Self-care doesn’t have to mean buying things. Some of the most useful habits are free.
The gist
- Self-care means regular habits that support your physical and mental health.
- Sleep, movement, time outdoors and time with people you care about cost little or nothing.
- Small rituals, like an unhurried skincare routine, can help you switch off.
- Self-care isn’t a substitute for professional help if you’re struggling.
Self-care has become a marketing term, often attached to products. At its core, it simply means looking after your body and mind, and many of the most useful habits are free.
Ideas for your body
| Idea | Cost |
|---|---|
| A daily 20-minute walk | Free |
| A consistent bedtime | Free |
| Stretching while the kettle boils | Free |
| Cooking a simple, colorful meal | The cost of groceries |
| A warm bath or a slow skincare routine | Products you already own |
Ideas for your mind
- Write down three things that went well today.
- Put your phone in another room for an hour.
- Borrow a book from the library.
- Spend time outdoors, whether in a park or on a balcony.
- Call or message someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Beauty tip
Schedule self-care like any other appointment. A recurring 15-minute block in your calendar is much easier to protect than “when I have time.”
Make skincare a ritual
Turning a simple skincare routine into a few unhurried minutes can be a calming end to the day. Pair it with dim lights and no screens, and it can also become a cue for sleep, as our guide to sleep and skin explains.
Know your limits
Saying no to an extra commitment, taking a lunch break away from your desk or asking for help are forms of self-care too. They’re often harder than buying a candle, but they can make a bigger difference.
Worth remembering
Self-care isn’t a replacement for professional support. If you’ve been feeling low or anxious for more than a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Start with one idea
Pick one idea from this page and try it every day this week. If it helps, keep it; if not, try another. Self-care that fits your life is the kind you’ll stick with.
You asked
Is self-care selfish?
No. Looking after your health makes it easier to manage work, relationships and other responsibilities.
How much time do I need?
Even 10 minutes a day can help. Short, regular habits are easier to keep than occasional big treats.
What if self-care doesn’t help?
If you feel low, anxious or overwhelmed most days, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Self-care works best alongside proper support.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For skin, hair or nail problems that worry you, or before starting a new treatment if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, talk to a board-certified dermatologist or your doctor.
