When did self care become something to buy? Face masks, luxury goods, expensive classes, week-long retreats — that’s not what self care is about.

You don’t need to open your wallet to take care of yourself.

Self care is something that can be integrated into your everyday life. It’s not something for a special occasion or that you have to earn. It’s the fuel that keeps you going.

Things that nourish your body

Take a walk outside. Go for a bike ride. Do some stretches.

Take a shower. Take your time.

Find a fitness video on YouTube and follow along.

Eat something that will make you feel good while you eat it and later today.

When was the last time you went to your GP? If you’re like most caregivers, it’s been a while. It’s time to book that appointment. And a visit with your dentist, too.

Things that nourish your soul

Look out the window.

Put on some music you love. Dance around. Sing along.

Go to an art gallery. Get some art books from the library.

Pick up a pencil and draw. Paint. Make a collage. Use whatever you have.

Sit down and do some simple breathing exercises.

Read a novel. Or a short story.

Download an audio book of poetry from the library.

Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and talk about something other than caregiving.

Is the TV on in the background? Turn it off.

Things that improve your life

Pick one nagging task from your to-do list that will take less than an hour and do it. Right now. Some things that might be on your list:

• Figure out how to mute all non-essential notifications on your phone
• Set up online bill pay or pay the bills and set up reminders
• Sort the mail
• Check your credit card statements
• Replace a burnt out lightbulb
• Hang a shelf
• Do a simple repair