The past two years, during a global pandemic, “self-care” really became one of those buzzwords, as more people started to take their mental health and well-being more seriously. But what exactly is self-care? Well, I believe it can mean whatever you want it to look like, for it’s truly dependent on the individual.
For me, self-care is really simple: anyone that one takes care of oneself. Contrary to belief, you do not have to spend anything on true self-care. Here’s five ways to practice self-care for free.
1.) Draw a Luxurious Bubble Bath
This may have been the most obvious choice, as bubble baths are one of the most common ways to relax after a long day of working, thinking, or just being “on”. I know for me, I aim to take a bubble bath at least 3 times a week, as it’s truly something that I look forward to after a long day.
Now, I know this is technically an article about free self-care ideas, but for my baths (FYI, I call them my Goddess baths), I utilize my bamboo bath tray that I bought from Amazon, and I love the fact that I can use it to read a great book, while drinking a glass of wine! #Bliss!
Sometimes, when I have had an extremely long day, I’ll listen to positive affirmations from YouTube while in the bathtub and let my mind drift off to an enchanting place in my brain!
2.) Give Yourself a Facial
Again, another typical self-care idea, but it’s one of the easiest! I know for me, I treat my 10-step Korean skincare routine as an act of self-love and self-care for my skin, and it makes me feel amazing and relaxed!
Now, I’m not saying you have to have 10+ steps in your skincare routine, but even throwing on an inexpensive sheet mask will brighten your vibes, I promise you it will! On a Friday or Saturday night, see what you have in your stash and see what skincare products you have (not expired, of course), and transform your skin!
I love face masks, whether that’s a sheet mask, a clay mask, an exfoliating mask, or a gel/cream mask, there is a mask for every skincare need you may have. Just the act of letting something sit on your skin for 10-15 minutes can feel like you’re in a luxurious spa.
Check out 7 Luxury and Affordable Skincare Brands to Try to get some ideas of skincare brands to try to create your own spa oasis at home!
3.) Exercise Using Workout Videos on YouTube
The internet blessed us with one of the greatest, and free, tools ever: YouTube! I haven’t stepped foot into a gym since the COVID-19 outbreak and I have managed to lose 45 lbs (and counting) by working out at home using free workout videos on YouTube! You do not need all the fancy equipment either, maybe a few sets of weights, depending on your fitness goals.
What I love about YouTube workout videos, besides the fact that they are free, but I can workout without feeling that anxious feeling of looking silly in front of “more fit” people at the gym…you know what I’m talking about. Working out at home takes that anxiety away and I can do it from the comfort of my living room!
4.) Get Out in Nature
There is truly nothing like going outside and taking a refreshing walk around the neighborhood. Now, I am not a dog owner, but I have heard many dog-owners say that walking their dogs not only gets them out of the house for some fresh air (hello, Vitamin D), but it’s also great for their mental health as well!
I live in a very suburban area, and my neighborhood is very walkable. I love walking up and down the street while listening and catching up on my favorite podcasts, like The City Girl Savings podcast City Girl Savings podcast, or my favorite music!
Even if you don’t walk, you can roller-skate, ride a bike, go on a hike, or even get a blanket and lay out and meditate or do yoga in nature! It’s truly a magical thing, and I think we get so busy and wrapped up in our lives, that we do not take time to “stop and smell the roses”.
5.) Do Some Goal-Setting
Now this one is SUPER free to do! All you need is a pen and paper, or even the Notes app in your phone. What better way to show yourself free care than to write down your goals for the month, the quarter, the year, or even 5 years from now!
Better yet, you can even combine a few of these ideas on this list and multi-task: you can take a bubble bath, while writing down some goals. You can let a “fancy” sheet marinate on your face, while goal-setting. You can also lay in nature and do some goal-setting too…all for free!
I promise, putting your goals, plans, and dreams on paper is so satisfying and will instantly give you a boost of internal energy, because it’s coming from a place of excitement and joy!
Related: 6 Self Care Ideas to Feel Rejuvenated
What about you? What other free ways do you practice self-care? Let us know!
