We have glamorized wellness online. Sure, those aesthetic bath setups, $60 candles, and perfectly curated morning routines are cute. Love that for you. But real, foundational self-care does not cost a damn thing.

The truth is that taking care of yourself often looks boring, quiet, and completely unglamorous. Sometimes it is sitting in silence. Sometimes it is saying no. And sometimes it is taking a nap without guilt.

Here is my self-care edit: unfiltered, practical, and totally free.

1. Romanticize the Bare Minimum

You do not need to buy flowers every week or turn your shower into an expensive spa. Just light a candle. Sip your water like it is a fancy cocktail. Put on your favorite playlist while folding laundry and pretend you are the main character in an indie film. Simple rituals can feel luxurious if you allow them to.

2. Unfollow. Mute. Log Off.

Mental hygiene is self-care. That influencer who makes you feel like you are always behind? Mute. The endless news cycle that has your cortisol on repeat? Log off for a few hours. Your nervous system deserves peace. Pro tip: put your phone on grayscale if scrolling is a bad habit.

3. Go Outside. Seriously.

Touch grass. Breathe fresh air. Feel the sun. You are not meant to stare at a screen 24/7. Even a five-minute walk can lower anxiety, improve focus, and clear brain fog. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home.

4. Let Yourself Be Boring

You do not have to optimize every hour of your life. Lay down. Daydream. Stare at the ceiling. Productivity culture is a scam and rest is resistance.

5. Do a Feelings Dump

Grab a notebook or even the back of a receipt and just write everything out. No prompts, no aesthetic journaling. Just get it out. It is cheaper than therapy and wildly clarifying.

6. Hydrate and Feed Yourself Like You Love Yourself

Not in a restrictive or “clean girl” way. Eat something warm. Drink a big glass of water. Nourishment is care. Period.

7. Forgive Yourself for Everything You Did Not Do

You did not reply to that text. You missed a deadline. You skipped your workout. You are not broken. You are human. Let it go and move forward with softness, not shame.

8. Do Something for Future You

Lay out your clothes. Wash your face tonight. Plug your phone in across the room so you do not scroll for an hour in bed. Small acts of self-respect add up.

9. Reconnect with Something That Made You Happy at Age Ten

Dance. Color. Watch cartoons. Sing badly. Before you cared what people thought, before productivity rules ran your life, what brought you joy? Do that again.

10. Give Yourself Permission to Need Less, Want Less, Do Less

The real flex is being okay with enough. You do not need to reinvent yourself this week. You just need to be gentle with yourself today.

Self-care does not have to be expensive to be effective. The most radical thing you can do sometimes is rest, soften, and stay offline. Your nervous system will thank you, and your life will feel a little lighter.