Last Minute Wellness Ideas that Really Work

Feeling blue and needing some last minute wellness?

I know how it is – everything seems fine (or at least normal), and then suddenly stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings creep up on you. Maybe you’ve neglected your well-being for some time, or had a recent stressful or traumatic event. In any case, you need relief, and you need it now.

If this is what’s going on, here are some quick and easy wellness ideas to make things better pronto.

Do These Things Right Away for Last Minute Wellness

Make A Date With Friends or Your Partner

Socializing and laughing does us good, and nowadays it’s easier than ever to plan something quickly.

For example, if you have a chat group with your close friends, suggest a quick get-together today or tomorrow (especially if you’re approaching the weekend). Nothing fancy – just some burgers, beer, and conversation will do. You’d be surprised at how often people are up for hanging out, but don’t do so simply because no one takes the initiative.

Another option is to have a date night with your partner/family. Just getting out of the house and having a simple, good time will make you feel better!

Go to a Beautiful Place

Going to a park, museum, or other nearby beautiful place is always a great wellness idea. It takes very little effort, but has a great reward. Just throw on some clothes and head out.

Pro tip: Take some pictures while you’re there to remember the day better.

Take a Last Minute Wellness Getaway

Book an impromptu getaway this weekend! If you have the money or can use miles and points, stay at a nearby resort or even take a short flight. The change of scenery and mini-vacation will help you feel better right away.

It’ll also take you out of your busy life and make you forget all those annoying little things on your to-do list.

Take a Long Walk

A great last minute wellness activity is a long walk (like an hour or more) in a nice setting. Whether it’s next to the water or even in the forest, a long walk will help you clear your head and relax.

Get a Massage

Make a same-day massage appointment and forget the world for an hour. Not only will it help your mind, but a skilled masseuse can actually make you feel better, physically.

Get a Haircut

Nobody likes looking or feeling messy. So if your hair is out of control, make an appointment for a quick haircut. Looking better is practically guaranteed to improve your mood and well-being.

Play a Sport

Some great sports for last minute wellness are tennis or golf. Or, if the weather is bad, any good indoor sport.

Whatever you choose, exercise will make you feel better almost instantly. Among its many benefits are:

• Mood improvement.
• Increased energy.
• Better brain health and memory.
• Improved relaxation and sleep.

Get in the Pool

If you have access to a pool, take a dip or do some swimming. Just being in the water can release a lot of tension!

Do Some Gardening

I’ve recently discovered gardening as a quick mood-improvement activity. It doesn’t have to be anything involved or complicated; just watering your plants and doing some trimming will take your focus off your troubles.

Do Some Forest Bathing for Some Japanese-Style Last Minute Wellness

Like I hinted before, walking in the forest is becoming increasingly known as an amazing wellness activity. So engage in the ancient Japanese practice of “forest bathing” for a quick and effective pick-me-up.

Here’s a nice video on forest bathing:

Get a Treat for Some Quick Last Minute Wellness

For me, it’s ice cream – my favorite is French Vanilla with brownies and cookie dough from Cold Stone. Whatever your favorite is, get a treat for a quick boost of pleasure and good feelings.

Of course, don’t abuse it; but sometimes it’s worth the calories!

Solve a Problem

Sometimes well-being is not about a “positive”, but rather about removing a negative. So get around to solving that problem that’s been nagging you for months. Today’s the day to tackle it.

Once you solve the problem, the nagging feeling will go away, a dark cloud will be lifted, and you’ll feel much better.

Grill or Cook

Whipping up a delicious meal, especially if done with or for friends and family, is always a good thing. If you’re so inclined, make a day out of it – call up some friends for a casual dinner party, and run to the store for fresh ingredients and a nice bottle of wine (I love cheap pink Moscato because it’s sweet, even if it’s not fancy).

The whole project will lift your mood, guaranteed.

Do Something You’ve Been Dreading

Maybe it’s cleaning up a room, or making a dental appointment. You know, any of many unpleasant things we have to do as part of life.

Instead of letting it linger in your head and make you feel like a procrastinator, do it today. Once you get it over with, you’ll feel relieved.

Go to the Movies – Classic Last Minute Wellness!

A classic last minute wellness activity, and something that practically everyone enjoys. Just head out for dinner and a movie, and escape the world for a few hours.

Take A Warm Bath

Not a shower, a bath. Tell your family to give you an uninterrupted break for 30 or 60 minutes, and draw up a warm bath. If you’d like, add an essential oil diffuser for a nice smell, and perhaps some music. You can also put in some lavender bath salts, and serve yourself a glass of wine.

Then, just take the bath and relax. Close the door and try to forget the world and your to-do list.

Meditate for 5 or 10 Minutes

A brief app-guided meditation session will calm your mind. It’s not hard at all – you only have to follow your instructor.

I recommend Headspace, which has done wonders for my well-being. If not, you can always find something on YouTube.

Go to A High-End Supermarket

For some reason, going to a high-end supermarket like Whole Foods (especially when it’s not too crowded) gives me an instant mood improvement. My wife Lily and I go when we have ample time, and start by having some delicious food and coffee from the deli area.

After that, we do some leisurely shopping, making sure to take in the sights and smells. My dad and others I know love to do this, too, so I think we’re on to something.

Summing Up the Last Minute Wellness Ideas

We all need a quick lift every so often. If that’s you right now, choose one or two of these ideas and do it ASAP. You’ll feel better, and it may even turn a bad day into a good one.

Cheers to you!

What do you do for last minute wellness?