8 Cheap And Easy Self-Care Practices To Fight Stress

You are probably wondering where in the world do I find time to practice self-care every week. I don’t have a lot of time, really. But since having the boys I have given up a lot of things I used to do, like watching my favorite programs on HGTV and Bravo. I have also learned how to prioritize my time so that every single second is not wasted. If you are following me on Instagram then you know how often I talk about self-care and self-love and the importance of taking care of yourself.

Here are the 8 self-care things that I religiously practice every single week to keep my stress from taking over while helping to boost my confidence and self-esteem.

GO FOR A WALK

At least a few times a week, especially from spring to fall, our family take a walk around our neighborhood after dinner. Lately, I started a ritual with one of my good friends where every Saturday while our kids are in Chinese school we would go for a long walk (an hour). This is one of my favorite me time because I get to catch up with my friend while my getting a boost on my mood.

PRACTICE YOGA

I actually practice 30 minutes of yoga 3 times a week. I’m not a morning person so I squeeze this in after the boys have gone to bed. The best part is that I get to sleep like a baby after.

DO NOTHING

This practice is probably the hardest for me to get used to. I personally don’t like any downtime so for me to sit and do nothing feels like such a waste of time. But throughout the years, especially last couple years the process got easier. I would sit for 15 minutes or so and do nothing. It clears my head and my mind feels quieter.

READ A MAGAZINE

I used to collect (ah-hem HOARD) magazines and would read them over and over again. Thanks to online accessibility and social media I no longer subscribe to any magazines. However, I have the luxury of going to my local library to read any books or magazines without having to pay. The hubs and I usually go there once a week to borrow books for the kids to complete their weekly reading list. While the boys are reading a new book I pick up a magazine and enjoy my me-time for 30 mins with no interruptions.

LISTEN TO MY FAVORITE SONGS

This is probably my favorite self-care thing to do. I love listening to my favorite music (like really really loud) while driving. I also love putting on a playlist of my favorite songs to dance to while I cook with a glass of wine. This lifts my mood and energy.

TEA WITH DARK CHOCOLATE

You all know I do this every single day. I have to have a cup of tea with dark chocolate after my meal in the afternoon. Enough said!

WATCH A MOVIE AT HOME

Once a week on the weekends we look for a movie that our family can watch together. It would cost $3.99 per movie as opposed to $100 for four people at the theatre. I love snuggling in the blanket getting cozy while watching a movie.

PAMPER MYSELF

I don’t have the budget to de-stress at the spa once a week let alone once a month, which is why I’m so obsessed with any at-home beauty treatments. If you follow me on Instagram then you see how often I pamper myself from facial masks and DIY manicure/pedicure to hair masks and moisturizing baths. Lately, I’m obsessed with L’Occitane Rifle Paper Co Beauty treatments. I love applying the Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream after a shower/bath. My skin stays hydrated and moisturized throughout the night and into the next day.