Self-Care Without Blowing the Bank
I love reading through lists of self-care inspiration because I always stumble upon a few that I think, you know what, that sounds absolutely divine. So today I tried to curate a list of 50 things that I enjoy doing to indulge myself without having to spend a bunch of money.
I tried to group them together by similar things, but it’s really just a random list. Enjoy
1. take a bath (add some bubbles, salt, a bath bomb. light a candle, drink a big glass of water during, turn down the lights)
2. paint your nails (or just give yourself a mani/pedi at home, trim, file add some oil to your cuticles)
3. put on a face mask (whether that’s a sheet mask, one from the store or homemade)
4. put on a little make up and do your hair
5. lather up with some lotion after a body scrub (I always feel extra indulged after doing this)
6. put on some soft warm socks and comfy lounge clothes (tis the season)
7. meditate (either sit in silence for 5-10 minutes or put on a guided meditation)
8. stretch it out (plop down on your bed or living room rug and just spend 5 minutes stretching)
9. light a candle, incense (put on something smelly)
10. buy yourself some flowers (or pick some wild flowers, put them in a container and put em on display)
11. plan out your outfits for the week (cut down your decisions and spice things up)
12. wake up 30 minutes early (extra time to do things you want but don’t have time for)
13. go to bed early (guilt free, crawl into bed, turn off the lights and snooze)
14. take a nap (even if it’s just 15 minutes, it’s like hitting a reset button)
15. enjoy a mug of something warm (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, it’s all yummy and soothing)
16. drink a bunch of water (dewy skin, better digestion, less headaches, what’s not to love)
17. make a big pot of warm soup (not only delicious but you can eat it for several meals)
18. read a book from the library (make time first thing in the day or right before bed to read)
19. journal (morning pages, journaling prompts, there’s so many options)
20. write down what you want to let go of (what’s been weighing you down and not serving you?)
21. write a gratitude list (just all the things that you’re happy have happened or are in your life)
22. write down some affirmations (get on pinterest for some inspiration)
23. write down your bucket list (what do you want to do in your one life?)
24. get artsy ( doodle, paint, scrapbook, whatever your craft of choice is)
25. make a vision board from old magazines (I don’t do this often but I always love it)
26. make a to-do list, organize it between most important, that week, and some day
27. organize your photos (get them off your phone and into somewhere safe)
28. clean out your email (takes some time, but there’s no better feeling than having a clear inbox)
29. clean your house (whether it’s a 15 minute tidy or several hour deep clean)
30. wash your bedding (clean sheets feel oh so good)
31. declutter your closet (what don’t you wear and can donate?)
32. rearrange your furniture/decor (simple, but changes the atmosphere)
33. fold all your under-roo’s the Kon Mari way (and then move on to the rest of your clothes)
34. go for a walk in nature (it soothes the soul, especially when you live in the city)
35. watch the sunset (or the sunrise, just sit and watch it)
36. spend time with someone you love (grab a cup of coffee, visit them, whatever)
37. have a movie night with friends (their house or yours)
38. make a playlist of your feel good songs (and then listen to it)
39. indulge in a podcast (listen while you’re getting ready, cleaning up)
40. take a technology break for a day (or even just a few hours)
41. add a new habit to your day (what’s something you’ve wanted to add?)
42. start and end your day without harsh lighting (put on lamps, twinkle lights and candles)
43. play some boardgames with friends (have everyone bring their favorite)
44. do a puzzle (solo or with someone else)
45. watch a TedTalk (endless library of inspiration)
46. have a solo dance party in your living room or bedroom (put on some tunes and boogy)
47. go around your neighborhood, local park and pick up trash
48. get out of the city and look at the stars (I always forget how bright and beautiful they are)
49. find a body of water (walk around it, sit by it, look at it, get in it)
50. work outside if possible (grab your laptop, have a walking meeting)
There are endless options of self-care out there. Make sure you’re making time for yourself. It’s important and doesn’t have to cost anything. What are your favorite ways to take care of yourself?