Self-care is important for your physical health as well as your mind, soul and, let’s face it, your overall health. Without self-care, your relationships with others can suffer tremendously.

The following ideas are self-care activities you can fit into a short amount of time and while on a budget.

Inner Self-Care

• Make a date with yourself. Spend an hour alone doing something that nourishes you, not work or things on your to-do list (reading, your hobby, walking around the neighborhood, visiting a museum or gallery, etc.).
• Praise yourself when you do something awesome.
• Read books and watch movies you enjoy.
• Paint or write something that lets out your creative energy.
• Unplug.
• Journal.
• Learn something new, research something you’re interested in.
• Meditate.
• Take a class for fun.
• Take a quick nap. Only 10 to 20 minutes can reduce your sleep debt and leave you ready for action.
• Learn mindfulness or connect with a spiritual practice that vibes with you.

Outer Self-Care

• Eat something you enjoy.
• Have a long bath or shower, sit around in your bathrobe, and read magazines.
• Do one thing just because it makes you happy like my flowers in the video.
• Do a mini-declutter. Recycle three things from your wardrobe that you don’t love or regularly wear or clean out your backpack/purse.
• Help someone. Carry a bag, open a door, or pick up an extra carton of milk for a neighbor.
• Stretch. 5-10 minutes to get out the kinks helps your body and mind.
• Run or walk for a few minutes. Or go up and down the stairs two at a time, get your heart rate up.
• Touch a pet. If you don’t have one, go to the park or animal shelter and ask to touch one.
• Give your body comfort. Pick something from your wardrobe that feels great next to your skin.
• Use lotion or a product that makes you happy.
• Spend time with real friends and other people who lift you up.

Emily is the author of Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are. You can visit Emily’s Guidance Girl website. You can also find her on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.