Now more than ever, self care is so important. Self care isn’t just face masks and mani-pedis. I’m sharing a few of my favorite acts of self-care that are totally free.
Get a good night’s rest
Getting adequate sleep is so key. Your body needs sleep to regenerate and leave you refreshed for the next day. This is easier said than done, but here are some tips to help you fall asleep.
- Stop using devices 30 minutes before it’s time to go to bed.
- If you’re open to it, melatonin vitamins has been super effective for me. They help regulate your circadian rhythms and they even come in gummy vitamins too!
- My secret weapon for falling asleep is the Nothing Much Happens podcast. It’s a super relaxing podcast that tells bedtime stories for grown-ups in which nothing much happens. I promise you’ll be asleep in no time.
Try out journaling
Writing out your feelings can be such an amazing experience. All my life, I’ve used journaling as a tool to work through my emotions. While daily journaling can be beneficial, you can even do it on a weekly basis too. You can do freewriting, where you write about whatever you want or you can find journaling prompts online.
Take a walk (while social distancing of course)
Living in NYC during these trying times makes me feel like I’m living in a dystopian future. The one thing that gives me a sense of normalcy right now and an instant mood boost is going for a walk in the park. I love going to the park because there’s enough space to stay 6 feet away from others. The fresh air is good for your mental health and it’s an easy way to get some exercise in.
Take a moment to meditate
Though I don’t do it as often as I should, meditation is such a great way to stay present. My mind is constantly racing and taking a moment to slow down and meditate really helps me. If you feel like you don’t have time to meditate, I recently started meditating in the shower with Skintimate’s free in-shower guided meditations. You can check them out here!
Do an at-home workout video
Get those endorphins pumping with an at-home workout. I love the Chloe Ting 28 Day Flat Tummy challenge because I’ve seen results so quickly. If you need some motivation, try doing a fitness video with friends via Zoom. My friends and I have a weekly zoom call where we do a PopSugar workout together and it’s so fun.
Reading a fun book
If you find that you have some extra time, why not start reading a book for leisure? Before, I rarely had time to read books for fun. Now is the perfect time to start a good book. If you’re a member of your local library, you can get free e-books on the Overdrive app.
Take a relaxing bath
My favorite way to unwind after a long day is to take a hot bath. Set the mood with some relaxing music (I love this playlist), maybe light some candles and dim the lights. I always feel a million times better after soaking in the bathtub for an hour or two.
Scalp massage
Scalp massage is so soothing and it’s also great for stimulating hair growth– so it’s a win-win. I love to massage in a fragrant oil too for a little razzle-dazzle.
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care? Leave a comment below and let me know!
