One challenge that a lot of us face when it comes to self-care is the cost. Sure, you can go out and have a spa day, do some retail therapy or treat yourself to a movie. But doing these things cost money. And if one of your pain points (like me) is that you don’t have extra money for these things. Then you might be stuck for cheap self-care ideas to practice without spending anything (or very little).
The reality is that self-care is an important part of taking care of yourself. By taking a little time each day to focus only on things that you enjoy. You’re better able to take care of the other people in your life. Self-care is recharging and recentering yourself so that you can be ready to face what the world throws at you without missing a beat.
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Since I am all about finding ways to save money and cut down on unnecessary spending, I decided to share some cheap self-care ideas you can do at home.
Cheap Self-Care Ideas
There are probably things around the house that you bought at some point and forgot about. Many of these things can be used for practicing self-care at home. So take a minute or two after you read this to see what you may have forgotten about. Let me know what you found in the comments.
Home Spa
Chances are you have some bubble bath laying around (even if it’s for the kids). Draw a hot bath and block the bottom of the door to keep the steam in. Then add some candles and music and you have a relaxing atmosphere to just soak in the tub. Add a warm cloth to your face or a mask you have laying around you forgot about. And bam! Home spa!
Read Your Favorite Books Again
I know I have a ton of books lying around the house that I haven’t touched in years. Dive back into your favorite ones and relive the magic you first felt when you read it the first time.
Movie Night
Having a movie night is a great way to treat yourself. And with all the streaming options out there it’s easy to do. You don’t even need a paid subscription to a streaming service. Apps like Tubi, Pluto, and others are free and have tons of movies and shows on them.
Spend Time Outside
You don’t even have to exercise. Just find a quiet place to sit and just enjoy the day. Play some music on your phone or read a book. You will be surprised how much you’ll enjoy spending some quiet time in nature.
Related What is Self-Care and Self-Care Night Routine
Organize Your Bedroom
I know it doesn’t sound real relaxing. But taking the time to rearrange your personal space is part of your self-care. Make it warm and inviting a place where you can really unwind and relax.
Home Manicure
Chance are you have a nail kit and polish laying around. If for some reason you don’t this one is inexpensive and easy to use. Take a little time to trim and paint your nails you’d be surprised at how you feel after.
At Home Face Mask
You can make your own face masks at home with ingredients you have around your house. This site has a great article on how to make your own. Plus they are easy to mix and take very little time to make.
Do Some Cleaning
Not glamorous I know. But throw on some music and take your time cleaning. Having a clean space after will help you feel more relaxed.
Listen to Music
Create a playlist (or three) that motivates or relaxes you. Pick a theme for each and just enjoy it.
Yoga
There are tons of videos on YouTube that will help you get started. Just find one that resonates with you and get started.
Coloring
If you don’t have any adult coloring books laying around use one of the kids. Or if you like to draw or sketch do that instead. Just sitting down and coloring is really relaxing and fun.
Meditation
It doesn’t have to be for a long time. And there are few different ways to meditate. There are tons of places to find free training on meditation that are easy to use.
Watch Animal Videos
There is nothing better than watching videos of cute little animals. And let’s face it there are a ton of funny videos out there.
Play a Video Game
Thanks to kids I’m sure you have a game console laying around the house. Or if you don’t there are tons of free little games out there that you can download on your phone. Playing a video game is a great way to relax and is often overlooked by many.
Take a Nap
Or just rest for a bit. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with all we do that we just need to lay down and rest for a bit. It will make it easier to tackle the rest of your day.
Write in a Journal
Even if it’s just a few lines about your day. Writing down what you’re thinking, and feeling is a great way to get out of your head. It can also provide some clarity that you may need.
Learn Something New
I’m not telling you to go out and spend money on a course or anything like that. But there are tons of YouTube videos that can teach you something that you always wanted to learn.
Go Through Your Photos
Remember that trip you took last year? Go look at those pictures and remember how you felt during and after.
Do Some Lawn Work
Just working in a small garden is relaxing and gets you outside for a bit each day.
Declutter
Go ahead and purge those closets. Get rid of things you don’t need or that you just don’t use. Most of these things take up space and just adds to the clutter. You will feel better in an organized and decluttered space.
Final thoughts
So there you have it. My top 20 no-cost self-care ideas that you can do with things that are already around the house.
Whether it’s spending some time pampering yourself. Or diving into your creative side. Practicing self-care every day is important. It allows you time to unwind and care for your own needs and not anyone else’s.
Don’t forget to grab your free copy of my Self-Care workbook!