This post is about free self care.
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When life feels overwhelming, taking time for yourself is essential, even if money is tight. You don’t need to spend a lot to practice self-care. Here are six easy ways to relax and recharge without spending a dollar.
Free Self Care
1. Enjoy Fresh Air with Your Favorite Drink
- Take a moment to sit outside with your favourite drink
- Choose a space that is quiet and serene
- Make sure that you find a time when you won’t be interrupted
- Put your phone down and out of sight so that you can focus on the present moment
Research shows that exposing your lungs to fresh air, and the scents of flowers and plants, can help to relieve stress and anxiety. Oxygen is thought to affect the levels of serotonin released in the body, in turn, contributing to feelings of happiness and relaxation.
benenden health
Take a moment to step outside with a cup of your favourite drink. Whether it’s a hot cup of tea or a refreshing glass of water, sitting in the fresh air can help clear your mind. It’s a simple and free way to have some self care.
2. Chat Over Coffee with a Friend
Invite a friend over for a casual chat. This is caring for yourself. Sharing coffee or tea and talking about life can be incredibly soothing. Sometimes, all we need is a good conversation to boost our mood.
“People are emotion regulators. When someone you trust listens to you, you can feel your body calm down. Your blood pressure returns to baseline, your levels of stress hormones decrease. It takes us out of ‘fight or flight’ mode, which can gradually break down the body if we’re stressed all the time,” says Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist with Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
harvard medical school
3. Bask in the Sunshine
- Sitting in the sunshine and feeling the warmth on your body, is a free self care idea that you will love.
- It doesn’t cost a dollar but will leave you feeling at peace and in control of your day. The happy hormone that you will get from the sun will rejuvenate you.
- You will sleep better at night which is also a big part of self care. This is because the more exposure you have to the sunlight during the day the more melatonin you produce at night.
Spend some time soaking up the sun. Sunshine is a natural mood booster, and it’s free! Whether you take a short walk or just sit in your backyard, letting the sun warm your skin can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Always make sure that you practice sun safety.
It elevates mood by boosting serotonin levels — also referred to as the “happiness hormone”.
pathways health
4. Relax in a Warm Bath
I love to soak in a warm bath (however, it is getting more difficult with two kids)! Whenever I do, I feel nurtured and comforted. This is a massive part of self-care that I always love. It is free, it is comfy and it is luxurious. I also love that when I take a bath (after the kids have gone to sleep), I can be uninterrupted and focus on my thoughts which will calm my mind.
How to take a bath for self-care:
- Gather Supplies: Collect bath essentials such as candles, bath salts, or essential oils.
- Prepare the Bath: Draw a warm bath and add any bath products you like.
- Set the Mood: Light a few candles around the bath area to create a calming atmosphere.
- Unwind: Immerse yourself in the bath and focus on relaxing your muscles.
- Breathe and Relax: Use the quiet time to breathe deeply and unwind, enjoying the peace and solitude.
5. Nourish Your Body with a Healthy Juice
Making a healthy juice using ingredients you already have at home is a free way to boost your self-care. Thinking conscouly about the food and drink you put into your body, is one of the highest forms of self-care.
Your body is the vessel that you use to live and move each day. Without nurturing it, you can feel lonely, depressed and anxious. Take a moment to practice free self-care and create a yummy green juice at home.
6. Practice Deep Breathing
Take a few minutes to do some deep breathing exercises. Breathing deeply can calm your mind and help you feel more grounded. It’s a quick and easy way to bring your focus back to the present moment. Here are 10 breating techniques to try when you are feeling stressed.
7. Pamper Yourself with a DIY Manicure
Treat yourself to a home manicure. Painting your nails can be a fun and relaxing way to spend some time focusing on yourself. Plus, freshly painted nails can give you a little confidence boost. Here are 10 steps for a flawles manicure.
Final Thoughts
When you engage in free self care you will feel empowered and revitalised. You wont spend a dollar and that will help you feel even more stress free! Why don’t you take a moment to choose one of these free self care ideas and choose a day this week that you will try it out. You won’t regret it.
This post was about free self care.