53 Affordable or free Self-care Ideas

For the longest time I have been wanting to reset our lives. The kind of reset and wellness routine that helps us start afresh. And the kind of wellness routine that goes beyond just face masks and manicures. Even though they are both great as well. We’re talking about some REAL self-care here.

And self-care just isn’t about sweating it out in the gym and looking good. Self-care is about holistic wellness that focuses on your physical, emotional and social health as well.

With our busy schedules and trying to balance a million things all at once, we often find that self-care gets neglected. Especially if you are a woman who is balancing work, family, home and so on. I GET YOU, GIRL. I have been there too. There are days that are so hectic that all you want to do is take a bubble bath, but you have to cook dinner for your family, check on your kids’ homework, pay bills and what not.

And amidst all this, taking out time for yourself is often that one thing that gets sidelines. Mostly because as women, we tend to not put ourselves first. It is sad, but it’s true. And with so many bills to pay, Self-care sometimes seems like an indulgence. I mean who has the money to get $50 manicures done every second week, right?

But, Self-care doesn’t always have to be expensive. And it doesn’t have to seem like one more thing you need to do in your hectic day. That’s why I focus so much on making self care a part of my daily routine. Yes, sometimes I will schedule in self-care activities at the end of the day.

Now, Self-care comes in a lot of forms. For some, maybe it’s reading for 30 minutes everyday, or waking your an hour earlier to do the things you love or maybe even sleeping in a little extra because you deserve that rest. Self-care looks different for everyone and when you try different things you can find out what works best for you.

Below, I am sharing 53 free or super affordable Self-care ideas that you can make a part of your wellness routine. These budget friendly self-care ideas will allow you to take extra care of yourself without breaking your bank.

53 free or affordable self-care ideas to try for your wellness routine:

SELF-CARE for your body:

If you spend most of your time at your desk, take a little break from staring at the screen. Get up for your desk and stretch your body. Do this basic 5 minute stretch even when you’re in office.

Set a reminder to drink water every hour. It’s best if you can keep a water bottle at your desk. Our bodies are about 70% water, you can imagine how important it is to keep our bodies hydrated.
Try breathing exercises to relax your body. This 4-7-8 technique works great.
Spend at least 30 minutes moving your body. You do not have to set a new record, just try any workout that makes you feel good. get your blood flowing and heart pumping.

Wear clothes you feel confident in. No need to go with the trends or to wear high heels if you hate them. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Pamper your body. This is the only body you will have in this lifetime and it’s time you start loving it. After showering apply your favourite lotion or moisturiser all over your body. It crazy how this little step makes you feel incredibly good.
Make it a habit to take your mornings slow. Take your time to brew your favourite cup of coffee or tea and have it at peace.Take time to read in the mornings if that’s something you love.

Educate yourself about nutrition and have nutritious, balanced meals. Make sure to have a nutritious filling breakfast before you start your work day.
Take time to comb your hair in the mornings. And do so gently. Yes, self-care can be as simple as that.
Apply a face mask. I know I said we’re talking about real self care, but if face masks are a part of your wellness routine, go ahead and apply one.

Take a long warm shower or a bath, whatever you prefer. There is nothing more relaxing than a shower/bath after a hectic work day.
Do some exercises to improve your posture. Having a good posture while working makes sure you do not get neck strains or back aches.
Spend some time in the sun. Soaking in vitamin D is super important because as you know we’re basically plants with emotions. We need the water and the sunlight.

Talking about vitamins, take your vitamins and supplements regularly. Make this habit a part of your routine. Go off birth-control meds if you feel like they’re affecting your hormones.
Get yourself some blue light glasses. If you are spending hours looking at screens, it’s time to get some blue light glasses. They are super affordable as well.
Get an annual medical test done. No matter how much you hate it, do this for your older future self. Getting an annual medical exam is definitely a self-care practice.

Give yourself regular breast exams. Learn how to do it, learn what your breasts normally feel like and give yourself an exam every few months.
Take a leisurely walk without a goal. Put on your walking shoes, get out of the house, and go where ever you feel like. Sometimes a 10 minute walk is all you need to refresh.
Make a smoothie or a fruit platter, whatever you feel like. Having anti oxidants in any form is super important for your body.

Put on a home-made face mask. I love home-made face masks better than the store bought ones because you have the control over what you put into the mask. My favourite is chickpea flour, turmeric powder, a splash of milk and honey.

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR mind:

Start your day with Meditation. It does take a while to get started with it and if you are just starting out you might want to try guided meditation. I got started with it using mobile apps, and it has been life changing.
Read a good book, focus on good. I do not like reading a lot of fiction but love reading looks that are motivational and have a positive outlook.

Brain dump: This is one of my fav things to do in my Bujo. I often have 10 things running through my head and I like writing them down in my bullet journal. it is called a brain dump. And it reduces stress because I know that I’ll not forget about those things. RELATED: 10 Super simple Bullet journal spreads to try.
Listen to some good music. I find it super therapeutic.
Go to therapy: There is absolutely no shame in going for therapy and seeking help if you need it. Make an appointment and it will be the best thing you will do for yourself.

Take a Social Media Detox: Sometimes all I need to get out a negative headspace is a social media detox. Social media can be quite a negative space and you often end up comparing your life to someone else’s.
If you drink, Skip drinks on a weekend and give yourself some time with your emotions instead. Take time to understand what you are feeling and get deep to the root cause.
Journal: Journalling regularly is super healthy. I find myself making more sense of my emotions while journalling. Sit in a comfy chair and start writing. I do not restrict myself on how much or little I have to write each day. I write whenever i feel like.

Practice Gratitude: Write a list of 10 things you’re grateful for. Practising gratitude and focussing on what I am grateful for puts me in a really positive head space.

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR Soul:

Visit a museum: Art or a kids museum, whatever brings you joy.
Try a new hobby. I love painting and embroidery on days when I am feeling low.

Sky gazing: Sit or lay in the grass and watch the clouds go by on a sunny day. Maybe try finding shapes in the clouds like you used to when you were little.
Star Gazing: As much as I love sky gazing, star gazing remains my favourite thing to do. Especially on nights when there is a meteor shower. What a magical experience it is.
Play with your pets: It is such a stress reliever isn’t it? And playing with my dog always makes me so happy.

Pick a bouquet of fresh wild flowers: I prefer picking one rather than buying one. it just makes the whole thing a lot more enjoyable. So drive out to your favourite hike or nature patch and pick wild flowers to make a bouquet out of.
Go swimming: You can say it’s for your body as well, but sometimes I just like doing that for fun as well.
Go for a drive: Going on a long drive in the evenings is all you need at times. You do not need to have a destination in mind, just drive, watch the sunset.

Ask for a hug: Ask your loved ones for a hug, there is nothing a warm embrace from a loved one can’t quite fix.
Burn a candle: Or put your favourite aromatic oil in a diffuser. Whatever brings you joy.
Take some time to get ready for the day. No special occasion needed. Curl your hair, try a new hair do, put some make up on, just because you feel like it.

Bake a dessert and then have it without any guilt.
Play your fav music and sing along: Blast some tunes and have a little karaoke party by yourself.
Unfollow people on social media. Unfollow everyone who doesn’t bring you joy.

Plan a holiday: I find planning a holiday so relaxing. It gets me so excited and puts me in a great mood instantly.
Get a haircut or blow dry: Getting a fresh snip is super exciting and also instantly makes you more confident, doesn’t it?

Self-Care around the house:

Declutter your work desk. A clean desk equals a clean mind.

Declutter a spot in your house that’s been bugging you for quite some time now.
Put away the load of laundry that’s been sitting there staring at you for days.
Change out the throws and accent cushions. A little change in the decor can lift up your mood instantly.

Change your sheets. This is something i do very often and something I find super satisfying as well.
Write a list of things you have been putting off and strike them off the list.
Have a little balcony picnic: I love making myself a fancy breakfast and then enjoying it in my balcony.

Try gardening: One of the things that always bring me joy. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t have a big garden, I don’t either. A balcony garden with a few pots will also do the trick. And I bet you’d be surprised to see how many plants you can grow in a small garden.

There you go. 53 free or affordable self care ideas for you to add to your wellness routine. Of course you can’t add everything but it’s a great idea to try different things and see what works best for you.

And remember, self care looks different for everyone and it’s perfectly okay if all you want to do is eat ice cream, I am not judging.

Also, Self care is not selfish and it’s important to make self-care a priority.

See you soon! 🙂