Sometimes practicing self-care is small, like sleeping an extra hour. Sometimes it’s big, like severing ties with a toxic relationship. But it’s always important. Self-care is simply care provided for you by you. It’s about taking note of what you’re body and mind need and then giving it to yourself. And it’s different for everybody. But like…how do you practice self care when you’re broke af?
When many people hear “self-care,” I think they immediately imagine taking Eat, Pray, Love vacations, having a spa day, or ordering the dessert. All are valid, but not necessarily attainable. Because sometimes someone’s version of self-care equals expensive and exceptional. Today I wanted to focus on the small acts of self-care, for when you’re feeling overrun and need to relax a bit. Small acts of self-care that don’t cost any money.
Get a little vitamin D.
Do your body a favor and sit outside for a while, soaking up that vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential in absorbing calcium and promoting healthy teeth and bones and support your immune system, among other things. But for me, I immediately feel rejuvenated by getting a little sun. I feel it gives me a little more energy. Perhaps it’s a placebo type of situation, but I’m OK with that. It costs zero money and gives you the opportunity to do other relaxing things. Take that time to read, draw, or meditate.
Meditate.
Speaking of meditation, it’s traditionally a Buddhist form of self-discovery. It can help you understand your own mind and transform thoughts from negative to positive, disturbed to peaceful, etc. A simple 10-15 minutes of meditation can make your mind calmer and more focused, and find balance.
If you can’t seem to do this alone, try guided meditation. Try apps like Headspace or The Mindfulness App, that are available for Apple and Android products. Both teach you more about meditation and guide you through the process.
Set goals.
I consider self-improvement to be a form of self-care. We should always try to better and improve ourselves. Setting goals for your career, finances, and self can be inspiring and increase your productivity. Sitting down and deciding what steps you should take to reach your goals is empowering, and can give you the boost you need to get started. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and scattered, try sitting down and setting some goals–big or small.
Unplug.
Step aside from your devices. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the social media presences of others, that we forget it’s OK to have an average day. It’s easy to become envious or angry of what you see on social media, and something we all deal with in some regard. Even if you only take a nap or clean the house, taking a few hours unplugged will be amazing for your mental health.
Cook and eat a good meal.
Not only is filling yourself with nutrients an amazing form of self care, the act of actually cooking is an act of self care, in my opinion. I love cooking and spending time in the kitchen. Even if it isn’t a healthy meal, I love to spend a little bit of time with myself working around the kitchen. The actual act of prepping my ingredients is really relaxing to me, just like jade rolling or taking a bath. It’s calming. Not to mention getting to finally eat. Isn’t there something special about getting to eat your favorite meal?
Find your daily rituals.
Something I have been doing lately is finding the significance in my daily rituals, no matter how small they seem. What parts of my day can’t I skip? Why is that? And if it’s because I find some kind of solace in it, how can I make it even more beneficial? Currently, I’ve been stretching in the morning. Not only does it literally make my body feel better — between joint pain and muscle tension, your girl needs more than stretching. But it also just gives me a minute to focus on breathing and waking up in the mornings. I’ve also found I thoroughly enjoy doing my evening skincare routine.
And on that note, I think I’m going to close my laptop and spend some time with myself. It’s hard to think of committing to self care when you’re broke, but there are tons of good for you things to do that don’t require spending a ton of money in the name of self care. How do you unwind and relax?
You may also be interested in these posts:
Let's Chat!