30 Self Care Ideas for the New Year
Does this year seem to be even more confusing and insane than last year? Honestly, I did not think when it struck midnight on December 31st things would miraculously go back to the way they used to be. You know what I mean, no masks, little or no division between friends and family, no lock downs, ect. But in all seriousness, self care is more important now more than ever. So lets make a list of some easy, inexpensive or better yet, FREE self care items! Here is a list of what I consider to be the best 30 self care ideas for the New Year!
What is Self Care?
Self care is the activities, practices or habits we do to keep ourselves in check and to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed. To care for yourself you need to know what works for you to assist in keeping a positive mindset and prevent illness, depression or feelings of being overwhelmed.
This is truly something I need to consciously work on, ALL THE TIME. it isn’t easy for me to just “be still”. But every year I get better at doing self care, and hopefully one day soon I won’t have to put little reminders in my date book!
FREE Self Care Suggestions!
Here are a list of FREE things you can do for self care.
- Talk a walk in nature! Whether just around your neighborhood or going to a park. I love our town because we have amazing walking paths throughout neighborhoods and the town itself!
- Put on some Kenny G (yes, I do love his songs!) and meditate for 15-20 minutes. Sometimes just being still for a little while can calm your inner self.
- Practice some yoga! There are a variety of FREE youtube channels that offer free yoga sessions.
- Write 5 things you are grateful for, EVERY SINGLE DAY. Every day I write down what I am grateful for. Sometimes they are the little things in life, like the birds singing. Other times they are bigger like my good health or my family.
- Go to the library and pick up a book to read! I love reading and that is a self care activity I am truly consist with!
- Take a nap, without an alarm clock!
- Unplug from social media and email for an hour, or better yet, make it two hours!
- Dance to your favorite song!
- Style your hair differently. Sometimes something as small as changing up how you style your hair will give you a new perspective!
- I personally have a bluray player. And tons of bluray disks! And when I am in a “funk” I watch one of the 3 Pitch Perfect movies! They are great for a pick me up! Therefore, no matter how you watch your movies whether it be a streaming app or DVDs, pick a movie that makes you laugh!
Self Care Ideas that don’t Break the Bank!
You don’t need to break the bank to do self care. Here are some inexpensive ways to “up your game” with self care.
- Buy yourself a nice lunch! For less than $10 you can get yourself either a nice cup of soup and drink or a Starbucks drink and snack. About every other week I do this for myself. Sometimes it is truly the little things in life that make it great!
- Buy yourself a new color lipstick for the season. And matching nail polish color! Every season has new fun colors and sometimes that is all it takes to bring a smile to your lips! And you don’t need to break the bank. I LOVE Burt Bee’s lip balm in shimmering tints! Five great shades for less than $30! Or buy them individually, for less!
- Take a bubble bath! One bottle of bubble bath lasts for several baths! Try Dr. Teal’s Foaming Bath, for less than $5 I got about 6 baths from one bottle!
- Get a manicure or pedicure. For about $30 plus tip you can get nice break and pretty toes or nails!
- Give yourself a scalp massage and oil treatment. I do this twice a month and it feels soooo good! Plus my hair looks fabulous! Try Monat’s Rejuveniqe Oil! One bottle has lasted over a year for me!
- Buy yourself a scented candle, flowers or a new gratitude journal!
- Treat yourself and family to take out for dinner one night!
- Buy a live plant from Home Depot or a hanging flower basket. Assuming it is the correct season! Flowers and plants can always brighten up anyones day!
- Take your car in for a car wash and detailing! I can get my car washed, vacuumed and windows cleaned for less than $35!
- Buy a special treat or meal at the grocery store. It can be steaks for dinner or a nice dessert! Something that you truly consider a treat!
Here are some more GREAT Ideas, but it will cost you a little more!
Additionally, sometimes things can really get us down and we need some extra attention. Remember all of 2020?? In all seriousness though, there are times when we need a little extra R&R to get through life. Here are some amazing ideas for you to try!
- Get a massage! Or a facial….better yet see if your local spa has a half day or full day experience! Those are the best!
- Buy that special outfit you have been eyeing! My favorite shopping addiction is shoes! Or a new purse, oh my! In other words, there are many things to choose from!
- Get dinner and go to a movie with your honey!
- Go away for the weekend. A night away can sometimes do wonders for your mental health! A weekend, even better! For instance, check out the specials on Hotels.com!
- Do something to improve your health. Start a program that will assist in improving your overall health. For instance, take a look at these organic, natural supplements!
- Find a new hobby. Not sure what to do? Try some of these DIY craft kits to figure it out! Candle making, paint by numbers kit, or plant a bonsai tree from scratch!!! Above all, pick something that is fun and easy!
- Do you like to garden? Buy a Tower Garden and you can garden year round with the grow lights! And you will have fresh veggies all year long!
- Hire someone to clean the house! However, it be a one time thing or a permanent service, sometimes that is all you need. A little help to get ahead!
- Buy yourself high quality skin care! Even just a nice berry scrub could do wonders!
- In addition, go on a day trip! We have so many wonderful things within an hour or two of where we live, the options are endless!
Conclusion
Above all, I keep telling myself I will do better with my self care. And each year, I get little better at it. In conclusion, I still need more practice and commitment, but with this list of 30 Self Care Ideas for the New Year it will make it easier than ever to take care of my inner self! CLICK HERE for even more self care ideas! Or ways to Be Kinder to Yourself!
More importantly, thank you for spending your time here at Colorado Kelly! I love having you here and appreciate everyone that comes to visit and look forward to having you come back soon!
*This post may contain affiliate links! That means; I may get a commission at no additional cost to you! I do not recommend any products/services that I don’t use and love myself!
Brooke
Self care is so important. As a nurse I need to practice it even in the best years, and especially in the hard years. These are great ideas!
Kelly
Thank you for all your hard work and service!
Marcie
This is such a good reminder that there are so many little (and big!) things we can do to take better care of ourselves. Taking a nap without an alarm clock is where I’m going to start 🙂 Thanks for this!
Nicole
I love every last tip, this really encouraged me to make myself care days a bit more special lol!
Kelly
I am so glad you found them useful!
Kelly
I love so many of these ideas! I’ve been utilizing my library more this year, and I’ve loved all the reading I’ve done already in 2021.
Kelly
That is wonderful!!!!