35 Acts Of Self-Care (That Almost Cost Literally Nothing)

The art of self-care is one that is often overlooked. Being kind to yourself is one of those things that sounds easy in theory, but not so simple when it comes to putting action to words. Here's a list of 31 tried and self-tested acts of self-care that'll give you a much needed dose of self-lovin'. Why? Because you deserve some tender lovin' care, babe. 

Being kind to yourself isn’t just about feeling good. Taking the time to compliment yourself, nurture your self-compassion (no matter how awkward it feels in the moment) sends a messages to future you, that you matter. 

I promise that if you give these self-care acts a shot, you'll be surprised at just how much better you feel. You just might surprise yourself.

Oh, and remember, the kinder you are to yourself the better you'll be to others. Taking the time to love on yourself isn't as selfish as it feels. It will make you a better friend, co-worker, partner, lover, daughter, sister, mom, aunt (the list goes on, really), etc. 

• Get all dolled up and take a selfie. You're a babe and sometimes you need a photo to remind you of just how beautiful you are (on the inside too, but that's a different story)
• Write down one thing to celebrate and let yourself feel that happiness. Maybe treat yourself by poppin' some bubbly to highlight the occasion! 
• Take a bath and use a super relaxing bath bomb (like these lavender ones I'm obsessed)
• Use a Face Mask (like these ones and these one and these ones) to give your skin the TLC it deserves
• Download an app that helps you practice mindfulness and meditation. Headspace has totally, completely changed my life.
• Cozy up in front of a fire, window or even walk to the nearest park with your favorite book in tow. Set a timer for at least an hour to get in that good solo time.

• Download a podcast and listen to it on your commute. I absolutely love Raw Talk with Sheena with Sheena Mannina. She makes talking about health and mindfulness fun with super interesting guests on rotation. 
• Go on a walk in your neighborhood and literally stop to smell the roses (even busy bees take the time to do that)
• Be a tourist in your own city. Find an activity you've never done before and make plans to do it (I went to Alcatraz Island for the first time this last year after living in the Bay Area for 30 years). You'll be amazed at how much your city has to offer when you take time ditch your usual routine and do something a tourist would do. 
• Download the app Detour and explore the world around you through a guided walking tour. This is seriously one of my most favorite things to do. I try doing this once a week. I promise you'll love it! Just don't come back angry with me if you become addicted. 
• Make an exotic cup of tea (I absolutely am loving Sipscriptions by Tea Forté lately)

• Learn a new skill that you've been putting off forever. Whether it's calligraphy, photography, cross-stitch or maybe even HTML?! Peruse sites like Skillshare, Lynda, Udemy and Coursera. 
• Wash your sheets and comforter. Throw them in the dryer right before bed and make your bed right before bedtime. Fresh, hot sheets right before bed are seriously are the best thing ever.
• Say buh bye to tired eyes with a cooling gel eye mask (like this super hydrating one here and this one and this one)
• Grab a journal and list three things you appreciate about yourself. Yeah, I know it feels cheesy....you need to do it though. You'll be glad you did.
• Find an activity to do outside. Sure, a hike is nice, but you could get creative by renting a kayak or a stand-up paddle board. 
• Do one thing to further your career this month. Whether that's brushing up your LinkedIn profile and/or resumé, going to a networking event or just asking someone you look up to professionally out to coffee.
• Practice gratitude daily. A very easy thing to start implementing into your daily life is by simply replacing “I have to” with “I get to” when talking about your daily tasks (personal or professional).
• Find 10 minutes a day to meditate. Whether it's with Morning Mantras Meditate at yoga class or with the Headspace app.
• Say no to something you don’t want to do. Oh man, has this been the most liberating thing I've learned (still learning) to do. Make this a practice until it becomes second nature.
• Listen to one new uplifting song. Focus on the words, and don’t multitask. 
• Note every instance of negative self-talk. Replace with positive words.

• Start the day by looking in the mirror after you brush your teeth and tell yourself, “I am enough”.
• Put your phone out of reach for one hour. This is the hardest thing for me to do, but man does it make a difference. Try to unplug for an hour before you go to bed. Fill that time with reading, a podcast or meditation. Seriously guys...this is a life-changing practice (now only if it was easier to do *eye roll*).
• Do one thing that scares you
• Watch one funny video and let yourself laugh and recharge
• Take some time to unwind with an Adult Coloring Book (here my favorite)
• Change your screensaver to something uplifting. I love doing this the first day of every month. Check Pinterest for inspirational or motivational wallpapers and find one that speaks to you.
• When you're down, imagine what an uplifting friend would say to you and say that to yourself.

• Write down a mistake you've made and verbally forgive yourself.
•  Exercise in any way for 20 minutes. Replace “I have to” with “I get to.” I love going to SoulCycle...it helps me refresh and renew my heart and mind, as much or if not more than the calories I burn while doing it. Plus, talk about discovering new music that pumps you up and gets to your soul. 
• Journal about a dream or goal—no matter how unrealistic. Get descriptive. Remember what our dear friend Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”
• Reach out to an old friend you haven't seen in awhile. You know the one that you think about from time to time and just never make time to see? Shoot them a quick text and then make plans that you actually stick to. Good company does wonders for the soul.
• Take a guilt-free nap. Let's be honest, this is probably my favorite thing to do on this list. 
• Get up early to watch the sunrise or head out to a look point (if you're lucky enough to live near a body of water, that's even better) where you can watch the sunset. The sky has a beautiful way of reminding us that every single day is a new beginning...whether or not the rest of the day had some icky things happen, the sky reminds us that there is a beauty both at the beginning and end of each day. After all, "The sky takes on shades of orange during sunrise and sunset, the color that gives you hope that the sun will set only to rise again." - Ram Charan