31 Ways to Enjoy the Simple Pleasures in Life with Free Self Care Ideas
Stop and smell the roses! Sometimes self care is about enjoying the simple pleasures in life rather than purchasing a big ticket item.
Self-care is so important, but signing up for a pricy massage or a trip to the hair salon can really add up. If you want self care that won’t break the bank, keep reading for 31 free self care ideas that will help you enjoy the simple aspects of life.
Sometimes self care can feel intimidating because many of the things that come to mind when we think about doing something to improve physical and mental health it costs so much money. But self care isn’t about spending a lot of money on yourself, it’s about being kind to yourself!
Because life is so busy, we can often forget about the simple pleasures in life like just reaching out to a friend.
There are plenty of free self care ideas to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
The lesson I learned along my self care journey so far? There are so many ways to love your body, mind, and soul without needing to spend a lot of money and diminishing your bank account. In fact sometimes the simplest activities can have such a big impact on our mental health.
And each of these free self care ideas is simple and easy to do without taking up too much time out of your busy schedule.
Here are the 31 free self care ideas that to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
1. Light some candles
Lighting candles is a simple yet effective way to relax. Choose candle scents you find soothing.
Scents like lavender or vanilla are calming and are great to aid in reducing anxiety when you need a minute to yourself.
2. Take a bath
Use some bath salts or a bath bomb to create a relaxing bath experience.
You may even want to go the extra mile and add some relaxing music, candles, etc. to really make your bathroom feel like your favorite spa.
3. Use your favorite face mask
Face masks are great to incorporate into your skin care routine on a weekly basis. Choose a face mask tailored to your skin.
Feeling dry? Try a hydrating mask.
Skin looking dull? Try a brightening mask.
4. Take a nap with no alarm
When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it may be likely that your sleep schedule is feeling that burden.
Give yourself some time to rest and recover and if possible, treat yourself to waking up from that nap naturally. Something so simple as getting rest can have a hug impact on your life.
5. Paint your own nails
Painting your nails can be both relaxing and act as a boost to your confidence because a fresh set of nails will make your feel more put together.
Click here for a step by step manicure you can do at home.
Click here for a step by step pedicure you can do at home.
6. Read a good book
There is nothing like reading a good book.
If you feel stressed, use a fictional book to take your mind away to a different world. Or opt for a self improvement book to invest in yourself.
For 13 great books you need to read, click here.
7. Rearrange your living space to give it a fresh look
Your living space has a huge impact on your mood, stress level, and overall enjoyment in life.
If it feels like your home is disorganized or it isn’t relaxing you will feel the effects on your mind.
It can also be really fun and invigorating to add a new home accent or freshen up your living space!
For 14 ways to make staying in at home more relaxing, read more here.
For 13 ways to make your bedroom more relaxing, read more here.
8. Spend time outdoors
Another way to enjoy the simple pleasures in life is to spend time in nature. Spending time outdoors will do wonders for your mental health. And as a bonus, going for hike is also a great way to promote physical health as well.
Hiking not your thing? Sitting outside with a good book or a cup of tea is also a great way to relax and find your inner peace.
Get out in the sunshine and soak up that Vitamin D!
9. Connect with a friend
Connecting with a friend always makes me feel better.
Do something fun to get out of the house or give a friend a call. Having a support system in your life is so important so building those relationships is a great form of self care…and it’s free 🙂
10. Say no to something
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, simply saying no to something can do wonders for your mental health.
Society almost celebrates “being busy”, but that can really add to stress and anxiety. It’s okay to say no and do something for yourself.
11. Meditate
Meditation is a great tool to reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation is also a free self care idea you can incorporate into your daily life. Try it on your own, or use a free guided meditation through YouTube.
New to meditation? Click here to read about mindful meditation for beginners.
12. Listen to some music
Another free self care idea to enjoy the simple pleasures in life is to listen to some music. Music is a way to speak to your soul.
When looking to relax, find some calming music. Want to get an instant confidence boost? Listen to something that pumps you up!
13. Journal
Journaling is a great way to collect your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Set a timer for ten minutes and write whatever comes to mind or start a dream journal.
For more information on different ways to journal, read more here.
14. Call a family member
Connecting to a family member is a great form of free self care because again you are building that support system.
Don’t live near your family? Set up a video call, a virtual trivia night, or send a text. That connection will not only benefit you, but it will brighten their day, too.
15. Volunteer at an animal shelter
Volunteering is not only a really admirable way to spend your time, but spending time with animals is a great form of stress relief.
Careful, if you’re like me you’ll end up wanting to take all of the animals home at the end of the day.
16. Stretch
Show your body some love and do some stretches.
Stretching is important before and after working out. It’s also important to reduce joint pain and ease sore muscles.
For 7 stretches for back pain relief, read more here.
17. Unplug for a few hours
We are often constantly surrounded by technology.
We spend all day on the computer sending emails and then we spend our night watching TV and scrolling through our phones. When you constantly intake information like this, our minds can become overwhelmed.
Treat yourself to an hour or two of no electronics. You’ll likely find it may be difficult at first, but it’ll feel so peaceful.
18. Write down a list of everything you LOVE about yourself
Writing a list of everything you love about yourself is not only a great free self care idea, but it’s also a great way to spend some dedicated time building up that self love.
After you finish your list, you can go back on days when you are feeling down and review it again for a little confidence boost.
19. Hydrate
Hydration is so important! Dehydration can cause headaches, weakness, fatigue, dizziness…need I go on?
Keep a water bottle close by all day and encourage yourself to stay well-hydrated.
20. Clean your home
This one may not sound that fun, but you will feel good about it afterwards!
A clean home will feel more calming and the act of cleaning can weirdly be a good way to relax.
It’s an easy, low-stress activity that you can do while listening to music or your favorite podcast.
21. Binge your favorite show without shame
Sometimes after a hard day you gotta just let yourself binge your favorite show.
Do it without shame and embrace the simple pleasure of spending time on the couch!
22. Tweeze your eyebrows
Give yourself a fresh look by tweezing your eyebrows.
Be careful with this one – try implementing this about once a month or less to avoid over-tweezing.
23. Try an adult coloring app
Coloring brings us back to when we were younger, and it can be a really calming activity.
I recommend the app, Happy Color, for some awesome free adult coloring.
24. Exercise
Exercise does wonders not only for your physical health but for your mental health as well. Working out releases serotonin in your brain and helps bust stress.
Click here for a full body at home workout.
25. Unfollow toxic accounts on social media
This will be the gift that keeps on giving.
Unfollow any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. There’s no reason you should be consuming negative content every day!
26. Write out some goals
Setting goals will give you something positive to work towards. Be sure to set realistic goals that you are capable of achieving so you can set yourself up for success.
Don’t forget to reward yourself as you achieve these goals!
27. Practice yoga using a guided video on YouTube
Yoga has tons of benefits for physical and mental health. It can be a great way to find inner peace and reduce stress.
There are tons of free yoga classes on YouTube so you don’t need to pay the class admission at a fancy yoga studio just to engage in the practice.
I really like this one for beginners by Yoga with Adriene.
28. Make your bed
Making your bed is something you can do in five minutes, but it will have a great impact on your day. You will start your day with a sense of accomplishment and feel more put together.
29. Try on clothes that make you feel confident
Looking for a confidence boost and some fun? Try on some of your favorite clothes a strike a pose in the mirror.
30. Make a vision board
Make a vision board to visualize your goals and what you want to achieve in life. This can be things related to health, work, relationships, fashion, etc.
Print off photos from the Internet or make a virtual vision board compiling images you find inspiring.
31. Do some arts and crafts
Arts and crafts can be calming and a productive way to spend time!
Not super crafty? Do something creative like drawing or writing instead.
So there you have it…31 free self care ideas to treat yourself and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
I challenge you to try one of these free self care ideas every day for a month. By doing something small, but impactful for yourself every day, you will see a change and form habits to make yourself feel great.
You deserve to be cared for, and that starts with caring for yourself! With these free self care ideas, no need to feel guilty or worry about spending money – just focus on caring for yourself.
Comment below and let me know what kinds of free self care ideas you try this month!
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