Slow Down, Glow Up: 8 Budget-Friendly Ways to Self-Care Like You Mean It

First rule of self-care day? Protect your peace. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, let your group chat know you’ll be MIA, and carve out sacred time just for you. No emails. No errands. No guilt. Then crack open your gratitude journal or simply jot down three things you’re thankful for. (Yes, your coffee counts.) Not into journaling? Try a guided meditation, or simply sip something warm in silence. Even five minutes of intention can shift your entire day.

2. Step Into the Light (Literally)

Make sunlight your first real act of self-care. Now that you’ve created a little space, step outside—preferably barefoot. Even just a few minutes of sunlight and fresh air can help reset your circadian rhythm, boost your mood, and ground you in the present. If you can, plant your feet in grass or soil and take a few deep breaths. It’s a small ritual with a big payoff, especially on days meant for slowing down.

3. Give Your Hair the Royal Treatment

Brush before you wash. Always. Before stepping into the shower, gently brush out knots with the Amazon Basics Paddle Brush. It detangles without breakage and feels like a mini scalp massage. Once you’re out, avoid rough towel-drying and let your hair air-dry while wrapped in a microfiber towel or soft tee. While your strands dry, mask your face, drink some water, and try not to look at your phone. You’re busy relaxing, remember?

4. Take Your Time With an Everything Shower

This isn’t a rinse-and-go situation. Start by exfoliating from head to toe—our pick: the Amazon Basics Apricot Scrub Facial Cleanser. It smells like high school (in a good way) and leaves your skin baby-smooth.

Next, grab the Amazon Basics Women’s Multipurpose Dermaplaning Tools and use one on clean, dry skin to remove peach fuzz and dead skin. It’s oddly satisfying and gives your complexion an instant glow. If you’ve never tried it before, prepare to become obsessed.

Today’s the day to layer your products like a pro. Post-shower is prime skincare time. Start with the Amazon Basics Brightening Vitamin C Serum to even skin tone and add a little glow—it’s lightweight, easy to layer and ideal for daytime. Next, seal it in with your choice of moisturizer: go for the Amazon Basics Daily Moisturizing Lotion if your skin is feeling balanced, or reach for the Amazon Basics Ultra Moisturizing Skin Cream if you need intense hydration (think: post-flight, post-sun, or mid-winter dryness). Both are fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, and perfect for sensitive skin.

6. Smile, But Make It Whiter

Because glowing skin deserves glowing teeth. Apply the Amazon Basics 10-Day Teeth Whitening Strips and let them work their magic while you wear your red light mask, watch a show, or troll Pinterest for travel inspo. They’re easy to apply, stay put and won’t leave your teeth feeling like you bit into an ice cube, making them perfect for regular use or a quick pre-event boost.

7. Nourish Yourself With Something You Crave

Let your food feel like a form of self-respect. Caring for your body isn’t complete without a nourishing meal. Whether it’s a cozy bowl of pasta (just like Nonna made it), a breakfast-at-night moment, or the snack board of your girl dinner dreams, give yourself permission to eat what sounds good—no stress, no rules, just pure enjoyment. Light a candle, eat slowly, and savor every bite (without doom-scrolling). That’s self-love, too.

8. Wind Down Like It’s Your Job

Self-care doesn’t end when the sun sets. Slip into your softest robe or coziest sweats, pour yourself a nighttime tea, and settle into your evening. Reread a favorite book. Queue up that comfort show. Light a candle just because. Resist the urge to check emails “just once.” Pro tip: Schedule this kind of day ahead of a busy week—it’s like emotional insurance for whatever life throws at you.