Bombarded with messages telling us to hustle, some say you aren’t doing enough if you aren’t working yourself into the ground. Yet, grinding now and sleeping later can lead to burnout and serious health problems. There is nothing wrong with hard work, but it’s essential to include self-care when cultivating a life of physical well-being and peace of mind.

What Does Self Care Look Like?

Self-care can look like many different things. For example, going on vacation after a busy work period is one way to prioritize your health. A candlelit bath while listening to soothing music, reading your favorite book, or heading to the park to ride bikes. Self-care is taking care of your mind, body, and soul.

Affordable Self-Care Options

There are numerous inexpensive and even free self-care options available to you. These simple ideas may be the best way to get started because they are cheap, accessible, and need minimal effort. Here are 25 ways to practice self-care that are absolutely free!

1. Begin your day with a morning quiet time.
2. Exercise.
3. Take a walk in nature.
4. Hydrate! Make sure you are drinking enough water.
5. Meditate on God’s word.
6. Recite daily affirmations.
7. Rest. Consider a nap during the day or a complete 7-8 hours of sleep at night. Your body will thank you later!
8. Journal. Look for the lovely in every moment. Write down all the things you love about your life.
9. Create something for someone else. 
10. Laugh! 
11. Dance! Listening to upbeat music and dancing is an instant mood shifter. 
12. Read a good book.
13. Visit your local park.
14. Go on a hike.
15. Make your bed. 
16. Give yourself a facial or practice your skincare routine.
17. Declutter or clean up. Your external environment often reflects your inner world.
18. Take a bath or a relaxing shower.
19. Connect with your loved ones.
20. Prepare a delicious meal.
21. Wash your hair.
22. Do all the things you have been putting off.
23. Arts and crafts! Be creative. Make a piece of art for your home. 
24. Watch your favorite movie.
25. End your day with a relaxing nighttime routine.

Simple self-care allows you to save money, is readily available within your home or community, and is uncomplicated. However, even though these self-care options are free, they require consistency. So persevere, realizing that practicing self-care is a form of self-compassion and love. You deserve it!

The challenge

Finally, self-care is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation. I challenge you to be intentional about refreshing your life. So, when you’re in the hustle and faced with the grind, you can always show up energized and ready to give your best self to the task.