Self-Care Sunday-5 Totally Free Ways To Practice Self-Care

You don't always have to buy stuff in order to practice self-care. While it may be nice to buy a gorgeous-smelling candle or splurge on a yoga class, you don't have to. You already have many of the tools that you need to create a beneficial self-care practice. Here are 5 totally free ways to engage in self-care that isn't taking a bubble bath or doing a face mask.

1. Set Healthy Boundaries

Setting boundaries in your life is critical for self-care. Committing to establishing boundaries with everyone in your life will help to make your life more manageable and will improve your mental health. Without setting appropriate boundaries you will quickly start to feel depleted. Start small by considering where you could be saying "no" more. Maybe it is with your partner, or with an annoying co-worker or a pushy PTA president. Be brave and assertive and reclaim your time, energy, space and sanity.

2. No A.M. Technology

DO not check your emails, scroll Twitter or consult your horoscope app until after you have enjoyed your first cup of coffee or tea. While sipping your steamy beverage, take a minute to relish in your environment, breathe deeply and set intentions for the day. Bonus points if you journal during this time. This practice helps to calmly ease you into your day instead of just diving right in. Don't worry. The internet will still be there waiting for you when you finish up with your morning quiet time.

3. Unfollow Bummer Social Media Accounts

Why do we continue to follow accounts that annoy us, don't serve us or worse, make us feel bad about ourselves? Think about how often you scroll through Instagram. Seeing accounts that bug you over and over again will eventually take it's toll on your mental health and well-being. Filtering your social media may sound overwhelming but if you find yourself feeling like garbage after scrolling your socials, it's high time you did something about it. Only keep accounts that spark inspiration and happiness, not envy and self-hatred. A simple "unfollow" is all that it takes to regain your control over your feed and your sanity.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is so important to our mental health and well-being. It is what gives your body the opportunity to recharge and heal. Sleep is an important factor in how you think and feel. Without it, we are grumpy, sluggish and unwell. After tracking my sleep on my Fitbit, I realized that due to restlessness and small wake-ups, I was getting way less sleep than I thought I was. Start small by working to add just an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your bed time, if not more. You will start to feel more refreshed in the morning and will notice a boost of energy during the day.

5. Meditate

Meditation is so beneficial for both your mind and body and you don't need a thing to practice it. You only need your breath. Just simply sit or lay down in a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your natural breath pattern. Thoughts will float in and out of your mind which is totally normal. Instead of getting frustrated, just continue to focus on your breath. I usually aim for at least 15 minutes of meditation time but I have been practicing for years. You can start out small. Even just one minute of meditation is beneficial. Also, I love the app Insight Timer for guided meditations and music. Added bonus? The app is free!