Lately I’m noticing the self care industry seems to be getting more and more expensive. You might also be noticing that Americans really care about self-care. The average American spends at least $199 a month, or about 22% of their disposable income, which translates to about $2,388 a year on non-essential items to “treat themselves,” according to a 2018 survey.
But it doesn’t have to cost a penny to indulge in some self loving care. This is more of a mindful, inner reflection approach that you can use anytime or anywhere. You might be surprised to see clean up a room on this list. How is cleaning even self care? Sounds more like a chore! But cleaning up a room is directly related to cleaning up the mind. This outer order, creates inner peace. Simple, effective, free self care here we come!
- Take a break from self improvement
- Put your clean laundry away as soon as it is done
- There is no busiest person award – stop trying to win it – take a break
- Use the word no
- Limit the time you spend with people who drain you
- Get that one thing you’ve been putting off done – while doing it imperfectly
- Allow someone to help you
- Get some free Vitamin D – step outside into the sunshine for about 20 minutes
- In a hurry up world, it is okay to slow down
- Save some of your energy for yourself
- Give yourself permission to show up imperfectly
- Instagram is not a form of therapy or a place to check out – take a real break and put the phone in time out
- Go to bed early (my favorite!)
- Wake up to an old fashioned alarm clock (not your phone alarm)
- Pay attention to your dreams and write them in a dream journal
- Break up with fad diets (they never work long term anyway)
- Listen to your own intuition
- Keep the promises you make to yourself
- Brew your own tea or coffee and enjoy it in the peacefulness of your home
- Take a moment to listen to the birds
- Take a walk to run an errand instead of driving
- Take a walk outside
- Be early to an appointment or meeting
- Clean up a room
- Declutter a closet or drawer
- Mindfully drink a refreshing glass of filtered water
- Water the plants and say some kind words to them
- Follow a free online yoga class (thousands can be found on youtube)
- Follow a guided meditation (I like to use the free app Insight Timer)
- Dim the lights and listen to some music without distraction
- Take a power nap
- Go through some old photos and rejoice in the memories
- Donate 5 things you don’t need anymore
- Take a stroll through the library
- Listen to a podcast
