Inexpensive Self Care Ideas for 2018

This year I gave myself a very special birthday gift- Self Care!
 I decided to get,  a massage, but if you look below I've listed 13  inexpensive ways you can indulge in self care to relax, rejuvenate, nourish and de-stress for pennies in your own home with simple food additions, simple increase in movement, and some relaxation reminders.

My birthday was in December and we were in the Miami area. I found a wonderful Groupon for a spa on the beach. 

My package included a 50 minute massage, a fabulous facial, lunch of my choice from the restaurant menu, a glass of champagne or lemon infused water, free beach parking and a water front private Tiki hut for two for the day.
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By the end of the day , I felt rejuvenated, relaxed, and inspired. It was a wonderful birthday gift that I gave to myself- Self Care is so important!

You don't have to wait for your birthday to do something special for yourself. There are lots of small things you can do for yourself that are inexpensive and can be enjoyed in your own home. 

Self care is important and only we can give it to ourselves. 

You don't have to go to a spa to pamper yourself. 

13 Inexpensive Self Care Ideas for 2018

1. Take an Epsom Salt Bath- Epsom salts are rich in magnesium which help relax muscles and Epsom salts also help release toxins- so take 10 or 15 minutes to enjoy an Epsom salt bath. Add essential oils to your Epsom salts to add relaxing fragrance and enhance your experience.
2. Drink Lemon Water Daily Upon Waking- Lemon water helps you detox. Start with a glass each morning when you wake up- How? Simply bring a cup of water to a boil, pour into a tea cup and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon or lime ( or to taste) . Add a little honey if you need it or drink plain. 
3. Stop Whatever You Are Doing for 5 minutes ! Dance and Sing Out Loud to Music- Take 5 -10 minutes to put on your favorite up beat song and stop everything and dance and or sing. The movement will help release stress and the music will help release emotional tension. Sing along, dance, and release. 
4. Play Classical Music While You Work- Before I retired, I used to teach in a high school. One of the secretaries played classical music in her office all day. Whenever I walked into her office, my entire body relaxed. The classical music can have a profound effect on our mood and tension. So next time you are feeling stressed and have a lot to do , listen to some classical music  in the background!
5. Walk Each Day- Exercise is essential to good health. If you can't do anything else make sure that you walk each day. If you can't walk outside, go to the mall. Many malls open at 7 am for walkers. If you can't go to the mall, walk in your apartment building hallways or walk in your home. Even walking in place will help. Can't do a half hour? Do 5 minutes a few times a day. Just get yourself moving- no excuses. Find music that you love to accompany you on your walk or just bond with nature.
6. Watch a Short Inspirational You Tube Video-This is one of my favorite ways to explore new ideas for self care. You Tube contains a great variety of videos ranging from meditations, yoga, inspirational talks , music, etc. When you need to de-stress, want inspiration, or just need ideas on how to - like how to massage your scalp, look for a You Tube video- costs you nothing and gives you so much. 
7. Massage Your Scalp- This is another way to de-stress and indulge in self care. Give yourself a 5 minutes scalp massage- use coconut oil if your hair and scalp are dry- put on soft music and decompress. 
8. Eat Soaked Almonds to Help Alkalize Your Body- I learned this many years ago from an Ayurvdic doctor and healer. Almonds are very alkalizing . For good health, we need to keep our body ph in balance. It is important to soak the almonds overnight and peel off the skin in the morning . I always ate them first thing in the morning after my glass of hot lemon water.See  How to soak and eat almonds.
9. Skin Brushing-Skin brushing is a great way to help your circulation and brush away dead skin. You can do it before your shower! - 
10. Have a Morning Routine-I find the best way to take care of yourself is to develop a morning routine. I am retired and without structure the day just passes by. Each morning, I take a one hour walk, followed by my lemon water, skin brushing, shower and then my soaked almonds.  When I used to teach, I always got up early to walk ! It just made me feel better all day..In addition, I belonged to a gym and exercised 4 days a week. A routine helps because there is nothing to think about, you just do it!
11. Light a Non Toxic Candle- candles can set the mood to help you relax- 
12. Make a Sunshine Smoothie or Fresh Vegetable Juice- fruits and vegetables are loaded with important and valuable antioxidants that help your body fight off free radicals that help prevent aging and disease. Use a Vitamix or a juicer. 
13. Soak Your Feet - fill a bucket with warm water, add some Epsom salts mixed with a drop of essential oil of your choice, put on some some music and soak for 5 minutes. This will help you relax and help draw some toxins out of your feet. 

What is Your Self Care Routine ? 

Which of these ideas appeal to you? Which idea would your do? 

             If you soak almonds overnight,  the skin will pop off in the morning- almonds are very alkalizing - soaking them helps with digestion and absorption as with all seeds and nuts.

My mother in law is now 92 and she is a firm believer in simple daily self care- she still is vibrant, active, and involved at 92!! 

I'm sharing this post on Beth Fish Reads where anyone can share a food related post .

                Happy 2018- Take Care of Yourself