I read an article that said to forget about your expensive and complicated wellness routine. The author claimed free self care routines like walking outside give you all the health benefits you need.
I couldn’t agree more. I’ve written here previously about the dangers of so-called self care that puts you into debt. Sacrificing financial security for body treatments will only bring more stress in the long run.
Self care isn’t selfish, it’s true. But another truth about self care is that it’s often free.
There’s an industry banking on you believing you need expensive spa days to feel good about yourself. But true self care goes much deeper than that.
Here are 10 ways to take excellent care of your needs without spending money.
1. Go for a walk.
Walking in nature gives you optimal health and wellness effects. But even a walk down the street can soothe and help you sort out muddled thoughts.
The striding motion has a way of calming anxiety. Have you ever felt confused and overwhelmed, then gone for a walk and felt your head clear?
2. Take a bath.
No quick dip, but take the time to relax and sink into a long, warm soak. Light some candles and bring a book with you. Create a mood with your favorite soothing playlist.
3. Be mindful.
Mindfulness is the kind of free self care we should do every day. It’s simply staying present rather than looking back or ahead. Most of our anxiety can be blamed on a lack of mindfulness.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness. You could do a guided meditation. Or eat a meal mindfully, chewing slowly and savoring each bite.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness. You could do a guided meditation. Or eat a meal mindfully, chewing slowly and savoring each bite. Click To Tweet4. Read for free self care.
Have you fallen into the habit of reading things that make you more productive? Or that teach you how to be a better parent or improve in some other way?
I raise my hand to that one. Due to my interest in personal growth, my reading list had become heavy and prescriptive.
Lighten up your list with some pleasure reading. Buy or check out titles that have no other purpose than to make you smile or feel easy and content.
5. Journal.
Writing down your thoughts brings peace of mind and clarity. It can help reveal hidden thoughts and fears, and uncover things about yourself you didn’t know.
Journaling helps you find direction and plot next steps. All you have to do is put pen to paper without an agenda. Simply write.
Journaling helps you find direction and plot next steps. All you have to do is put pen to paper without an agenda. Click To Tweet6. Declutter your closet.
Closet organization can be life changing. And it will prompt you to clear clutter in other areas of your life, too.
You’ll be amazed at how easy it can be. Not to mention the mental health benefits you’ll enjoy. Download a 5-step guide to cleaning out your closet here.
7. Watch something funny for free self care.
Tune into a show on Netflix or animal videos on YouTube. This is not the same as binge-watching which makes us numb out and escape our feelings.
Finding something funny to watch has tremendous self care benefits because you’re engaging your emotions rather than running from them.
8. Write a love letter to yourself.
You probably spend more time criticizing than praising yourself. For many of us, the inner critic rules. But tell her to take a seat while you write out a list of your stellar qualities.
9. Stretch for free self care.
Download an exercise app and do a non-strenuous fitness routine. I use Fiton which has some wonderful low-impact, no-stress routines that provide gentle and free self care.
10. Sit still.
Take some time by yourself and do nothing. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and let your thoughts roam. You’ll be amazed at how many problems solve themselves during these sessions.