17 Self-Care Ideas for Anyone Staying Home This Friday Night

Updated September 26, 2019.

There are many reasons someone would stay in on a Friday night. Maybe your mental health has been kicking your butt this week, and you need time to decompress. Maybe you’ve been running around taking care of everyone else, and need time to take care of you. Or maybe just the thought of being social makes you exhausted.

Whatever your reason is for staying home this Friday night, we want you to know it’s more than OK not to go out. Spend some time tonight on self-care, because you are important and you matter.

We wanted to know what people do for self-care when they stay in on Friday night, so we asked members of our mental health community to share their favorite self-care tips for nights in.

Also, please remember if you’re staying in this Friday night, it’s not because you’re “uncool” or because no one wants to hang out with you. Plus, there’s nothing cooler than taking care of your mental health anyway.

Join the Distract Me group if you want help taking your mind off whatever you’re going through.

Here are some self-care tips from our community:

1. Watch a Favorite Movie or TV Show

There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch to watch a TV show or movie. Whether you like watching nostalgic movies you loved in childhood or the newest episodes of your favorite soap, find something that lets you tune out for a little while. Don’t know what to watch? Head here for TV show recommendations streaming now on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

“Resting and watching a TV show. No pressure on me!” — Lauren B.

2. Make Yourself Dinner

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes self-care can be simple things like taking care of basic needs like eating. If you’re feeling up to it, take an evening trip to the grocery store and get ingredients for a recipe you’ve been meaning to try. Ease into the process of cooking by putting on some music or a TV show. If you’re not feeling up for an making dinner, consider ordering in from one of your favorite places to eat or subscribing to a meal delivery service.

“Eat a healthy meal and enjoy cooking it to your favorite music or something, then get a load of movies lined up to watch, you can do it alone or invite a friend over. But yeah just enjoy the simple things. Food and films.” — Lawrence S.

3. Skip the Social Media

We are all guilty of being on social media more than is probably good for us. Practice self-care this Friday by turning it off for a bit. Read a book instead or if you want to be on your phone, download a fun phone game.

“Stay off of social media. If you are feeling depressed or anxious, looking at all of your friends going out and having fun may make you feel worse. You start comparing yourself to them and that never ends well.” — Heather H.

“Avoid social media as it can make you feel like your life is boring. Not having plans on a Friday night will not make you a dull person. So enjoy the time you spend with yourself.” — Tiyasha S.

4. Cry

Oftentimes there’s nothing more therapeutic than a good, long cry. If you’ve been holding everything in all week, grab yourself a journal and sob. Allow yourself to release the emotions you’ve been carrying — without judgment of course! Be gentle with yourself if you just need to unload.

“Let yourself cry and let go of everything you’ve been bottling up. Allow yourself to feel all of the emotions you’ve been hiding away from your peers even if you don’t want to. Let your face become a mess because when you’re home alone on a Friday night after a long, emotionally exhausting and physically rough week you owe it to yourself to just not care about how you look on the outside, because everything on the inside needs to be poured out of you as if you’re detoxifying yourself. Become that hot mess you see in the mirror every morning as you get ready to put your mask on for the work day. Just let it all out.” — Ashley D.

5. Listen to Calming Music

After a long week, listening to calming music is a great way to decompress. Whether you decide to listen to music while cooking dinner or while sinking into the tub, choose songs that help you slow down and unwind. For song recommendations, check out (and chat with!) our #MightyMusic community.

“As I live near a street full of night clubs in the city, I often hear the bass beats coming from them. I usually either wear earplugs or turn on calm music when I sleep. If I’m not sleeping, I find something interesting to do to distract my mind from the brouhaha happening outside.” — Josh N.

“Listen to music while alone in [your] room. Or do mindfulness exercises.” — Mitz N.

6. FaceTime a Friend

If you’re alone this Friday and are craving some human connection, set up time to FaceTime a friend. Whether it’s a loved one who lives out of town or one who lives nearby, a quick chat can boost your mood.

“Sometimes I don’t feel like going out on a Friday night for whatever reason. Maybe I’m overwhelmed, stressed, exhausted or depressed. I have found that Face-Timing a friend is extremely helpful. Helps me feel less alone and in good company. Sometimes I will simply watch movies with them, read a book with them or even just have a nice conversation. It can really uplift my night and weekend without having to over-exert myself.” — Kellyann N.

7. Sing

There are few places you’re able to really let loose and sing to your heart’s content. Whether you enjoy singing in front of others or are strictly a shower-singer, challenge yourself to sing a little this Friday — not caring about how you sound. You might be surprised at how therapeutic it can feel.

“I relax myself by singing, because it makes me feel good. Hearing my own voice sing and sing the songs I love makes me feel good and like I am good at something. Find something that gives you comfort, makes you smile and feel relaxed. It might take some time to find something that makes you feel these things, but it’s about experimenting and finding something that suits you.” — Lauren H.

8. Use a Face Mask

If stress causes you to break out, treat yourself to a face-cleansing mask. What better day to do this than a self-care Friday?

“Not sure it’s ‘self-care,’ but I’m obsessed with face masks right now. They somehow make me relax and give [me] something to concentrate on besides [my] physical or mental pain for a bit.” — Kim P.

9. Do Something Artistic

It’s no secret that creative activities can boost your mood. Whether you choose to draw, crochet, finger paint or use a coloring book, let yourself enjoy the process of creating without expectation. You don’t have to make your next great masterpiece to have a good time.

“Crafts and coloring also relaxes me, as well as listening to music.” — Mandy S.

“Do anything creative! Painting, drawing, sewing, knitting. Anything at all.” — Emma J.

“Painting… It’s good to work your week of emotions out on canvas.” — Justin E.

10. Clean

You know how the saying goes, “cluttered space, cluttered mind!” Declutter your mind for the coming week by doing laundry, washing dishes and scrubbing your toilet. Monday You will thank Friday Night You! Pro tip: If you’re feeling ambitious, try Marie Kondo’s strategies for cleaning up.

“I make myself clean something. Bathroom, dishes, something I’ve let go too long. And nap. Always naps.” — Jennifer R.

11. Go for a Swim

If you have access to a pool or jacuzzi, use it! The rhythmic process of swimming laps or soaking in a hot tub can bring relaxation to a stressed-out mind.

“Going for a relaxing swim, spending the evening with a loved one and chucking on a funny movie. Works every time!” — Kristy C.

12. Take a Bath

If you don’t have access to a pool or jacuzzi, but have a tub, take a bath! Invest in a bath bomb or some essential oils and soak in the lovely smells with a good book.

“Bubble bath and movie to decompress from the week!” — Andrea G.

“A hot bath, scented with lavender and meditation music. Just being inside myself and by myself.” — Tamara Z.

13. Pretend You Are at the Spa

You don’t have to spend tons of money at a spa to pamper yourself. This Friday night, have a spa-at-home night. Maybe that means cutting and painting your nails and toe nails. Maybe that means dyeing your hair or trying out a new hairstyle. Whatever sounds good to you, spend extra time making yourself feel special and taken care of.

“Pamper yourself, wash and condition your hair, do your nails, do all the luxurious things you don’t normally have time for. Listen to some soothing music light a candle and pretend you are in a spa.” — Katie S.

14. Use a Heating Pad

If you struggle with chronic pain or have muscle tension due to anxiety, take care of yourself by using a heating pad. Let the warmth soothe your tired muscles. For a great list of heating products, head here.

“I like taking a hot bath to relax the tension in my body. Then I like to get one of those eye patches you can heat up in the microwave. I heat that up, put it over my eyes and it helps with my headaches. Also keeping my eyes closed keeps the distractions away.” — Claudia M.

15. Spend Extra Time Getting Ready for Bed

Self-care is not just about spending money on yourself, it’s also about spending time on yourself. When you’re getting ready for bed tonight, think about all the things you would do to make going to sleep as relaxing as possible — and try to do them!

“Take a hot shower, put on your favorite pajamas, make a cup of tea and watch your favorite movie. You deserve to be kind to yourself.” — Selena R.

16. Make Your Bed Super Comfy

There are few things as comforting as going to sleep in a luxuriously comfortable bed — usually at a hotel! But there’s no reason why you can’t make your bed at home a more inviting place to relax. Invest in new pillows, change your sheets and clean your bedroom. These small things can make a world of difference.

“I build a nest in bed with a lot of blankets and pillows, a good snack and a favorite show. Add the cat and it’s a great evening.” — Sarah W.

17. Go to Sleep Early

The last three self-care suggestions on this list have to do with sleep — because let’s be real, we could all use more sleep! Recharge for the weekend by going to sleep early. Your body will thank you.

“To get a early night, and a good night’s sleep. Sleep is a major player in maintaining good health. Still very underestimated.” — Jamie C.

“Go to bed early. You’ve probably stayed up late all week. You need your sleep and it helps if you still get up at the regular time, even on weekends.” — Shaun S.

What would you add?