20 Practically Free Self Care Practices For Parents & Beyond
When I bring up the topic of self-care, clients often tell me, almost immediately, that they do not have the money to care for themselves.
But self-care doesn't have to cost a thing.
Self-care is primarily about the fact that you classify the act as caring for yourself.
Social media has portrayed self-care as an indulgent practice of spa days, luxury clothing, and expensive dining. But self-care can be completed without spending a dime.
The below practices are ones that I hope inspire you to use whatever it is you have around the house to make you feel more cared for. Some do cost a little money if you don't already own the item, such as some soap to wash your face, but most things I think most people have on hand. Please comment on your favorite free self-care practice!
Take a hot bath or shower. If this doesn't sound appealing, soak your feet in some warm water. Wash away whatever it is that has your attention and is no longer serving you.
Clean one thing that matters to you. With kids are homes are always a mess, but maybe one day you clean up your area and rearrange it to make it nice.
Go for a walk, or try stretching to make your back feel better - feel free to google some exercises.
Drink a beverage you enjoy outside or in an area you like. Sip a glass of tea while sitting on your favorite piece of furniture. Enjoy a cup of coffee outside on your patio or deck. Go out for a beverage and take a moment for yourself.
Read a book or watch something you really enjoy. Make sure it’s consuming. Read or watch something you can’t get enough of.
Write down 10 things you are grateful for each day. Find a journal and keep the practice going, or just name them right now. Write them down and be reminded of it in the future. Keep gratitude close.
Wash your face. Maybe this seems simple, but a lot of clients describe this to me as a reset. Get some soap and scrub away.
Spend time connecting with a loved one, virtually or in person. Humans crave connection, and we almost always need more of it.
Organize something that you have wanted to tidy up for a long time. I do not recommend toys - something for YOU!
Read something that brings you joy. Like an old novel you have on the shelf. Reading something on paper can take is away from the distraction of the internet.
Watch something that brings you joy. Maybe it's a familiar movie, or maybe it's a TV show you can't get enough of.
Go for a walk outside. Even if it's cold, bundle up. It also counts if it's a mere 10 minutes.
Do some yoga. This is a youtube channel full of free yoga practices. Yoga can look like whatever it needs to for you that day - relaxed or upbeat. You choose.
Drink water. Make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink your body weight in ounces.
Practice some deep breathing exercises. Yoga or pilates can help you connect your mind and body.
Practice doing nothing. Yes, this is self-care. Lay down and do nothing. Practice the act of not being productive.
Play a game you enjoy, either in-person or virtually. Playing games isn’t just for kids, it can help us adults too and help us socialize.
Complete your favorite exercise. PiYo is one of my favorite exercises and this is one of my favorite free PiYo youtube channels. She produces a ton of different videos, and leaves me sore every time!
Stretch in a way that makes you feel better. Assess where you may be holding a lot of stress, and try to stretch it out. Consider pairing this with a body scan.
Plan your week. Have goals? See how you can incorporate them into your plans this week. Make meaningful and mindful decisions about how you want your week to look.
So there you have it, a few ideas to get you started to better care for yourself.
Got more free ideas? Leave me some in the comments!
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