Self-Care You can do for Free
Despite what we see on social media, self-care isn't just a luxury for those who are wealthy enough to spend £50 on a couple of bath bombs and a gold flecked face mask. Self-care is a necessity for anyone and everyone. No matter what your day looks like there is always time, even if small to look after yourself and it is possible to do it for free or using things you already have at your disposal!
Self-care is there for both your physical and mental wellbeing. It should be a part of your everyday routine. Self-care can look like brushing your teeth or combing your hair for the first time in a week. I can look different for everyone of varying mental health states and personalities.
Here's some free extra ideas to try for yourself below:
Going for a walk
Walking is great activity which can have any length of time
You can walk with friends and family but also on your own
Fresh air benefits you mentally and physically
It can help improve your blood pressure and heart rate
Walking helps strengthen your immune system
Being outside in nature can help you feel a sense of freedom and clear you mind
I have found that walking is one of the best things for me mentally, having a dog means that I am forced to walk twice a day everyday and it really helps me to get out of bed even on the days where I struggle the most.
Taking a nap
Napping can help you to relax
It helps to improve your memory
Recommended length to nap for is 20 - 30 minutes
Can seriously improve your mood
It can give you a much needed boost mentally
Can reduce levels of anxiety
I am terrible for beating myself up for having nap, I think I have it ingrained in my brain that if I nap I have wasted time. This isn't the case, when I'm tired it mean that, besides the fact that I need to sleep better at night, my body and mind needs a break and a recharge. I usually feel better about things once I've had a nap and its a way better option than just scrolling on my phone for 30 minutes.
Put on some music and dance
Music and dance is a great way to improve a low mood
Can lower stress levels
Good practice for when you go out with friend and can impress on the dance floor
Dancing is an fun way to exercise and increase your cardio vascular health
Listening to music helps to relieve symptoms of depression
Both are a good way of letting go
Dancing is an awesome way to improve your body image
Personally, Just Dance is one of the best things ever invented. Myself and my best friend have been playing this since the first one came out and it's been our go to when we want some time together. I have found that when I dance I feel sexy and am able to see the amazing things my body does for me, it helps me to feel good about myself and my over looks.
Meditation
There are loads of free apps to use which offer meditations of all kinds
Meditation can help you regulate your breathing
It can improve sleep
Meditating can help to reduce pain symptoms
Reduces anxiety
This can help you become more mindful of your surroundings
Meditation is not something that many people think they can do. I think the assumption is that if your brain isn't quiet during meditation that you're not good at it or you're doing it wrong. It's something that takes practice and is super beneficial when you open your mind to it.
Having a Bath
Helps to relax your muscles
Provides a safe space away from others
The warmth can be very comforting
You can add different components to suit your needs
They can help you sleep better
Can help sooth colds and irritated skin
I absolutely LOVE baths. I know that technically you have to pay for the water but there's no outright payment from you direct pocket. Baths are something which sooth me mentally and I could spend hours laying in the bath reading or just soaking up the oils I like to put in.
Reading
Books are great distractions from heavy thoughts
Reading opens your mind to how other people see the world
Reading can aid sleep
Can be motivational
Helps to reduce stress levels
Reading is one of my escapes. It opens my imagination to so many possibilities and I love putting myself inside the books I read and seeing myself there with the characters. There are so many ways to get hold of books these days, whether it's free online or from a library!
Listening to podcasts
Learn about new things
Helps you to get informed about the world
Can make you laugh
Really brings stories to life
Covers a range of interesting topics
Can help you to figure out coping t
Helps to combat loneliness
I am always listening to a podcast whether it be true crime or one of my favourites such as Exactly with Florence Givens. I find them informative and they help me to feel a part of something even when I'm on my own. There are hundreds of thousands of podcasts to get your hands on and they are all sat there for free!