It’s tough to focus on self-care when the nation is literally on fire.
Gas prices and inflation continue to burn a hole in our pockets, mass shootings are on the rise, and the Supreme Court verified that guns truly have more rights than a women’s body by overturning Roe v. Wade.
The United States has had a rough couple of weeks, to say the least.
We’re not only experiencing a nationwide economic, political and societal shift but a major decline in mental stability as well. When seemingly every headline of a news article reads another catastrophic historical event, one would naturally fall into a bit of a slump.
We often hear about the importance of taking the time in your schedule to focus on self-care. As the United States is built on a capitalist mindset, self-care is often associated with purchasing goods and services to partake in it full on. Self-care for many means getting your nails done, buying a gym membership, going on a vacation or simply taking yourself out on an expensive dinner.
Though those are all valid examples of self-care, I mean I literally just got my nails done, why can’t self-care be free?
There are so many products being produced to profit off of self-care practices and regimens. I don’t know about you, but I have fallen victim to those lengthy articles that list the top 10 to 15 products I need to enact a healthier mindset far too many times. Though an oil diffuser, an at-home foot spa or an acupressure mat may feel essential at the moment, I have come to realize that, well, they’re not.
I may get one or two good uses out of them but at the end of the day, I’m still stressed. This time, however, I’m more poverty-stricken than I was before I caved into capitalism. As I continue to invest in a new hoard of useless material goods that I don’t know what to do with, I found that self-care comes in different forms. Many of which don’t involve breaking the bank. With inflation on the rise, it might also be wise to save where you can.
Free self-care solutions vary in definition from person to person. Scrolling endlessly on TikTok can be a form of self-care for one person whereas freeing yourself from social media for a day can be self-care for another. There’s no right or wrong to indulging in self-care, but there’s always a free alternative.
Here are four examples to partake in self-care without spending a dime.
Go On A Nature Walk
I’ve come to the biggest amphetamines while simply going on a walk. The picturesque combination of trees and grass paired with the beaming sun and the sound of birds chirping are enough to enter a calmative state of mind. Blasting any playlist while enjoying the simpleness of the outdoors is a great way to reflect and take a moment away from the stress of the world. Escapism from time to time is a great form of self-care. Earnestly, I feel like the only Disney Princess while flouncing in the woods during my nature walks and nobody could tell me otherwise.
Find A Workout Video On YouTube To Try At Home
Why pay those ridiculous gym prices when you can work out for free in the comfort of your own home? YouTube has an endless library of great workout videos that fit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-impact, equipment-free, workout or one that customizes a routine to a Britney Spears soundtrack, YouTube has it all. My go-to virtual trainer is @growwithjo. She has countless workout videos on her YouTube channel that meet a variety of workout needs. Not into YouTube? TikTok also has a solid community of trainers that share a multitude of at-home workout routines completely free of charge.
Try Out A New TikTok Dance
Ok, listen, TikTok dances can be cringy from time to time, especially if you’re anything like me and have two left feet. However, dancing is not only a great workout, but it’s a great way to indulge in self-care. Don’t be afraid to absolutely butcher these dance routines — I mean practice makes perfect right? Who knows, maybe you’ll make up your own TikTok dance in the process.
Clean Your Room
Not to sound like your parent, but having a clean room often means a clean state of mind. Clutter can be overwhelming and can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety. If you have some free time maybe go through your closet and binge some older pieces of your wardrobe. Organize your clothing pieces in a way that looks aesthetically pleasing. Maybe move some furniture around to create a whole new look. And most important of all, play a bomb playlist that will put you in a cleaning mood. You got this babe.
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