10 Self-Care Ideas That Are Totally Free

The brilliant thing about the self-care movement that’s happening right now? It doesn’t have to cost a thing. Sure, you can go all out on spendy face masks, green juice, and spa days with your girls (hello, so fun!), but sometimes the most restful and restorative methods are the things you do at home, on your own, without spending a cent. So set your phone to silent, pour yourself a cup of tea, and soak up all the feel-good vibes–for free. Ahead, we’ve got 10 creative ways to carve out some you-time, ASAP.

1. Plan a dream trip: Tokyo? Goa? Cape Town? Wherever your wanderlust takes you, grab a pen and a journal and start jotting down the must-sees at your dream destination. Allowing yourself to be transported through photos, travel blogs and itineraries is *almost* as great as actually hopping the next flight. Plus, all your hard work will totally pay off once you can eventually get there (whenever that may be!).

   

2. *Really* have a bath: We’re talking a tub full of floating flowers, scented salts, a bathroom strewn with candles, soothing music: the whole nine yards. Slide in and do absolutely nothing but soak in bliss for the next 30.
3. Read a buzzy novel: Sinking into the couch with a library hardcover is something we’ll never tire of. Reading is a form of active meditation, so let yourself focus in on the pages and get lost in a great story.

   

4. Try deep belly breathing: Major stress-relieving bennies with just a few breaths? Yep, the secret is to extend your exhales and breathe from your belly, not your lungs. Try alternate nostril breathing, which is incredible for quelling situational anxiety: With your left hand, use your thumb to close off your left nostril while you inhale through the right nostril, then hold your breath and use your left pinky to close off the right nostril while you exhale through the left, creating an alternating cycle.
5. Make a meal plan: Taking the time to plot out your weekly menu is definitely an underappreciated form of self-care. Setting yourself up with grounding, simple-to-prepare food means that you’re investing time in nourishing yourself in the most basic, elemental way. Stock up on easy grain bowl ingredients and make a big batch of brown rice, a pot of beans, some baked chicken thighs, roasted veggies, some leafy baby greens, and tahini sauce and/or green goddess dressing and you’ve got yourself a slew of combo options.
6. Block off a Sunday: And don’t fill it with cleaning and organizing–or do! The goal is to spend your day exactly how you want, without your time being dictated by anyone else. Laze around in bed, make yourself brunch, read the Sunday paper, binge watch Younger on Hulu — really seize the Sunday.

   

7. Sleep with your socks on: Nope, not a joke—a real thing proven by science. Apparently, warm feet at night signals to the brain that it’s bedtime, which helps you fall faster into a super deep sleep.
8. Get crafty: Try your hand at sketching, sewing, or finger-knitting with supplies you have around the house. The act of making can get you into a creative flow state that’s way more satisfying than mindless Netflix marathons (though that’s fun, too).
9. Change your self-talk: Have you tuned into how you talk to yourself lately? If you have a constant negative refrain running through your mind, it can be difficult to exhibit self-compassion. Swap out those harsh thoughts by giving yourself a pep talk the way your best friend would—full of love and grace and undying support.
10. Make a list…of things you’ve already done: Watered the plants, went for a run, sent 5 million emails, took a shower? Yep, crossing off those to-dos you’ve already completed still gives the satisfying buzz of accomplishment.

Share your fave free self-care tips in the comments–and check out our beauty and wellness shop to browse products you can snag if you’re in a shopping mood!