When you hear the term “self-care” what comes to mind?
Maybe self-care is something you already practice and seems completely normal to you. On the other hand, maybe self-care sounds indulgent, selfish or a luxury for other people, not you.
If you don’t currently have a self-care practice because you’re short on time or money or because you just never gave it much thought, it’s something everyone can benefit from.
With how fast-paced and stressful life has gotten, it’s not just a luxury, it’s really important to your health and overall wellbeing. Being human is hard at times. It can be stressful, overwhelming, exhausting and just plain messy.
I’ve found self-care can help manage all that and here are just a few other ways self-care can help you:
- Enhance productivity
- Increase energy
- Improve immunity (allowing your body time in a restful/relaxed state actually helps your immune system)
- Create self-awareness as to what helps you
- Refill your cup so you can be of service to others
What is Self-Care?
My definition of self-care is simple, it’s basically any habit or practice that helps you function better and maintain or improve your health — whether it be mentally, emotionally or physically.
It’s also knowing when you need to take care of yourself and in a way that will improve how you feel overall.
What Self-Care Isn’t
With self-care, there are no rules and it’s important to do what feels right for you.
It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to be effective either. Self-care doesn’t have to cost anything at all.
And lastly, it’s not selfish — it’s simply taking care of yourself so you can show up in life better.
Some Unique Self-Care Ideas to Try
The following list has some of my favorite unique self-care ideas that are either low cost or free.
- Go to an art store and buy a fun project to work on
- Make a homemade face mask and pamper yourself a little bit
- Cook yourself your favorite comfort food only find a recipe for a healthy version (zero guilt!)
- Find a relaxing place in nature and write in a journal about your goals, perfect day or a dream you’d like to come true
- Watch a sunrise or sunset
- Take a detox bath with calcium bentonite clay and essential oils
- Take a drive with no destination in mind while listening to your favorite tunes
- Plan your dream trip
- Fix your hair, put on makeup (if you wear it) and your favorite outfit…just because
- Listen to your favorite podcast or explore some new ones
- Allow yourself a few hours to binge-watch a show you’ve been wanting to check out (guilt-free)
- Declutter an area of your home and donate stuff you don’t use
- Make some fruit-infused water to sip
- Write a letter to your future self on FutureMe
- Have a picnic with someone you love (or by yourself)
- Do something metaphysical like study crystal healing and sensing their subtle energy
- Learn something new – there are tons of courses online – premium and free
- Learn about and practice Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
- Write a list of things you love about yourself
- Call a family member or friend and let them know how much you appreciate them
- Find a relaxing guided meditation on YouTube and turn off all distractions and try it out
- Create an inspiring Pinterest board and fill it with pins you love
- Take a cold shower for 15 minutes (I know this sounds harsh but you’ll feel amazing afterward…I promise)
- Buy a body brush and start doing it daily before you bathe. Start with your limbs and work your way towards your body
- Walk barefoot in your yard or a park for 10-20 minutes
- Make some homemade bath bombs and try them out. Pinterest has tons of recipes
- Have a solo silent retreat to unplug and recharge. This can be at your own house or one of these options
If you’re new to self-care, start with one or two things to try. If you love it, then turn it into a ritual you do as often as you like. If you don’t love it, then find something else to try.
Remember, self-care is an individual journey and it doesn’t need to be complicated. Start small and only do what feels helpful. Making it a priority will cause a ripple effect of good things into just about all areas of your life.
