It’s a question we all get. Sometimes it’s from someone you care about, other times from someone who’s just trying to keep the conversation going. And let’s be honest, depending on your mood, this question can feel either heartwarming or weirdly intrusive. Best Responses to “What Are You Up To”.
So, what do you say back? You could go with the old “Not much,” but maybe just maybe there’s a better way to respond. One that reflects how you actually feel, invites connection, and keeps things human.
Below, you’ll find 30 responses not just polite ones, but real, warm, and reflective replies you can use when someone asks, “What are you up to?” Each one is paired with tips, context, and variations, so you can find what fits you best.
1. Just taking a breather it’s been a long day.
This one works when you’re not in the mood to chat, but still want to stay kind. It acknowledges that your plate’s been full and you’re giving yourself a moment.
Best use: When you’re decompressing and someone you care about checks in.
Not for: Formal chats or when someone’s expecting a quick answer.
Other ways to say it:
– Just catching my breath.
– Letting the day settle.
– Slowing down a bit.
Example:
“Just taking a breather today was non-stop. Needed a minute to pause.”
Read More: Funny Responses to “What’s Shakin’, Bacon?”
2. Not much, just vibing. You?
This one is low-effort but still friendly. It keeps the mood casual without ending the conversation.
Best use: With friends or someone you’re casually texting.
Not for: Professional or high-stakes convos.
Other ways to say it:
– Hanging out.
– Taking it easy.
– Just coasting today.
Example:
“Not much, just vibing. How’s your day treating you?”
3. Working on something exciting can’t wait to share soon.
If you’ve got something in the works and want to build a little intrigue, this is your line. It keeps things light but leaves the door open.
Best use: Creative projects, business updates, or when chatting with someone supportive.
Not for: People who expect immediate details.
Other ways to say it:
– Got a little project in the works.
– Building something fun behind the scenes.
– Busy, but it’s a good kind of busy.
Example:
“Working on something exciting I’ll tell you all about it once it’s a bit more real.”
4. Just wrapped up a long meeting finally breathing again.
This one says, “I’m here, but my brain’s still catching up.” It’s a great bridge from work mode to social mode.
Best use: After work, especially if you’re texting a friend or loved one.
Not for: Times when the other person needs your full attention right away.
Other ways to say it:
– Escaped the Zoom dungeon.
– Finally free from my calendar.
– Brain’s still in meeting mode.
Example:
“Just got out of a long meeting honestly, it’s nice to finally have a moment.”
5. Honestly? Just trying to stay sane.
This one brings honesty and vulnerability. You’re not hiding behind small talk and that’s powerful.
Best use: With people who make you feel safe and understood.
Not for: Surface-level chats or people who aren’t emotionally aware.
Other ways to say it:
– Doing my best.
– Just surviving today.
– Riding the wave, one breath at a time.
Example:
“Honestly? Just trying to stay sane. Some days hit a little harder than others.”
6. Just catching up on life and laundry.
Playful and relatable, this one brings humor to the everyday grind. It keeps the tone light, but honest.
Best use: Casual chats, especially when you want to keep it grounded.
Not for: Deep convos or professional settings.
Other ways to say it:
– Adulting in full force.
– Living that laundry life.
– Conquering Mount Washmore.
Example:
“Just catching up on life and laundry. The glamour never ends.”
7. I was just thinking about you, actually.
Simple, powerful, and unexpectedly warm. This one is perfect when you want to build emotional closeness.
Best use: With romantic interests or meaningful friendships.
Not for: Colleagues or casual acquaintances.
Other ways to say it:
– You popped into my head.
– Funny timing I was about to message you.
– Your name literally just crossed my mind.
Example:
“I was just thinking about you, actually. That timing is something else.”
8. Trying not to let my to-do list win.
This reply says you’re busy but also not totally on top of it. It’s honest and a bit humorous.
Best use: When you’re juggling a lot, but want to stay engaged.
Not for: Times when you need to completely disconnect.
Other ways to say it:
– My to-do list is trying to fight me.
– Multitasking like a champ… or trying to.
– Doing the best I can with the chaos.
Example:
“Trying not to let my to-do list win. It’s a battle I may or may not be losing.”
9. On a walk, enjoying some quiet time.
When you’re grounded and present, this response shows it and might invite a meaningful reply in return.
Best use: For reflective, slower conversations.
Not for: Urgent or energy-heavy chats.
Other ways to say it:
– Just out getting some air.
– Letting nature reset me.
– Taking a step back to think.
Example:
“On a walk, enjoying the quiet. Some days, that’s the best medicine.”
10. Just reflecting you ever do that thing where your brain rewinds the week?
This reply invites connection through shared emotion. If you want to get thoughtful, this one’s a great place to start.
Best use: With friends or partners who like deeper conversations.
Not for: Quick check-ins or light, casual texts.
Other ways to say it:
– In a reflective mood.
– Thinking through the week.
– Brain’s on rewind.
Example:
“Just reflecting. Do you ever look back at your week and wonder how you even made it through?”
11. Taking it easy. Want to join me?
This is a gentle invitation not just to talk, but to match energy. It’s warm without being over the top.
Best use: With someone who might welcome some peace too.
Not for: Formal situations or new acquaintances.
Other ways to say it:
– Slow evening here you in?
– Just relaxing. Thought of you.
– Being still. You?
Example:
“Taking it easy. Could use some company, even if it’s just a message or two.”
12. Cooking something comforting food therapy.
There’s something about the smell of a home-cooked meal that calms the whole nervous system. This reply is a lovely way to say you’re in your soft place without needing to overexplain.
Best use: When you’re winding down and want to share a warm, sensory moment.
Not for: Work chats or if you’re not in the mood to keep talking.
Other ways to say it:
– In the kitchen making something cozy.
– Feeding the soul, one bite at a time.
– Food is my form of meditation today.
Example:
“Cooking something comforting it’s kind of my therapy. What’s your go-to comfort food?”
13. Journaling a bit it’s helping.
Sometimes, we’re not looking for conversation we’re looking for clarity. This is a tender, honest way to show that you’re processing quietly.
Best use: When you’re in a thoughtful space and want to gently connect.
Not for: Group chats or fast-paced conversations.
Other ways to say it:
– Writing my way through it.
– Getting some thoughts out of my head.
– Trying to make sense of things on paper.
Example:
“Journaling a bit just trying to untangle the week. What’s been on your mind lately?”
14. Listening to music and letting the day settle.
When words feel too much, music speaks for you. This is a peaceful, easygoing way to invite calm without going too quiet.
Best use: Evening hours, slower chats, or connecting over shared playlists.
Not for: Urgent or task-oriented messages.
Other ways to say it:
– Letting music do the emotional heavy lifting.
– Just easing into the night with some tunes.
– Soundtracking the silence.
Example:
“Listening to music and letting the day settle. Anything you’ve been playing on repeat lately?”
15. Just finished a workout, feeling alive.
When your energy is high and you’re in a good headspace, this is a great way to share that positive vibe.
Best use: Morning texts, self-care convos, or healthy-lifestyle circles.
Not for: Low-energy moments or when others might not relate.
Other ways to say it:
– Moved my body and it helped.
– Got some sweat in finally feel like myself again.
– Back from the gym and kind of glowing.
Example:
“Just finished a workout, feeling alive. That endorphin hit is real.”
16. Practicing a little self-care candles, tea, and no phone.
Sometimes the world is too much. This reply says you’re taking your peace seriously gently and intentionally.
Best use: With close friends or anyone who’ll understand your boundaries.
Not for: Urgent convos or folks who expect immediate replies.
Other ways to say it:
– In my cozy zone for a bit.
– Giving myself the quiet I’ve been missing.
– Off screens, on softness.
Example:
“Practicing a little self-care tea, candles, and not much else. What’s your reset routine?”
17. Scrolling mindlessly let’s make this conversation more interesting.
This is playfully self-aware. It says you’re a little bored and ready to connect in a way that feels more real than your screen.
Best use: With friends, flirtations, or someone you enjoy chatting with.
Not for: Serious topics or formal convos.
Other ways to say it:
– Lost in the feed again.
– Social media spiral want to pull me out?
– My thumb’s tired. Want to talk instead?
Example:
“Scrolling mindlessly want to distract each other with something better?”
18. Trying not to overthink life. Failing a little.
Honest, funny, and painfully relatable. This is a great response when you’re in your head but still want connection.
Best use: With emotionally intelligent people, friends, or someone who “gets it.”
Not for: Dry or overly logical conversations.
Other ways to say it:
– Spinning my wheels again.
– Caught in the mental loop.
– Thinking too much about everything and nothing.
Example:
“Trying not to overthink life. Not doing a great job, but I’m trying.”
19. Reading something beautiful want a quote?
This one is thoughtful and inviting. If you’re reading something that moves you, offering to share it is a lovely bridge to a deeper exchange.
Best use: With bookish friends, partners, or anyone who likes a little philosophy.
Not for: Fast-moving or goal-oriented conversations.
Other ways to say it:
– This book is giving me chills.
– Got a line I want to share.
– Reading something that’s hitting close to home.
Example:
“Reading something beautiful want to hear the line that stopped me?”
20. Laughing at memes. Send me your best.
This is one of the easiest ways to spark joy a simple, modern way to connect without getting too deep.
Best use: With anyone who enjoys humor and doesn’t take life too seriously.
Not for: Heavy conversations or serious check-ins.
Other ways to say it:
– Lost in meme world.
– My humor brain is in full scroll mode.
– Could use a laugh got any good ones?
Example:
“Laughing at memes. My feed’s decent, but I bet yours is better.”
21. Caught in a creative moment painting/writing/etc.
This is for when you’re in flow. It shows you’re alive in your art, and offers others a glimpse into it.
Best use: With people who appreciate your creative side or share that energy.
Not for: Times when you don’t want to be interrupted.
Other ways to say it:
– In the zone with something I love.
– Creative brain fully activated.
– Losing track of time in a good way.
Example:
“Caught in a creative moment just letting the ideas run wild today.”
22. Recharging after a social overload.
This reply honors your boundaries without sounding cold. It’s self-aware, clear, and respectful.
Best use: With people who understand introversion or emotional fatigue.
Not for: Someone who might take silence personally.
Other ways to say it:
– Resting after too much people time.
– Refilling my social battery.
– Had a full day now just quiet.
Example:
“Recharging after a social overload. Needed some stillness for a bit.”
23. Watching something nostalgic. Feels good.
Nostalgia is a comfort we all lean on. This is a cozy, open-ended reply that invites shared memories.
Best use: With friends or family who remember the same “eras.”
Not for: People who won’t get the reference or tone.
Other ways to say it:
– Revisiting an old favorite.
– Needed something familiar.
– In my comfort-watch zone.
Example:
“Watching something nostalgic forgot how much I needed this kind of calm.”
24. Being present feels rare and needed.
Sometimes, you’re not doing anything at all… and that’s the whole point. This is a grounding reply when you’re in a mindful, aware space.
Best use: With people who understand stillness and intentional living.
Not for: Fast-paced or highly distracted conversations.
Other ways to say it:
– Just existing, really.
– Being here, not there.
– Not rushing anywhere.
Example:
“Being present no noise, no rush. Just letting now be enough.”
25. Waiting for a sign from the universe. Might be you.
This one flirts with mystery and affection. It’s open, a little romantic, and quietly charming.
Best use: In romantic or emotionally tender conversations.
Not for: Professional or highly pragmatic exchanges.
Other ways to say it:
– Looking for a little magic today.
– Hoping something good shows up.
– Sending out quiet wishes.
Example:
“Waiting for a sign from the universe. You showing up might just be it.”
Conclusion
“What are you up to?” it’s such a simple question, isn’t it?And yet, within that simplicity lives so much potential. It can be an invitation to open up, a chance to reconnect, or a quiet way of saying, “You matter enough for me to check in.”
The beauty of how you respond doesn’t come from having the perfect words. It comes from saying something real. Whether you’re feeling lighthearted, emotionally spent, quietly content, or creatively alive your response reflects your moment, your energy, and your boundaries.
