One suggestion from the 75-day Finance Challenge is to create a list of free self-care ideas so you don’t feel deprived when you are not spending money. Find 30 things that speak to you, and you’ll have a month of activities. Consider one or two outside of your comfort zone for a growth opportunity.
Before we share several ideas, let's discuss what self-care is not. It is not overindulgence, selfishness, or neglecting responsibilities; that could not be farther from the truth. Now, let’s consider what true self-care means. According to the World Health Organization, self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”
We would love to hear from you as you try the ideas. Either share your experience as a comment or submit your sharing to ty@timewithty.com to be featured in a follow-up post.
Enjoy a cup of tea or warm milk
Take a relaxing bath with bubbles, a bath bomb, Epsom Salt, or a bath sponge
Go for a walk
Read a book
Create a work of art
Have a dance party
Write a thank you note
Write a gratitude list
Try a new hairstyle
Make your bed
Write affirmations
Journal
Make a bucket list
Dream - spend 10 minutes writing how you would spend $1,000,000
Do your favorite chore
Call a friend
Plan a vacation
Watch your favorite show
Do a brain dump
Spend time with someone who inspires you
Pray
Meditate
Take a nap
Learn something new
Spend time in the sun
Watch a motivational Ted Talk
Enjoy a sunset
Watch the sunrise
Laugh out loud
Change your sheets
Say yes to something that scares you
Say no to something you don’t want to do
Block out 4 hours on your schedule- do whatever you wish to - monthly!
Clean out your closet
Write morning pages
Watch children play
Complete a project around your house or office
Eat outdoors
Take pictures of something you love
Enjoy your favorite dessert
Engage in 30 minutes of healthy movement
People watch
Ask for help
Forgive someone (including yourself)
Redecorate a room in your house
Go window-shopping
Take a social media break
Electronic free day
Look through old photos
Delete pictures from your phone
Organize your computer files
Delete apps from your phone
Reread your favorite book
Explore free activities in your city
Create a solid bedtime routine
Get enough sleep
Try a homemade facemask
Watch a burning candle
Go for a drive
Play a game
Write a list of annoying tasks and do as many as possible in an hour
Try a new dish
Meal prep for the week
Clear clutter
Drink more water
Scream into a pillow
Have a no-chore day
Schedule your annual doctor's appointments
Take a mental health day
Clean out your workbag
Go sightseeing in your city
Create a playlist
Learn how to give yourself a massage
Write a list of compliments for yourself
Compile a list of motivational quotes
Write birthday cards to friends/family members
Plan an ideal day
Plan a dream vacation
Share your favorite books with friends
Unsubscribe from unwanted emails
Try a new exercise
Do a 7-day challenge
Create a wish list
Learn to cook a new dish
Discover a new artist
Introduce a favorite movie to a friend or family member
Discuss your favorite book
Teach someone something you love
Try a new sport
Find a healthy substitution for a guilty pleasure
Commit to 2 weeks of a new personal hygiene routine
Donate books you don’t want to finish
Toss/donate shoes that don’t feel good to wear
Develop a skill
Smile at yourself
Spend time with someone who loves you
Make time to meet with a friend weekly
Do one thing for someone else daily
Spend 15 minutes speed-cleaning a room
Grab a coloring book and color
Do a crossword or jigsaw puzzle
Do a word search
Reconnect with an old friend or family member
Create a mantra
Download pictures from your phone -delete bad photos
Prep meals for a rough day
Make a list of actions that make your heart smile
Do a 10-minute check-in with a friend or family member
Invest an hour a week connecting friends and family
Try a new recipe
Create a secondary email address
Make a bucket list
Seek free therapy services
Modify your eating habits
Understand your triggers and find alternative responses
Get enough sleep at night
Monitor your finances
Look for items you can sell
Cancel unused subscriptions
Enjoy your favorite treat without the guilt
Learn how to use a feature on one of your devices
Make a list of restaurants you would like to visit
Pray for someone else
Create a budget
Make a list of movies or documentaries you want to watch
Curate a list of books you want to read
Update your resume or CV
Plan a party for yourself or a loved one
Tell a loved one what you love about them
Delete unnecessary emails
Create systems that make your life easier