The old saying is so true; If you don't take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? Now that we are spending most of our days at home, this is the perfect time to practice some self-care that you have been putting off during your busy life. If one thing this has taught us, it's to slow down and enjoy these moments and put time back into taking care of ourselves. Not sure on where to start? Here are 10 self-care tips to help your unwind and relax. Many of them are freebies/easy to do with things around the house.

1. Meditation - Meditating gives you a chance to get some relief when you're feeling overwhelmed. Set a timer for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing. Doing this daily may help you recenter yourself so that you may tackle the rest of your day. Calm, Headspace are both the top recommended apps for meditation. Simple Habit is also offering some free trials during this time.

2. Gardening - My love for plants and flowers run deep. I find it so therapeutic when I'm gardening and tending to my plants. There's something calming about being outside and being in touch with nature. The beauty of nature is relaxing such as when we look at portraits of beautiful landscapes or listen to the sounds of crashing waves on the beach. Start off small with an indoor plant or with a small garden in your hard. If you want to start small with a windowsill garden, succulents and pothos vines are easy to grow and low maintenance.

3. Doing your own nails - Manicures and pedicures are among the first things people think of when someone mentions the words 'self-care'.  So many are intimidated on doing their own nails. There are many great tutorials out there such as this one and this one. It doesn't have to be fancy! Do what makes you happy! There are lots of kits available online! I particularly like Essie because it’s a simple 2 step process.

4. Face Masks - Another thing synonymous with 'self-care' are facials or face masks at home. People instantly picture cucumbers on eyes with a towel wrapped around their hair while relaxing in a robe. That image instantly makes me think of the ultimate relaxation. Face masks can get quite pricey but there are lots of DIY masks you can try at home by soaking your favorite lotions and serums in a facemask sheet. If DIY is not your cup of tea, this restorative Awake Beauty Sleep Retreat Overnight Oil Gel is next on my list to try.

5. Lip Masks - The one part of our face that we usually neglect are our lips! Pamper those pouty lips! I love using Awake's Moisture Balm Daytime Lip Mask during the day. My lips feel super hydrated and so much smoother throughout the day. The moisture lasts over 12 hours and feels amazing. 100% of people said their lips feel smoother after trying it! I am honestly so hooked. It smells like watermelon and feels so rich. It’s MUST HAVE in my book!  At night, I use Awake Beauty Lip Therapy Lip Mask to keep my lips feeling moisturized while I'm getting my beauty sleep. Their products are cruelty free and always formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, or gluten! Another plus, the packaging is so cute and bright, it makes me happy :)

6. Start a Hobby - For most of us, the most popular hobby right now may be binge watching shows and movies on Netflix. Now is the time to try out something you have been putting off like learning how to knit or crochet, wood work, or picking up the camera and learning photography. Whatever it may be, do something that ignites your passion. Start with something that’s not so overwhelming and easy to pick up and put down. I love a good macrame project I can do while relaxing and watching TV.

7. Soak in some bubbly - Bubble baths are not just for kids! If you soak in some Epsom salts, it will help relieve the stress and tensions of the day away! Crank up your favorite tunes or some calming classical music and enjoy the time to yourself. Don’t forget to light a candle for mood!

8. Clean and organize - Being nice to yourself also means being nice to the space you live in. Have a clean house can be emotionally freeing and a great tool to quiet and ease your mind. Marie Kondo has taught everyone how to live with less 'junk'. Donating some of the things you don't need to someone else who can use them, will count as a double duty good deed. Start with an easy location so you can feel more accomplished in a short time. Take the junk drawer for example. It takes about an hour to empty out. organize like items together and return to normal. You don’t need expensive organization systems either. Simply use small old containers, packaging or even Tupperware. The idea is just to have like items together in their permanent home.

9. Read a book/Listen to a podcast - I love picking up a book and getting lost in the story and invested in the characters. Losing my self in a book helps me forget about the problems just for a bit. When I don't have time to pick up a book, I listen to podcasts. There are so many great ones out there for crime junkies, self help, motivational ones and there are even great kid podcasts! Find a topic that interests you!

10. Write down a list of things you're grateful for - Writing a list has been therapeutic for me. I have my to-do lists for the day and checking them off makes me feel accomplished! But writing a list for the things you're grateful for can help put things in perspective for you when you're feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed during this time.There are no right or wrong forms of self-care. Do what works for you! Go ahead and put yourself first every once in awhile!