The act of prioritizing yourself, taking care of yourself, showing yourself the same love, attention, and, well, care, is critical for yourself and the people who rely on you. It’s the everyday version of putting on your oxygen mask before helping others: if you aren’t maintaining your own strength, how can anyone rely on you?
Self care may be a gimmicky term, but it is also the difference between thriving and collapse. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’m going through it now. Literally.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking “oh please. I’m fine. I don’t need this self care nonsense, and I don’t have the time or money to waste on it, either”.
You’re not alone. And, if you’re like me, and have been having a hard time, but you can’t quite put your finger on why, then you can’t afford not to.
These are some of the best self care activities I’ve found that are free or inexpensive, and are easy to start incorporating into your routine right now.
Whether you’re a new parent, a parent of a young child, the primary caretaker of any kind in your household, or just overwhelmed with life lately, these self care ideas are worth keeping in your back pocket.
But this is just my list. I’d love to hear some of the small, but meaningful, things that you do to energize, relax, and care for yourself each day.
THE LIST: 7 LOW COST AND NO COST SELF CARE IDEAS
SELF CARE IDEA #1: TAKE A SHOWER
Any mom with young kids will tell you that, with all the demands on your time each day, a shower feels like an unattainable luxury. But, for me, it makes all the difference to face the day feeling cleaned up and reasonably presentable – even if it means waking up 15 minutes earlier, and not washing my hair. In addition to feeling good when you look good, a shower is one of the few places you can escape all the screens, be alone (assuming you have either no children, or a partner willing to distract them for a few minutes), breathe, and think.
Cost: notwithstanding your water bill, free.
SELF CARE IDEA #2: MAKE A PHONE CALL
Sometimes all it takes to put things in perspective or turn your day around is to connect with someone. Call a good friend from the car, or a family member on your lunch break. I’ve found that when I’m feeling stressed, even a 15-minute conversation with someone who makes me smile can completely turn your day around.
Cost: assuming unlimited minutes on your cell phone, free.
SELF CARE IDEA #3: ORDER YOUR GROCERIES
Having 30 hours of things to do in a 24-hour day is almost always the cause of my stress. I don’t want to eat out all the time (nor is that healthy, appetizing, or cost-effective), but going to the store is a major undertaking when you need just about everything. Paying someone to do my grocery shopping and deliver my food to my front door may seem frivolous and unbelievably luxurious, but when my whole day is packed with responsibilities, this is one area where I can pay a few dollars to free up at least a couple of hours of time for relaxation and mental health.
Cost: varies by service
SELF CARE IDEA #4: PRACTICE GUIDED MEDITATION/MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is just a fancy word for practicing the act of focusing on the present. When I’m stressed, it’s because I am juggling too much and worrying about all the things that I have coming up. Mindfulness teaches you how to put on mental blinders and focus on what’s in front of you. It’s definitely a work in progress for me, but apps like Headspace and Calm, which offer guided meditation and deep breathing modules on your phone, help a lot.
Cost: you can find guided meditation practices free on YouTube and, possibly, the iTunes store.
SELF CARE IDEA #5: READ A MAGAZINE
I used to read books before bed. Heavy books, which – understandably, I think – would get my mind racing and spark thoughts and conversation. Not really the pre-lights-out wind down I needed in order to sleep well. I recently switched to reading magazines which, by their nature, are mostly intended to be light, disposable reading. I’ve found that light, fun, analogue entertainment before bed (or anytime) calms my mind.
Cost: Varies
SELF CARE IDEA #6: MOVE YOUR BODY
When I was younger and single, it was so easy, but now I don’t have the time or energy to cram my already-overfull day with an additional obligation to go to the gym. Instead of being something I look forward to, that gym obligation now adds to my stress.
Instead, I focus more on a phrase I learned from Kylie, who calls it “moving her body”. Just getting out of your chair, getting outside if possible (not possible lately), and getting my blood moving with a brisk walk or even cleaning up the kitchen. Anything that gently and organically moves my muscles seems to release tension in a way that hard core, structured exercise (usually) does not for me, lately.
Cost: free
SELF CARE IDEA #7: WASTE TIME
Time is such a luxury, and for people who are busy, overwhelmed, and stressed, it can be easy to fall into the productivity trap. But there is so much value to just doing … nothing. Productive time wasting suggestions:
Binge watch Netflix or silly YouTube videos (without also checking emails and social media on your phone, or working on your laptop)
Take a quick nap or a hot bath. For extra luxury, make it a bubble bath scented with essential oils!
Give yourself a spa night with one of those face masks. Don’t forget I sell a gorgeous collection of masks just comment below for a discount link.
The point is that, sometimes, all you have to do to clear your mind is to focus on what’s in front of you right now. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much putting down your to do list and making time to just do nothing benefits your mental health.
Cost: free
Love to you all,
Sammi xx
Beauty Queen Bar 