10 Completely Free Self-Care Practices you can Start Tonight
In this wildly fast-paced world we live in, it can be tricky to find the time to focus on caring for ourselves: bodies, souls and minds.
We prioritize achievements over well-being, and to-do lists over long-term wellness.
Between packing school lunches, trying to drink enough water, and fighting to find a balance between work life, home life, and a social life – it’s hard to find the time to pencil in self-care.
But the thing is, self care shouldn’t be an optional activity – it should be a priority. When you’re well and happy, other parts of your life will thrive too.
Self-care isn’t a One Time Deal.
You don’t just tick it off the list and forget about it. It’s continuous. For your self-care routine to be effective, it needs to become as ingrained in your daily routine as your morning tea or coffee.
The following are simple, and completely free, self-care habits you can add to your routine. They’re so easy, you can start tonight.
Start a Gratitude File.
Take a few moments to reflect on the day that’s passed, and focus in on the things that brought you joy. They could be as simple as a delicious warm meal or a cuddle from a loved one. Write at least three of these down into a journal every night.
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Be Completely Present in Something you Usually do on Autopilot.
Monotonously brush your teeth every evening while your mind is miles away? Try and be present in those few minutes and use it as a mini mindfulness session.
Clear a Space that’s been Bothering you.
And keep it that way. If the clutter of your shoe rack or drawers have been nagging at you, don’t put it off – tidy it up now and make a habit of keeping it like that.
Edit your Social Media Feed.
Social media can be draining. Sift through your feed and mute or hide anyone whose posts don’t serve you, don’t make you feel good or teach you anything beneficial.
Stretch it out.
Unknot your tensions and stretch out your kinks with a few minutes on the mat – or the bedroom floor, whatever works best for you.
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Make Time for Mindful Breathing.
Oxygenate by taking three deep breaths into your abdomen, and let the air trickle out of your stomach and chest.
Pamper your Body Before Bed.
If you don’t have time to soak in a long, indulgent bath – perhaps you could take some time to lovingly massage body lotion into your skin, or put a mask in your hair before bed.
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Set an Intention for the Next Day.
If you set one achievable intention for the day ahead, you’ll wake up with purpose. Try to set no more than one, that way – your focus will be fierce and your day more successful.
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Switch Off for a While.
For you, switching off could mean putting your phone on airplane mode or losing yourself in a good book. Whatever it is, it’s important to give our minds a rest – at least for a little while.
Image via @youmeandlucy_
Connect with People you Love.
We mean really connect. Have a nice conversation with the kids as you put them to bed, ask your partner about their day and really listen, or call someone you miss. Human connection is so important for a fulfilled soul – make it meaningful, every day.
