It’s important to make time for yourself each day. However, we aren’t always able to set aside a dedicated amount of time to focus on our personal growth, passions, hobbies, or interests. Maybe you’re working long shifts at your job or things keep piling up at home. Thankfully, investing in yourself doesn’t necessarily require money or large amounts of time.
After work, I enjoy playing the guitar and singing. I’ve even recorded covers of my favorite songs before on the “voice memo” app on my phone. Just last week for fun, I recorded my version of “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey in the bathroom! Side note, who else loves that song?!
Making time for music is one of the ways that I invest myself. It doesn’t cost much money and I tend to feel a lot better afterwards!
With that being said, here are 43 simple & easy ways to start investing in yourself today!
43 Ways to Start Investing in Yourself
1. Read for 30 minutes each day.
Reading a little bit every day is a great way to start investing in yourself. You can even make it a goal to skim through one magazine article or a chapter of a book before bed. I recommend picking up a copy of Breathe Magazine. Their articles are informative and easy to digest. I love that they focus on wellness, mindfulness, and self care.
Additional reading inspo: 14 Dreamy Books for Your Summer 2019 Reading List
2. Enroll in a night class.
To ensure you’re always learning something new, take a night class! For affordable classes, look into your local library, a community college near you, or even online. Here is a list of 45 free online classes you can take today!
3. Learn a new language with Rosetta Stone or Mango.
Picking up a new language is a fantastic idea. Not only is knowing multiple languages useful, it’s also fun! Alejandro bought me Rosetta Stone for Christmas and it’s been such a worthy investment. On their website, they’re even currently offering a 3-day trial if you want to test out their service.
For a more affordable option, I recommend Mango. They offer in app purchases, but you can download the program for free!
4. Drink a glass of water when you wake up.
Drinking water in the morning fights fatigue and has a variety of health benefits!
5. Allow yourself to “pause.”
Remember to give yourself enough time to “pause” throughout the day. Try out a few different breathing exercises to calm your body and mind.
6. Invest in a meal kit plan.
We recently subscribed to Hello Fresh and it’s a great investment so far! We are learning to cook efficiently and quickly. On top of that, I love that all of their recipes are healthy and we can try out new dinner ideas each week. My favorite recipe so far is their Mediterranean Baked Veggies with couscous, almonds, and feta. YUM!
7. Set realistic and helpful goals.
Buy a colorful agenda and set weekly (or even monthly) goals. To make it a funner experience, you can doodle on the agenda and buy cheap stickers from Etsy!
8. Plan out a monthly budget.
Budgeting is a stressful task, but it’s good to get everything down on paper. I found this awesome step-by-step budgeting guide on Pinterest and it was extremely useful this month!
9. Glam up your workspace.
Boost your productivity by adding a touch of glam to your workspace! I adore this list of rose gold office supplies via Glossy Belle!
10. Eat mindfully, without TV and electronics.
Practice eating mindfully by shutting down all electronics. This little everyday practice will leave you feeling restored!
For more info on the topic, check out my complete mindfulness guide with 7 calming daily exercises!
11. Download apps like Lumosity.
Lumosity is an interactive brain training app with a wide variety of educational features. They offer daily brain exercises and you can even track your progress! This is a free and fun way to start investing in yourself!
12. Go to workshops near you.
Do a quick Google search and find interesting workshops in your area! This fall, I really want to go to a blogging workshop in downtown Chicago. I think that it would be an excellent learning experience!
13. Complete a challenging puzzle.
Bend your brain with an intricate puzzle! Amazon has a whole section for 3,000 & above jigsaw puzzles. You can also stop by Barnes & Noble for other affordable options!
14. Join a club for your favorite hobby.
You’ll meet people with similar interests and passions! On top of that, you will learn new things about your favorite hobby. Where can I sign up for a gardening club?! 🌱
15. Create a cozy retreat in your bedroom.
Your room should be a sanctuary after a long day. Set up a cozy vibe with warm lighting, soft blankets, and pretty decor. ☁️
16. Buy an outfit that makes you feel confident.
Finding that perfect outfit you love is the absolute best!
17. Talk to a life coach.
Speaking to an expert about various aspects of life can provide you with clarity. Many life coaches have different specializations as well, like career, personal life, or finance. Look up life coaches online near you and check out their rates. Also consider speaking to someone you look up to, like one of your family members, a boss, or professor.
18. Exercise 2-3 times a week.
Come up with a fitness plan that works with your schedule and needs. It can be yoga, swimming, pilates, or running on the treadmill at the gym. If you don’t exercise often, start with a 20 minute session 1-2 times a week You can increase the amount as you get adjusted to your exercise routine!
19. Make a bucket list.
Think about some of your biggest goals before the year ends. Next, what do you want to accomplish in 2020 and beyond? Create a bucket list with your biggest goals and dreams!
20. Keep a healing crystal to ward off bad energy and promote wellness.
This healing crystal guide by Jessica via Dwell in Magic is super helpful! She explains how to use healing crystals and where to buy them!
21. Start a blog on WordPress.
This point may be a bit biased because I’m a blogger lol! In all seriousness, you really do learn so much about yourself when you start a blog. You also get to know other bloggers and readers from all over the world! It is such a rewarding and life changing experience. I’ve grown as a person and have gained a lot more confidence in myself!
If you are interested in blogging, I’d 100% recommend publishing your first post! Luckily, you can start a free blog on WordPress.com! If you want to eventually go self hosted, SiteGround’s initial plan only costs $3.95 a month!
22. Acknowledge any negative feelings, thoughts, or emotions.
Negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions happen to all of us. We’re only human after all. Do your best not to ignore these emotions. Instead, acknowledge your inner voice. Write it all down in your diary as a poem or song lyric. Express yourself through art. Cry it out. Take the negativity and turn it into productivity. Eventually, think about how you can move on in a positive way.
23. Write a letter to your past and future self.
If you were speaking to your past self, what would you want them to know? What do you want to tell your future self? Grab a pen and paper and write down your thoughts!
24. Take a walk outside during your lunch break.
When things get busy at work, it’s tempting to skip lunch. Make sure to take enough breaks away from your desk and consider going outside for lunch! Looking after your physical and mental health is a crucial step to start investing in yourself!
25. Stop unhealthy comparison in its tracks.
It may sound a bit cheesy, but we are all unique in our own way!
Since social media is a big part of our daily lives, comparison is inevitable. If you notice unhealthy comparison creeping in, stop it in its tracks. Take a social media break and focus on yourself. Watch a popular Ted Talk or listen to your favorite podcast. Do things that will motivate and inspire you!
Personally when I’m feeling down, I listen to Peter Dinklage’s speech at Bennington College. It moves me every single time!
26. Do a random act of kindness.
It can be as simple as inviting your next door neighbor over for dinner!
27. Clear your mind with a brain dump.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about how to clear your mind with a brain dump. In the post, I also provided free downloadable worksheets for your brain dump!
28. Let go of toxic situations and people.
Surround yourself with people who treat you with respect, show kindness, and inspire you!
29. Do one productive thing you’ve been avoiding.
Schedule any overdue doctor appointments, errands, or trips. This isn’t an easy step, but it’s a productive way to start investing in yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, pick one item on your to-do list to accomplish today!
30. Limit caffeine and sugar.
For more energy, eat an apple or other snack with plenty of vitamins!
31. Name five things you’re grateful for.
You can even keep a gratitude jar!
32. Learn a new skill.
Maybe you have an interest in graphic design or want to learn how to juggle. Research “how to” articles and follow some tutorials on YouTube!
33. Look up a fun fact online.
Start investing in yourself by learning something new every day! Look up a random fun fact online and share it with your friends! Here’s one random fact for the day: did you know that a honey bee can fly at 15mph?
34. Forgive yourself for past mistakes.
It’s important to acknowledge and hold yourself accountable for past mistakes. At the same time, remember to forgive yourself and speak to yourself with kindness. By doing so, you’ll be better able to eventually move forward!
35. Find a calming space and relax.
Find the comfiest spot in your home and make that your relaxation spot!
36. Plan a trip to the museum.
Another way to start investing in yourself is by planning a trip to the museum. Check their website to see if they have a free entry day. If you live in the Chicagoland area, here is a list of the Museum of Science and Industry’s free days for 2019!
37. Declutter your inbox and phone.
You’ll feel totally organized after a digital decluttering session! ✉️
38. Research ingredients in your beauty and lifestyle products.
Start investing in yourself by paying attention to labels on items. Check your beauty, cleaning and lifestyle products. Stick to plant based and natural ingredients whenever possible.
When it comes to beauty products in particular, I recommend visiting Paula’s Choice. If you have questions or concerns about ingredients, they’re a wonderful resource. The site has a useful dictionary that breaks all of the information down in categories.
39. Wake up before 9 am on the weekend.
This helps because you’ll set a consistent schedule for the week. In fact, studies show that better sleep starts with waking up at the same time every day!
40. Do one thing that brings you out of your comfort zone.
It may unsettle you at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone is a good thing. For example, I have a fear of driving through the expressway. Lately, I’ve been slowly leading up to the task by driving more often and on busier streets. I always feel proud of myself after a longer drive!
41. Watch an informative documentary on Netflix.
All of these Netflix documentaries sound interesting! I especially want to watch Lady Gaga’s documentary and Our Planet!
42. Grab a blanket and sit outside for a while.
Just take in the moment and enjoy the blue skies!
43. Try a new item on the menu.
Go ahead and order that menu item you’ve been wanting! You may just find a new fave!
Right now, what are some ways you invest in yourself? Also, are there new ways you can start investing in yourself? Did you have a favorite tip on this list?
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One of the most important thing a lot of people neglect is taking care our self, this is a great article on simple ways to invest in ourselves. Nice content, good read and informative. Learn a lot of stuff today.
Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for reading and I’m glad that the post was helpful! Have an awesome rest of your Monday! x
Thanks for the insights. This article is very helpful.
Thank you so much for reading!! I really appreciate it! x
You have many wonderful and useful ideas. I’ve incorporated several of them into my life over the past few years.
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Also, I love the idea from The Knot Specialist, “do nothing”. It’s a simple, yet genius idea. Sometimes, we need to just sit down and shut out everyone and everything. We need a few moments to relax or regroup.
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Something I would add to the list is, spend time each day with God. It doesn’t have to be hours and hours, although that wouldn’t hurt. LOL. But even just a couple of minutes every day does wonders for my attitude.
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Thank-you for such a comprehensive list.
This was such a calming and lovely post! 😊 I loved the idea of meeting people who have the same hobbies! It reconnects you with what you like to do and it’s always a benefit to share it with others!!
Thank you so much, Caroline!! 💗I totally agree!! It’s fun to share a hobby you’re passionate about with someone else 😊So happy you enjoyed the post, dear! Hope you’re having a great day!! x
Thanks so much !!
This is a great list! May I add Duolingo to the language learning list; Peak is my brain games app of choice (i love Word Path); and one more to this collective: Nothing. sometimes it’s nice to just do nothing but breathe. 🙂 Xoxo K
Omg your flat lays our out of this world and thank you for the amazing tips! Just looking at your photos is enough to make me feel so calm <3
Aww, you’re the sweetest hon!! I actually use a service called Haute Stock for my photos. They have such a wonderful collection of stock photos and it’s been making my blogging journey SO much easier!!
Truly happy you like the pics cause I always try my best to pick pics that go with the post hehe!! x
These tips are well put together! I am thinking about workshops and night classes. I also want to learn another language. I love visiting museums and watching documentaries. I always feel they give me new perspective after 🙂
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, hon!! 💓 You should definitely sign up for a workshop or class!! I honestly miss being in school lol I’d like to sign up for a class too. I’m trying to learn Italian fluently so I’d love to take an Italian class!
Documentaries are the best. They do really make you think and Netflix has some amazing documentaries right now! x
I always drink two glasses of water when I first get up and try to read everyday! I love a good jigsaw too 😀 #43 gives me anxiety as I’m not a big foodie or a very adventurous eater haha. These posts are always so relaxing to read and help me to stop and reflect for a few minutes x
That’s awesome, Chanelle!! 💓 Water when you first wake up just makes you feel so much more refreshed and awake! Also, jigsaw puzzles are a lot of fun. I bought a 3,000 piece puzzle a while back and want to work on it. Especially since it’s gonna start getting colder in Chicago soon!!
I totally know what you mean about the last point giving you anxiety, Chanelle hehe!! I’m totally guilty of ordering the same meal at my fave restaurants. I try to implement #43 only when I’m feeling adventurous LOL! 😂
Thank you so much for your kind words by the way! I’m so happy to hear that the posts are calming to read. That’s always my goal and it makes my day to get that feedback! x
It really does, I’ve had two glasses of water first thing for the past 5 or so years now! I have a stack of puzzles waiting for me to do, but I haven’t had time in ages to sit and do them plus I’m worried the cat will stash the pieces 😂 I’m actually being very brave on Monday and going to dinner with some work friends at a restaurant I’ve never been before, it’s a buffet so surely there’s got to be something I can eat right?! Enjoy your weekend xx
Awww, you enjoy your weekend too Chanelle and have fun at your outing with your work friends!! A buffet sounds wonderful!! x
This is an amazing list! I do a few of these things already, but I should really be doing them more. I had hello fresh for a while and it was great when work was really stressful or busy. And it makes such a fun date night trying something new 😊
Thank you, Cleia!! Glad you liked the list! 💛
Hello Fresh is awesome!! We’ve been subscribed to them for maybe a month now and we love it! I was at my mom’s last week so we paused our plan during that time. I found myself missing the recipes haha!
Oooh a dinner date night sounds nice — Alejandro and I will have to do that one of these days!! x
I love that you can pause your subscription too. That’s so handy!
Amazing tips Nunzia! I think I should start doing al of them ahaha 😂 More seriously, I really want to start playing the guitar a bit more (and better ahah) and exercise a bit more! But all of your tips are so useful! Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you so much, Juliette!! You’re so sweet!! 💞
Aww, that’s so cool that you play the guitar too!! You should totally play more! I love looking up chords to my favorite songs and learning them. It’s so fun! Also, I definitely wanna start exercising more as well!!
Hope you’re having a nice Friday!! Enjoy your weekend too, hon!! x