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Are you guilty of postponing self-care for that elusive “someday” when you have the cash to afford a day spa? Please don’t delay pampering yourself any longer, even if your wallet contains nothing but moths.
Nurturing your body, mind and spirit need not cost you a dime. Here are ten free self-care ideas to treat yourself to today.
Few things feel as glorious as soaking in a hot bathtub. It gets even better if you have a jetted version or a mat and a tray where you can set your beverage and book while you unwind.
If you need a home remedy for fibromyalgia, arthritis or sore, overworked muscles, add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to your bath. If your goal is glowing hair and skin that looks better than a beach, seek Dead Sea salts for their unique mineral profile.
Do you need to diffuse your temper before you do something rash? Maybe you have an uncomfortably full belly and want to get your digestive system in gear.
A walk around your block burns calories, stimulates your metabolism and helps decrease adrenaline and cortisol levels. The next time you decide to take five, lace up your sneakers.
Your body’s fight-or-flight response provides a burst of energy by amping up adrenaline and cortisol production. It’s what gives people the power to flee an angry bear, but trouble arises when you can’t run away from the threat.
Exercise helps to diffuse these hormone levels, restoring you to improved mental and physical health. Dance is fun, effortless, and includes uplifting tunes — please go ahead and pretend no one is watching when your favorite jam comes on. It qualifies as free self-care.
What is a weapon-sock? It’s only a machine gun of pain-killing power that you can probably make with objects you have on hand. All you need is a tennis ball and a knee-high cotton sock missing its mate.
Place the tennis ball within, and you now have one of the best myofascial release tools you’ll find outside of the chiropractor’s office. You can use it as a free roller to work those tension knots out of hard-to-reach back areas.
Massage qualifies as the ultimate in self-care, but going to a professional therapist costs a small fortune. If you’re hitched, why don’t you and your partner learn the five Swedish techniques together and treat each other to rubdowns?
Yoga is self-care that you can practice nearly anywhere. However, for maximum comfort, roll out your mat.
You don’t have to return to the studio just yet if you still feel uncomfortable sweating with others. You can find tons of free videos on YouTube to start your pretzel-practice.
YouTube is a marvelous free self-care ideas resource that doesn’t stop with stretching. Part of nurturing yourself involves taking care of your mind — not only your body.
Are you struggling with negative thoughts? Reprogram your brain with a guided meditation session that will help you reframe your experience and leave you feeling more optimistic.
When you check into an exclusive spa, you don’t settle for fast food dinners. Treat yourself equally well by whipping up a nourishing meal.
If you live on takeout due to a hectic schedule, the mere act of cooking qualifies as self-care. You get more acquainted with your food and have time to reflect mindfully on how each ingredient nourishes your body. Set the table, light a candle and make dining an experience.
There’s flicking on the telly when you feel lazy — then there’s intentionally giving your brain a break. If your work forces you to make multiple choices at a rapid-fire pace, you can develop decision-fatigue that impacts your cognitive ability. Sometimes, you simply need to veg.
However, since your goal is to minimize your neuron’s efforts, don’t get caught up in an endless streaming game, trying to find the perfect movie. Pick one hit show you adore or have been dying to see and lose yourself in hours of mindless entertainment.
Today’s hectic schedules often interrupt sleep schedules. You might be one of the many dealing with disrupted circadian rhythms due to changes imposed by the novel coronavirus.
Create an atmosphere conducive to sleep by getting all electronics out of your bedroom. Pop in a pair of earplugs if you have a roommate and let yourself drift off to dreamland. Getting the rest you need allows your body to produce immunity-boosting cytokines to keep you feeling healthier.
Please don’t delay your necessary nurturing because you think you need a pricey spa. These ten free self-care ideas let you pamper yourself without spending a dime.
