No-cost Self Care Ideas That Actually Work
Recently I blogged about what Self Care Isn’t. So now we need some ideas on what it IS. How do you actually take care of yourself? What is self care that actually works? I mean, like really, there’s scientific research to back up the choices?! And in that previous blog I definitely ranted a bit about not spending too much money, so how do I take care of ME on a budget?
Well it turns out that when we look at what self care is, there are a lot of ways to achieve the goal of self care without paying a lot of extra money. And it also turns out that I’ve
So here we go. FREE Self Care Ideas That Actually Work (Ok, the economist in me has to say that behavioral choices aren’t exactly “free” because there’s always a cost to our decisions, but in most cases if you practice real self care you’ll actually be saving yourself money!)
FREE Self Care Ideas
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality. I love writing and talking about sleep! Check out some of my recent blogs on sleep:
Eat nourishing foods: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. (It’s so much more fun to stress-eat junk food, though… here’s my blog on Stress Eating Science and Dark Chocolate Health Benefits)
Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
Exercise regularly: Find physical activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine. Exercise not only benefits your physical health but also improves your mood and reduces stress.
Practice mindfulness and meditation: Take time to engage in mindfulness techniques or meditation to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and promote relaxation. (I touched on this in my blog on Yoga. Stay tuned for more mindfulness science soon!)
Set boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to, and don't overcommit yourself. Establish boundaries with others to protect your time and energy.
Connect with loved ones: Maintain social connections with friends, family, or supportive communities. Positive social interactions can boost your mood and provide emotional support. (Check out a fun blog I did on The Senses of Communication).
Engage in hobbies and interests: Make time for activities you enjoy, whether it's reading, painting, playing a musical instrument, or any other creative pursuit. Hobbies are amazing for your brain and your stress levels! Check out some blogs I’ve written:
Limit screen time: Reduce the amount of time you spend on electronic devices, especially before bedtime. Instead, opt for activities that promote relaxation and better sleep. I’ve spoken and written about screen time in many of my blogs and articles. Here are a couple that are specifically about screen time:
Spend time in nature: Take walks outdoors, go for a hike, or simply sit in a park. Nature has a calming effect and can help reduce stress.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same care and understanding you would offer to a friend.
Maintain a clean and organized environment: A tidy living space can promote a sense of calm and reduce feelings of chaos. Check out my Neuroscience of Tidying Up blog post.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings regularly to gain clarity, process emotions, and track your progress in self-care.
Learn to manage stress: Identify stressors in your life and find healthy ways to cope with them, such as deep breathing exercises or engaging in a relaxing hobby.
Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling with mental or emotional challenges, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or counselor for support.
