Seven Acts of Self Care That Costs Nothing

Hi! I’m taking a break from food today and instead sharing some of my favorite self care tips with you. All of these ‘acts of self care’ are not only Mountain Mama approved but they cost nothing. Yup, totally free. I hear so much about ‘self care’ these days I thought you might like to hear how I take care of myself. I don’t claim to have it all figured out but I do know that all of these things make me feel better after doing them!

1. Take a bath. And what I really mean is take a bath. Diffuse some essential oils and fill your bath with either a bath bomb or some epson salt. Light a candle or two. Lock the door. Prop your computer on a chair and zone out on Netflix. Or listen to some relaxing music. Perhaps read your book. Or sit in complete silence. My point is make this bath all about YOU. Do whatever you need to do so that you can relax. It doesn’t matter what time- in fact- my favorite time to take a bath is midday. It feels like cheating somehow! Take a solid 30 minutes and really do it right. Bonus if you can squeeze in a 30 minute power nap after!!

2. Get outside. Nothing is as a quick a fix for me as some fresh air and Vitamin D. Seriously. If ever I’m feeling panic-y or just a bit off, I go outside. I’m lucky to live in a ski town so a quick escape to the mountains is pretty feasible for me. But if I don’t have time to go for a hike (or make a couple snowboard runs in the winter) I will go for a quick walk with the dogs or even just sit on my back porch. The sun on my face and the wind in my hair will fix just about anything. I always feel better after a stint outside. There has to be some sort of scientific backing for this, right? Seriously- 10 minutes outside can turn my entire day around!

3. Exercise. This goes hand in hand with getting outside as a lot of my exercise happens outside. A good sweat does wonders when I’m feeling off. There are plenty of times when I don’t feel like working out but I never regret my decision to actually do the workout. Breaking a sweat is mandatory to my well being. I rarely go more than a day or two without doing some sort of exercise. The endorphins are often the only thing that get me through the day. I feel strong and fully in the moment. Exercise also helps me sleep better and I swear I’m more patient and less cranky! With that being said, sometimes I exercise too much and taking a day off is exactly what I need too. Listen to your body and don’t fight it. If in doubt, work it out.

4. Read a book. Or a magazine. With so many ways to ‘watch’ a show, I feel like it’s often more convenient to watch a screen than it is to pick up a book. Unless it’s an E-reader- then you can read your screen. But seriously, reading for 20 minutes a day is such a great way to quiet the outside world. I mostly read at night just before I go to bed but nothing feels more indulgent than curling up on the the couch- midday- with a mug of tea and my book. It’s my favorite way to ignore whatever else I’ve got going on. Losing myself in my book? Yes and yes!!

5. Digital detox. Yup, turn the phone off and walk away from the computer. I can’t recommend this enough. I don’t do it nearly enough but whenever I do I realize I need to do it more. I will literally delete instagram from my phone and log out of Facebook. I take a few days and STAY THE EFF AWAY!!!!! Social media is such a love/hate for me as I imagine it is for so many. When I’m in a good space mentally, social media is an awesome way to connect. When I’m not in a good space, social media tends to make me feel even worse about myself. I start to play the comparison game- one I will never win- and it’s so easy to go down the rabbit hole. I’m telling you, say adios to social media for a few days. Beside, it will give you time to read a book. See #4. 🙂

6. Snuggle. You read that right. I’m telling you to schedule time for physical contact. We’re a pretty affectionate family so there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t snuggle the crap out of my kids and dogs. I can’t help it. It just feels so good. Snuggling soft puppy ears, curling up with my kids, giving them a bazillion hugs a day? I say yes to all of it! I can literally feel like crap and a hug from one of my boys or a quick snuggle with one of my dogs makes me feel immediately better. Hugs- human and four legged- are the best. That is all. When in doubt, hug it out!

7. Clear your calendar. Lastly, slow your roll. Literally. Say no. If I can plan even just one day where I have absolutely nothing on the calendar I know I will be in a better place the next day. It usually takes a week out of planning but I literally pencil in a “do nothing” day on my planner. I’ll then drop the kids at school, come home and literally do as little as possible until pick up. Often times I don’t even get dressed. Sometimes I read, sometimes I watch tv, sometimes I cook or clean (but not often.) I’ll take a bath, a nap, shop online…..the point is- I DO WHATEVER I WANT. I’m not on anybody else’s schedule. It’s a beautiful thing to do most of the day and not talk to anyone. Just saying.

What’s your favorite way to take care of yourself when you’re feeling off? I’d love to hear. Hope you’re all having a great week and thanks for reading! xo, Kelley