5 Free Self-Care Ideas
Almost 2 years into a global pandemic, you might be a little fed up hearing about self-care.
Self-care is an absolutely essential practice to ensure mental wellness, but somehow the definition of what self-care actually is has become a little bit blurred. Constant Instagram pictures of bubble paths, scented candles, maybe a mug and a cozy-looking blanket #SelfCareSunday.
For many, those examples are part of their self-care routines, and that’s great.
It’s important to find what works for you and incorporate them into your daily routine as much as possible.
So today, I’m sharing with you 5 different self-care practices. Whether you struggle to practice self-care, or are looking to try new things, these 5 activities are all free and don’t need to take a lot of your time.
These can all be adapted to fit your needs, routines, and abilities. The best part? They’re all FREE!
Go for a Walk
Going outside for a walk or roll can be one of the simplest de-stressors out there.
It incorporates exercise, changing your surroundings, and fresh air - which have all been shown to have several benefits to mental health.
And if leaving your house seems overwhelming? Start by committing to walking down your street and back, and then see how you feel. Chances are, once you start you’ll notice a difference and may even want to keep going. If not: a minute or two is better than none!
Bonus: see if a friend, spouse, pet, or loved one wants to come with you!
2. Journal
You don’t need a fancy book or a long time to journal. You can do it in a pretty notebook if that’s your thing, but even a quick scrap of paper or on your phone works, too.
Journaling can be as simple as writing a few lines about your day, how you’re feeling, or what you’re thinking.
Studies have shown recording our experiences this way to have a multitude of benefits to our overall mental health and well-being.
Bonus: try incorporating gratitude into your journaling, recording 3 things that went well or that you were grateful for today.
3. Meditate/Practice Mindfulness
Let me start by clearing something up right from the beginning: meditation does NOT mean you need to sit perfectly still with your eyes closed and an empty mind. I thought that, too, and shied away from any kind of meditation for years.
Meditation is actually just a mindfulness practice that trains your attention and awareness, with the goal of achieving a sense of calm. It’s basically pressing “pause” on your day and spending some quiet time with your thoughts and feelings.
Many people find it helpful to start out with guided meditation (I know it made a big difference for me), where a trained professionals talks you through the process.
There’s thousands of free meditation videos out there, as well as books and now even free apps for your smartphone.
4. Connect with Someone
When we’re struggling, it can be easy to isolate ourselves.
You’re tired and stressed out. Maybe you feel like you would be “bothering them” or “bringing down the mood” if you were to reach out.
But the truth is, spending time with someone you care about is a great way to boost your mood. Your friends are your friends for a reason, and chances are they want to spend time with you no matter how you’re feeling.
If physically seeing someone sounds too daunting, start by sending a text message - or, better yet, a quick phone call. The important thing is that you’re connecting with someone.
Bonus: become a pen pal with good old-fashioned snail mail. When the letter comes, it’ll be like a surprise check-in!
5. Read
Now, it’s no secret that I’m a major bookworm - but you don’t need to be to see benefits from reading.
Reading can be such an immersive experience. It’s a chance to get lost in another world, experience different places, people, and times.
AND reading can be really accessible. Consider visiting your local library or check out apps such as Overdrive, which is an app for free audiobooks and ebooks from tons of local libraries right on your phone.
Bonus: see if your neighbourhood has one of those little libraries, which are often decorated boxes near local parks with a “give one, take one” policy (or just “take one and return it”, depending on your resources).
