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The happiest and most successful moms regularly focus on self-care. But what do you when you want to do self-care but don’t have much money to spend? There are ways of practicing self-care that cost no money.
Yes, paraffin facials and hot rock massages are amazing. But don’t let that stop you from spending some much-needed mommy time.
Check out these 20 self-care ideas that cost no money that you can do today.
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1. Read a book
This is something that I feel like we have gotten away from because of the amount of technology. Reading is great for your brain.
Reading gives your brain activity like doing a puzzle that helps to fight Alzheimer’s disease. A good novel can help lower your stress and give you an escape from reality.
So, pick up a book next time you need a mommy time out.
2. Listen to a podcast
Hopefully, you are already listening to the Real Happy Mom podcast. Many other great podcasts can inspire you or help educate you on a new topic.
Some of my favorite podcast to listen to are:
- Marketing Made Easy (Sometimes there are things here that are not business-related that are very helpful for life in general)
- Joyce Meyer Enjoying Everyday Life
- The GaryVee Audio Experience (Gary Vee has a bit of a potty mouth. So if this offends you, don’t listen to this)
3. Write in a journal
Putting your thoughts and feelings on paper can actually help you understand your thoughts more clearly.
Journaling has also been helpful for others that are depressed or stressed to gain control of mental health.
Find a simple journal to write in, and you will notice that your thoughts won’t be as scattered.
4. Try adult coloring pages
This self-care ideas that cost no money is a personal favorite. I actually find it really relaxing to color.
If you are looking for some adult coloring pages free to print at home, check these out:
I use the kid’s crayons to do these coloring pages. But you can use whatever you have in the house.
I have actually had times where I’ll print out 2 coloring pages. One for me and one for my oldest son so that we can sit down and color together.
5. Volunteer
It always makes you feel better about yourself when you’re able to give or do something for others.
Volunteering can help counteract anger and stress by increasing your self-confidence and giving you a sense of purpose.
6. Rearrange your room
Now, if you don’t have the budget to redesign your house, try rearranging a room. Move the couch or put the table in a new place.
This self-care tip that costs no money will instantly spruce up a room and give you a sense of satisfaction.
7. Watch some inspirational TED talks
Some really awesome TED talks are sure to get you motivated and inspired. Here are a few of my favorite TED talks:
8. Make a homemade facemask
Remember, this is a list of self-care ideas that cost no money. So, all you have to use is what’s in the refrigerator in the pantry.
One easy homemade facemask that I use is a sugar scrub. This helps to exfoliate and bring out the glow in my skin.
Use one part brown sugar and another part, either extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Then rub on problem areas and rinse off in the shower.
Here is a list of 7 DIY face mask that you can try at home.
9. Go to the library and either find something new to learn or start planning out your next vacation
Take some time to go to your local library and dream up your next vacation. Check out books of your state and see if there are places you haven’t visited that interest you.
You can even look at books of countries that you have dreamed of visiting. Look through the books to come up with a tentative itinerary.
If dreaming about your next vacation doesn’t interest you, check out a book that teaches you how to do a new skill. Like knitting, cooking, painting, or programming.
10. Borrow a fitness DVD while you’re at the library
While you’re at the library, check out the DVD section. See if you can find a workout video that you can try out and do that at home.
Even if the video is dated, you may find that you get a nice workout.
11. Meditate
This is something that I am not very experienced with. But I have found some really good guided meditation videos on Youtube that are really helpful.
If you’re just starting like me, check out this guided meditation video and tell me what you think.
12. Go window shopping
If you are wanting to do something to get you out of the house, go to your local mall or shopping center and window shop.
Remember, this is self-care ideas that cost no money. So no spending. 🙂
13. Light a candle
I have found lighting a candle just does something just to calm me down.
Just seeing the light flickering and smelling the aroma that comes off from the candle gives a peaceful ambiance.
14. Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for
Gratitude helps keep you positive and less self-centered. It is so easy to find the wrong things, with yourself or your life.
Find something to be grateful for will instantly stop the pity party and reduce aggression.
15. Find some new inspirational accounts on social media
Every other week is I’ll find some new accounts to follow that either make me smile or inspire me. I want to make sure that I have more positive accounts added to my newsfeed.
The same goes for unfollowing accounts. I take time to unfollow accounts that no longer serve me or are just sending negative messages in my newsfeed.
16. Find a charity to donate to or volunteer
Research some charities that align with your passion that you can either donate to or volunteer.
One of my favorite charities is Food For The Hungry. It makes me feel good to know that I am doing something to help someone else in need.
Donating to charities is more than a tax write deduction. It brings means to your life and shows that every little bit helps.
17. Organize and declutter
It’s something about having a room that is organized. Or going to your office where your desk is organized.
When there’s a lot of clutter and mess around, it’s really hard to stay focused because there’s so much going on. Your mind wanders, and you’re easily anxious because of the clutter around you.
Take some time to either organize your desk, your closet, a room, and feel energized. And also find some lost treasures.
18. Try out a free tutorial online.
If you just google ‘free tutorials online,’ you’ll find many resources out there for free.
Now, don’t get me wrong, you get what you pay for. But at least you can learn something new.
Try learning a skill or language to help open your mind and give you satisfaction.
19. Go through some old pictures on your phone or in a photo album
This is something that I like to do now and then. I like to look at some of my kid’s baby pictures or me when I was in high school.
#throwbackthrusday will have you feeling nostalgic. This actually brings up positive feelings that combat stress.
So go ahead and have a good time down memory lane.
20. Enjoy the sunrise or the sunset
The last of the self-care ideas that cost no money involve you getting outside. If the weather permits, take some time to go out and just relax and enjoy the outdoors.
If you can, enjoy the sunrise or the sunset. That’s just something that I think we take for granted. And can help make you feel a lot more calm and relaxed.
There you have it!
Those are my 20 self-care ideas that cost no money.
If you have some other self-care ideas that cost no money, make sure you leave them.
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[…] thing that I need to do for my self-care is to catch up on my sleep two to three times a week for an hour or so. I nap when they […]