No excuses, ladies. Self-care is a MUST. And you don’t need money to make yourself feel good. Self-care doesn't have to be expensive. I have heaps of self-care ideas that cost nothing at all.
There are different types of self-care. Your idea of me-time can be relaxing, running, or rummaging through your wardrobe. My suggestions below cover all forms of self-care to help you prioritize and find your happy place.
Start simple: Create a self-care plan
- Get a good night’s sleep - SO important
- Feed your soul with healthy food
- Go for a walk and get some fresh air
- Read a book or watch a good free movie (here are some empowering single mum movies)
- Listen to music that makes you feel good
- Listen to audiobooks and rest your eyes
- Drink enough water
Move your body
- Do yoga at home
- Walk a dog. Don’t have one? Borrow your neighbour's
- Run, run, run
- Dance around the house, get funky, and do some tapping
- Ride a bike
- Teach yourself to surf
- Go to the beach or the local pool, just get in the water
Practice self-care that just makes you feel good
- Watch a movie that makes you laugh
- Masturbate with your favourite toy
- Eat your favourite comfort food
- Wrap your hands around a hot drink
- Clean your bed covers and enjoy the moment
- Do an act of random kindness
- Go to bed an hour early
- Have a heavenly lie-in
- Wear matching underwear
- Eat the kids' chocolate (secretly!)
- Wear nice clothes - even at home
Pamper yourself with self-care
- Deep condition and/or style your hair
- Give yourself a fake tan
- Have a nice hot bath with a bath bomb or Epson Salts
- Make a facemask or body scrub
- DIY manicure/pedicure
- Floss your teeth
- Burn some aromatherapy oils
- Have a shower that is twice as long as usual
- Give yourself a massage with a tennis call, like this
Free ideas for better mental wellbeing (cont.)
Be at one with nature
- Watch the sunset or sunrise
- Go on a nature trail
- Taking time to lie in the sun
- Do some gardening
- Have a picnic
- Pick flowers or foliage and arrange indoors (or press them)
- Do some birdwatching
- Build a sandcastle
- Star gaze
- Watch the clouds move
- Go fishing
Social self-care ideas
- Meet a friend
- Go on a date
- Sign up for online dating
- Join Meetup
- Catch up with family
- Write a letter to someone far away
- Skype your bestie
- Join a charity
Self-awareness and self-love
- Meditate using the free version of Headspace or Calm
- Practice gratitude and self-compassion
- Think only about what you are doing in the moment
- Have a mental health day
- Write a journal
- Start a memory jar
- Learn some mantras
- Write a list of five things you love about yourself
- Look through old photos
- Do some tapping (emotional freedom techniques)
Self-care routines for the doer
- Minimise and unclutter - your home, garden, or mind
- Fix one thing that’s annoying you
- Do a free online course
- Rearrange cupboards and draws
- Learn something new - a language or an instrument
- Make a vision board
- Plan your future
- Cook for yourself (here's how to cook for one)
- Bake your favourite cake or biscuits
- Sell stuff on Gumtree
- Organise your handbag
- Do one thing you’ve been procrastinating about
- Sort your finances, read The Barefoot Investor
- Write a poem
- Write a book (or ebook)
Self-care practices (cont.)
Creative self-care
- Raid the kids' art box and do their stuff
- Colour-in
- Sew, knit, croquet
- Play an instrument, or try at least
- Create a playlist
- Create a collage
- Start a keepsake box
- Start some Pinterest boards
Slightly out-there ideas
- Rollerskate
- Blow bubbles
- Sing karaoke or just sing at the top of your voice
- Say no
- Learn the Pitch Perfect Cup Tapping Song
- Turn OFF your phone
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Take deep breaths
- Find a park and ride a swing
- Roll down a grassy hill
- Write a good review for somewhere you’ve been lately
- Unsubscribe from mail lists that annoy you
Last but not least
- Play cards, try these one-player card games
- Change your screensaver
- Update your social media profile
- Do an online friend cull
- Book a check-up at the doctor to know your health condition
- Update your picture frames
- Ask for help whenever necessary
- Do a puzzle, word search, or crossword
- Watch funny animal videos on YouTube
Summary: Why self-care is important
For us single mums, finding time for self-care is as difficult as having a quiet moment in a house filled with kids. Yet, as you have seen above, the best self-care ideas and activities are free and right at your fingertips - no need to break the bank! You can find relaxation by spending time in nature, through journaling, or you can boost your mood simply by getting better sleep.
Remember, self-care isn't selfish. It's okay to take care of yourself or relax when you're feeling down or don't feel like cooking or doing the laundry. Self-care means taking care of your overall well-being, including your mental and physical health. Treat yourself like a queen through these simple joys and recharge, especially when you feel stress and anxiety. Make self-care a part of your daily routine, because a happier you means happier kiddos. So, go ahead, take that bubble bath, and let the dishes wait—because you deserve it.
