Everyone has days when they don’t feel their best for a variety of different reasons. It’s important that we take care of ourselves during these times by prioritising free self care ideas that don’t break the bank.
The word “self-care” is frequently used. But what does it all mean? Self-care is the deliberate act of caring for oneself on all levels: physically, mentally, and emotionally. It takes various forms, but it includes anything that allows us to rest, relax, and recharge so that we can feel our best.
Keep reading to discover the best free self care ideas for a bad day below…
1. Morning Yoga and Protein-Packed Smoothie
Start your day with a peaceful yoga session to centre your mind and energise your body. There’s plenty of free YouTube videos where you can follow a guided routine which you can spice up with candles, music and a blanket!
Follow up your yoga session with a protein-packed smoothie like this recipe to replenish your muscles and kickstart your metabolism.
2. Walk in Nature
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with a refreshing walk in the park or along a scenic trail. If there’s not park near you, anywhere with grassy patches, flowers or greenery is a great place to sit and reflect or walk around.
As long as you’re taking in that sweet fresh air, you can’t go wrong!
Bring along a protein bar on your walk in-case you start to feel hungry and keep your energy up.
3. Home Spa Day with DIY Face Masks
Treat yourself to a spa day at home with all the bells and whistles. You can spray your room with some essential oil spray, light some candles and get yourself comfy on the couch.
You can create DIY face masks using natural ingredients like yogurt and honey for a revitalising skin treatment. Have a long, luxurious bath and moisturise your whole body afterwards.
A home spa day is one of the best ways to completely relax and treat your body after all the work it does for you.
4. Journaling and High-Protein Oats
Start your day to take some time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings through journaling. This is a relaxing creative outlet where you can process any stresses or feelings you’ve been having.
You can pair this mindful practice with a hearty bowl of high-protein oats to start your morning in the best way possible!
5. Meditation
Meditation is a super helpful thing to do on a free self-care day. It helps calm your mind and reduce stress. It also makes you feel more focused and clear-headed. Plus, it can improve your sleep, which is really good for your health.
The best part is, it doesn’t cost anything and you can do it anywhere. It gives you a chance to take a break and find some inner peace.
If you’ve never meditated before, the mental wellness app Calm is a wonderful place to start. Or, there’s also plenty of YouTube videos to guide you through!
6. Home Workout and Lean Protein Lunch
Get your blood flowing with a home workout routine. A home workout is a great idea for a free self-care day because it helps you feel good without costing anything.
You can do exercises you like right in your own space. It makes you happier and less stressed. Plus, it’s easy and you don’t need special stuff or fancy equipment.. So, it’s a super way to take care of yourself!
Follow it up with a lean protein-packed lunch, like grilled chicken or tofu, to support muscle recovery and growth.
7. Creative Time with DIY Art or Crafts
DIY art or crafts is a fun way to take care of yourself for a free self-care day! DIY lets you express yourself and be creative, letting you be more in control of your mood. It’s also a relaxing and peaceful activity that can help lower stress.
Whether its grabbing some pencils and drawing the fruit bowl in your house, or grabbing an old canvas you don’t like anymore and jazzing it up with some paint, the options can be endless if you let them.
Spending time on DIY art or crafts is a wonderful way to show yourself some love!
8. Digital Detox
A digital detox, also known as a social media detox, is when you purposefully step away from your digital gadgets like smartphones and laptops. These devices are typically always in our hands or eyelines and can keep us distracted from our own thoughts and caring for ourselves.
Taking a break from them can help you re-establish a stronger connection to the world around you and regain focus on yourself.
It can be a hard to resist temptation as we’re so used to checking our phones throughout the day. To make it easier, enjoy offline activities such as reading, exercising, or spending time in nature.
You can also use this time to connect with others in person or through phone calls instead of relying solely on digital communication.
9. Go for a drive
Simple but effective. If you have the option of driving a car, going for a drive can be a lovely way to clear your mind and find a sense of calm, relax and reflect.
Being in control of the wheel brings a feeling of freedom and a chance to be present in the moment, giving you a sense of command over your surroundings.
So, if you’re stuck on time and don’t have the energy for any activities, put on your favourite album or new podcast episode, hope in the car and enjoy the roads. Who knows where you’ll end up.
The Take Home
Prioritising self-care doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. These cost-free activities, paired with protein-rich nourishment, provide a holistic approach to revitalising your body and mind.
Remember, investing in your well-being is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. So, embrace these ideas and let them be the starting point for your own personalised self-care routine.
