FREE ways to exercise self care

It’s not a rare sight to see a post on Instagram of a girl in a face mask and turban drinking wine by the pool with #selfcare in the caption. “Self care” has become a buzzword for selling wine tours and spa packages and less about providing your mind and body with the attention and care that it needs.While treating yourself with expensive vacations and shopping sprees can be fun, you can exercise self care in many ways for free!

1. Create a new morning routine

It can get monotonous doing the same things over and over again every single day. Every now and then it is refreshing to add a new element to your routine. Wake up five minutes early for meditation or prayer, or to get a jump start on making breakfast. Either way, switching up your morning routine can make you feel brand new too.

2. Clean up your social media

Over time our social media accounts can become cluttered with friends and followers that we don’t necessarily need or want to follow anymore. From seeing negative post that bring you down, to the practice of people watching, social media can have a terrible impact on your mental health if you allow it. Take a day to declutter your accounts and refresh your socials.

3. Cook something you have never made before

Companies like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron make it incredibly easy to try out new recipes and meals. Try making something you have never made before and inviting over friends or family to share it with you.

4. Watch a TED Talk

I am a sucker for a good interesting discussion on something new or something I am already passionate about. Try checking out a new Ted Talk or interview to kick start creativity or to just relax.

5. Clean out you email box

Let’s face it. Email maintenance usually isn’t much of a major priority. However, taking a couple of hours to clean out your inbox can allow you to feel less cluttered and in return less stressed.

6. Be vegan for a day

Most of us will never intentionally be full time vegans. However, trying it out every now and then can be good for your mind and body

7. Try a new exercise class

A good spin class always makes me feel refreshed and accomplished. Kick it into high gear and try out a new fitness class you’ve never done before.

8. Write a letter to your future self

I’m a fan of journaling. Sometimes, I like to look forward to the future and future goals with writing a letter to my future self. You will be able to look back and see how far you have gone.

9. No social media day

Social media can be fun, But it can also cause severe anxiety and other mental health issues. Every now and then you need a day to simply be present in your surroundings and forget about the larger virtual world.

10. Get rid of 5 items you don’t need anymore

Clutter is the devil. Really. It can consume your home and mind if you allow it to get out of control. Declutter by getting rid of five things that you no longer use or need. When you’re done you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

11. Call someone that you haven’t spoken to in a while

You know that feeling you get when someone you haven’t spoken to in a while calls you to catch up…..be that feeling for someone else.

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