.
24. Make up a new handshake with yourself
You may look strange, but you will feel powerful.
This silly practice reinforces self-acceptance and celebrates the importance of your own company.
Every time you perform your special handshake, you're literally giving yourself a high-five for being uniquely you.
25. Clap wildly when you finish a task, no matter how small
You deserve applause. Always.
This enthusiastic self-celebration creates a mindset focused on gratitude and positivity.
When you acknowledge even tiny victories, you train your brain to notice and appreciate your efforts throughout the day.
Embracing Weirdo Self-Care Your Way
Sometimes, the best self-care is just letting yourself be ridiculous. It doesn't have to look like what everyone else is doing. It's about nurturing every part of yourself, including the weird, wonderful, and whimsical aspects that make you uniquely you.
When you embrace the quirky side of taking care of yourself, you open up to new perspectives and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to love yourself. If the world feels heavy, give yourself permission to be light.
So go ahead, try these ridiculous self-care activities. After all, they are often the ones that make you laugh, help you play, and remind you that taking care of yourself can be the most delightfully absurd adventure of all.
