Undeniably, this year has posed numerous challenges for many people, leading to heightened anxiety and stress levels. Now, more than ever, it’s essential to prioritize self-care. Let’s explore some free self-care activities that you can embark on starting today.
WHAT IS SELF-CARE?
Perhaps, the notion of self-care might appear unclear yet it is fundamentally crucial. Of course, it refers to caring for oneself, but it encompasses a broader scope. The sad fact is that many of us tend to put ourselves on the back burner. Even if your inner voice tells you, “I hardly find time for myself” or “I lack sufficient resources to engage in self-care”, always remember that time and resources are found when things matter the most. Hence, prioritizing your wellness is imperative. Failure to do this can adversely affect your capability to tackle everyday duties. Essentially, one cannot possibly take care of others without first ensuring their well-being.
To counter your excuses of time and money scarcity, here are several cost-free methods for self-care. What’s required is carving out some daily time, identifying pleasurable activities, and indulging in them. The hope is that these simple self-care acts will cushion you from life’s daily hustle.
TAKE A NAP
Though it necessitates some ingenuity, it is achievable. Not every day may accommodate a nap, but whenever there’s a chance, seize it. I endeavor to nap whenever possible, and occasionally it means scheduling one, especially when I’m really tired or fitting it into the weekend.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
If possible, enjoy this solitude. Just escape from the noises in the house or at work. Leave your smartphone inside and take a peaceful outside break. Once there, simply observe the surroundings and soak up the silence.
EXERCISE
Formal exercise isn’t a must. If the gym is inaccessible, move around at home. Be creative – dance or clean challenging corners. Working out doesn’t necessarily mean donning gym clothing and using exercise equipment. It’s all about getting the body moving, sparking endorphins, and releasing tension. Personally, I’ve found online dance videos a fantastic way to destress.
INDULGE IN AN EXTENDED SHOWER
This, admittedly, is my favorite, and occasionally it feels like a luxury. You could opt for a prolonged, relaxing bath. If you have bath salts or bath bombs already, that’s a plus.
PHONE A FRIEND
The prevalence of social media and texting may make phone calls to friends a rarity. Give your thumbs a break and dial your friend. A good friend will appreciate a chat, regardless of whatever background noise there might be.
START A PROSPERITY JOURNAL
Often, we’re engrossed in what’s going awry and put immense pressure on ourselves to deliver perfectly in every aspect of life. Shifting focus from been overwhelmed with shortcomings and negativity and instead concentrating on victories could be tremendously beneficial. How about starting a gratitude journal to highlight the positive aspects of your life? Focus on these and cut yourself some slack.
ASK FOR HELP
We stretch ourselves thin by tackling too many tasks, yet in reality, those dear to us wouldn’t mind lending a hand. Thus, don’t hesitate to ask your partner, friend, or neighbor for assistance. Avoid shouldering all burdens single-handedly.
READ
The book you’ve been longing to read? Just dive in whenever you can. It could be before bedtime or during lunch breaks. Not only does reading broaden one’s mind, but it also relaxes.
BLOCK SOCIAL MEDIA DETRACTORS
This is such a simple and free act of self-care, yet it dramatically improves your online experience and boosts your mental health.
Practicing free self-care methods can drastically shift your perspective. It doesn’t necessitate a ton of money or the need for a whole day to yourself (though it sounds tempting). All it takes is cultivating a few habits and deliberately implementing them daily. Eventually, these self-care routines become second nature, and setting aside time for yourself turns into a norm. Now that you’re equipped with these ideas, pick your first free self-care activity and get started!
Have you already tried any of these tips?
