5 Self-Care Ideas That Don’t Involve Spending Money

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Self-care is when you take a moment out of the day or week to pamper yourself. It is easy to get sucked into taking care of other priorities like work and loved ones while neglecting your own needs. However, investing in yourself is essential for your emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

Self-care ensures you are functioning to the best ability and not getting burned out from life’s stressors. It can come in many forms, including physical, mental, spiritual and social. With so many kinds of self-care, you may be wondering where to start.

Self-care does not always need to look like going out and spending lots of money on new skin care products or fancy coffee pick-me-ups. It can be completely free and just as effective. Here are five self-care ideas that don’t involve spending money. 

1. Journaling

Journaling lets you connect with your emotional side. It is a free space to express your feelings or anything going on in your head. It can help relieve your stress by getting it down on a page. 

You can find journal prompts online if you need inspiration on what to write about. It is an excellent tool for getting your mind working and recognizing your feelings or thoughts. You don’t need to spend a long time doing it, either. Just five minutes of expressing yourself will do.

2. Stretching

You can try implementing a few stretches when you first get up in the morning or before winding down for bed. Stretching can help release muscle tension, which is a great way to calm your body. If you’re in school or have a job, you may experience back pain from sitting most of the day. You can try stretches like:

• Child’s pose
• Knee-to-chest
• Lunges

Stretching is a great way to take care of your body. Doing it after you get out of bed or before you sleep can help you feel rejuvenated.

3. Reorganize

A busy schedule can make it challenging to keep your home tidy. Reorganizing can feel like setting the reset button and preparing to start your week ahead. You can do simple things like clean out your bag, clear surfaces of clutter and make your bed. These small changes could be what you need to feel better throughout the day.

If you want to get into a bigger project, there are many ways to organize your belongings. You can go through your clothes and get rid of things you no longer need or entirely change the setup of your room. This can give you a sense of having a fresh start.

4. Spend Time Outside

Being in nature is a beautiful and relaxing way to reconnect with yourself. Going outside for fresh air and sunlight benefits your mental and physical well-being. It can restore and strengthen your mental wellness and increase focus and attention. The luxury of enjoying the outdoors could help clear and refresh your mind. 

5. Rest

One thing you can do is absolutely nothing. It costs nothing and can help you unwind after a busy day or week. Resting is a time to allow yourself to turn off your brain and de-stress. You should never feel guilty about sitting back and recharging. 

Take Time for Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish and should be a priority in your life. Taking time to care for yourself will allow your mind and body to function to their fullest potential, helping you thrive.