This is Part 9 of a 10-part series on Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Just because money may be tight and there might be room in your budget to add a lot of new things to your life doesn't mean you should neglect yourself.
There are many ways you can take care of yourself without spending a dime. Check your cupboards and closets for things you’ve already purchased and haven’t used yet.
Here are a dozen self-care ideas that are either free or use things that might be lying around your house.
1. Get some exercise
Go for a jog or a nice walk and enjoy mother nature. You can even go window shopping to change it up a bit. You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it. Besides, how much stuff do you already have in your life that you barely use? The exercise is what’s important.
2. Create a home spa
Look around your cabinets and you’ll likely find plenty of ingredients to make into a face mask. Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, honey, banana, oatmeal, and cucumbers are all great items to use. If you can't spare too many items just add some olive oil to brown sugar and use that as a face and lip scrub.
3. Dance
Turn on that radio and get moving. Dancing is exciting and is also great exercise. You’ll get the benefits of exercise endorphins as well as bring back happy memories and boost your energy.
4. Talk to your friends
Self-care doesn't have to be lonely. Call some friends or talk to your spouse about work and life. Maybe they need some ideas for their own self-care routine too. Share tips and tricks.
5. Shower at night
Or wind down your day with a bubble bath. Before you get into the shower put your pajamas in the dryer. In the shower, take the time to breathe in the smell of your body wash and use this shower to just relax. Then once you are done you can slip into your warm and cozy pajamas. This works well as a part of your bed-time routine.
6. Have a cat nap
Who doesn't enjoy a good nap? Napping doesn't cost you anything but time, and a 30-minute power nap can do wonders for your mood and your life. Most people always have a few minutes to spare for a power nap if they realize how important it may be to their health.
7. Spend time outside
Sit outside on your deck or balcony and read a book or meditate. Breathe in the fresh air or enjoy the sound of rain. Nature is essential to your health. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass whenever you can.
8. Write in your journal
If you don't have a journal you can use your computer or laptop instead. You can also print out paper journals from templates online. Write about your day or how you have been feeling. Take out this time to find out more things you would like to do to for yourself. If you find yourself feeling negative, try keeping a gratitude journal.
9. Put a warm towel on your face
This is another home spa tip you can use: Put a wet wash cloth in the microwave for a few seconds and use it after you wash your face. Lay down on the couch and feel the warmth and relax for a few minutes until the cloth is cool.
10. Watch a little Netflix
Catch up on a TV series you've been dying to watch or put on a good movie you’ve been wanting to see. Nothing wrong with a good binge when you need a break or mental health day.
11. Play games
Pull out a favorite board game and play with your family. Invite some friends over for games night, or download a free game on your phone like Heads Up. Nothing is more fun than relaxing with friends and family.
12. Read a good book
You’ve probably got books on your shelf you haven’t read yet. Grab one and a cup of tea and relax for an hour.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to take care of yourself that don’t really cost you anything but a little time. This list is just a few ideas to get you started thinking about what you can do to add a little self-care to your day. The list is truly endless and all up to you. Get creative and use your environment and things around you.
What types of things can you add to this list that will add self-care, fun, and energy to your life?
This is Part 9 of a 10-part series on Taking Care of Yourself
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Part 10 - What happens when you don't take care of yourself
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Hi Ruth,
Thanks for the amazing post. I liked the tips you have shared.
Thanks for the share.
Have a good week ahead.
Thanks Robin! I appreciate your comments. :)
Hi Ruth,
I love all your ideas. Self care doesn’t need to cost much. I like the idea you have given about the lip scrub (gonna try that one tonight)
I’m also going to take your advice an put my pj’s in the dryer after my night time bath. I like to shower in the morning with a minty soap or essential oil. At night especially during the winter, I like to take a relaxing bath with a few drops of lavender oil. Now I get get further cozy with my warmed up pj’s.
Thanks for all these tips!
-Donna
Hi Donna! Glad you liked the tips. I love warm pjs after a bath. When we were kids, my mom used to hang our pajamas over the heater in the living room to warm up while we were in the tub. I really miss that right now, since where we are I have to use the laundromat instead of having my own dryer.