22 Completely Free Ways To Practice Self-Love And Self-Care

Here’s the thing about self-love and self-care: Realistically, I would love to charter a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean sea while being fed perfectly ripened grapes and wine for two weeks and use it as my monthly self-care, but even more realistically, that is just not in many of our budgets. It’s easy to believe self-care is all about spending and pampering in such a way that involves money, but the truth is, at its very core, there’s endless ways you can practice self-care and self-love that are completely free.

1. Get outside.

Sure, we go outside to get into our car or take our pets out. But how often do you consciously make an effort to embrace nature? Just a little outdoors time can replenish you. After all, without all of our human “stuff” that we have grown accustomed to, we are left with our bodies and nature.

2. Write down your goals and ambitions.

One of the simplest ways to remotivate yourself and feel good in the process is to make a list of some of your goals and ambitions and put it down on pen to paper (or digitally—same idea).

3. Take a nap.

Now don’t go overboard staying in bed indefinitely from Friday to Sunday, only crawling out of bed for some cheese puffs, but your body and mind sometimes just need that extra midday or afternoon nap to feel refreshed. Take a nap and don’t feel bad about it.

4. Clean yourself and your room.

Let’s face it, a deep clean, whether it’s an extra-long shower or bath or picking up that pile of clothes that’s been sitting in the corner of your room for a week, is an almost immediate serotonin booster.

5. Watch your favorite movie.

Implying that you already own your favorite movie and don’t have to buy/rent it, watch your favorite movie! It’s your favorite for a reason. Even open up Netflix and pop on a flick that makes you laugh or simply feel happy.

6. Make it a goal to drink eight glasses of water.

Whether it’s to fight a sickness, be healthy, or clear your skin, ample amounts of water seems to always be integrated into every health list. It works. Your body and your mind will thank you.

7. Turn off your screens for a night.

While we live in a digital world, it is still possible to dodge and avoid screen time even just for a night. Turn off your laptop. Set your alarms and hide your phone. Read a book. Meditate. Take a long walk. Do other activities that don’t involve your eyes glued to a screen for one night.

8. Write down 10 things you are grateful for.

There is always something to be grateful for and doing so is a necessary act of self-care.

9. Bake something from your pantry items.

Odds are you have some flour and some sugar nestled in the back of your cabinet. Bake something with an online recipe, or if you have that chef’s touch, create something new!

10. Stretch.

If you are not already doing this every day, dedicate some extra time today to settle down and really loosen and relax your muscles. Do a forward fold. Sit on the floor in a classic butterfly. Do some relaxing spinal twists. You will feel amazing.

11. Turn on your favorite playlist and dance.

Endorphins, serotonin, and happiness, all from this simple action.

12. Purge your closet.

If you haven’t worn it in the past year, it is likely not an essential item. Donate it and free up your wardrobe. It will make you feel better and lighter in the process.

13. Make a list of 10 things you have accomplished in the last year.

Self-love is recognizing the progress you have made and being proud of the steps you are taking.

14. Watch the sunrise or sunset.

There are 365 days a year and two times each day to do this.

15. Free-write or journal.

Regardless if you enjoy writing or not, it is so important to release our thoughts from our mind, and one of the easiest ways to do so is with writing.

16. Try a new breathing technique.

After a quick Google search, you can find many easy to follow ways to become more aligned with your breath. It will calm your mind and your body.

17. Call someone you love and tell them how grateful you are for them.

Just because self-care and self-love have the word “self” in it doesn’t mean you can’t involve someone else. In fact, making others feel good is a great way to boost your happiness in the process.

18. Listen to a podcast.

From comedy to motivational to informative, there are endless different podcasts out there that will fit your tastes and will be good for your psyche.

19. Eat a healthy meal.

You have to eat anyway, so you might as well make your meal a healthy one. You know it’s good for you. Fuel your body the nutrients it needs and you will feel mentally and physically better too.

20. Drive to a scenic location near your city.

You don’t have to be in Bali or Southeast Asia to find pretty views. They’re everywhere. A lake, a mountain lookout, a green area, a park. Whatever your city has to offer, I am sure there are countless places that offer mind-clearing scenic views.

21. Vent to someone you trust.

At the end of the day, sometimes we need to release and let go of what we are clinging to in our minds. Healthy venting can be a productive way to get rid of any negative energy you are holding on to.

22. Do absolutely nothing at all.

Sit. Lie down. Heck, lie on the floor and just embrace being alive. Sometimes doing nothing is the exact something you actually need.