20+ No Spend Self-Care Activities (Decommodifying Self Care!)

[@mifigue.miraisin]

I just want to say as a Buddhist and the daughter of a meditation teacher, meditation is not having an empty mind its just observing thoughts instead of letting them take over you. And for adhd people the best way to do that IS by doing another activity like coloring, watching an ambiance video, concentrating on a candle, washing yourself in the shower etc!! So you're actually meditating already when you do mindfulness while coloring!

[@doingtheellathing]

I find that i often feel quite meditative while mindfully driving honestly :)

[@mifigue.miraisin]

@@doingtheellathing yes! or a even a bike ride!

[@smorgs6916]

Thank you

[@keekkrkekek6663]

YES thats why i feel so calm when staring at a candle

[@camilagraciela5836]

True! I also think this applies to the thing about negative thoughts, that was mentioned in the video under the affirmation part. In the sense that, meditation makes you be the ‘observer/awareness’ and not identify with the thoughts.

[@caangel100]

As a librarian so glad you mentioned the library. So many forget that they can get books, dvds, music and so much more there for free!

[@leahweinberger583]

And the social!! Commu ity classes and the library of "things" aka pasta maker or air fryer...also g-d bless toy libraries and tool libraries. Best things Ever. Ever. Added so much joy, happiness and value to our lives.

[@WoahiFoundNemo]

I love the library!! Rediscovering it as an adult has been one of the best things I’ve done ❤

[@meowiestwo]

i have a library card and i forget i can do this!

[@RogueCassette]

I love going to the library as a teenager and it has been years since I went to one. I forget how much of a safe space the library was for me and I hope they last forever!

[@squirrelsinmykoolaid]

My library even had video games to borrow

[@eh1843]

The way I do daily gratitude is at the end of the day I write down my "ta-dah" list. It's the opposite of a to-do list - it's all the thins you got done that day. I have chronic health issues and I can get really depressed at all the things I wasn't able to do. But when I write what I did get done, it helps me.

[@CozyK]

I LOVE the idea of a “ta-dah” list!! That’s amazinggg

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

I'm taking this, thanks for sharing ❤

[@eh1843]

@@CrisOnTheInternet It's an old paper planning community thing!

[@Em-fz5uh]

Wow I love this concept ! I've been struggling a lot lately with procrastination and I think it'll help. Ty !

[@natalie6117]

Such a great idea and cute/clever name! I’m definitely going to be adopting this!

[@NehaAshPatel]

I’ve stopped watching TikTok because I was having trouble telling myself I don’t need the next product being promoted by prominent influencers, especially when I couldn’t afford several of the items they were advertising.😢 I’m so glad you’ve made this video, Kennedy! Always keeping it real with us!❤ Love you!❤❤❤

[@claremiller9979]

I did the same with Instagram. I don't have the same problem with Pinterest because somehow it doesn't know what country I'm in so everything it advertises I don't want to buy because I know I won't want to pay the shipping costs. Also I look at furniture on Pinterest a lot and I'm not buying furniture from another country!!

[@hannahreadstorelax16]

I have had to do the same thing with Tik tok!

[@emmabeckett6451]

It may help to go through your following list and remove influencers that make you feel like you have to buy things. I did this with instagram & focused on following artists, which helped!

[@ClaireLeslie-eu4tl]

And channel Travis Bickle

[@ClaireLeslie-eu4tl]

You’re so pretty!

[@lizzy-np2dr]

In the vein of "getting myself a little treat," I would also add, take the time to make a mundane thing special. I make myself tea of some kind pretty much every day. When I'm having a bad day, I take the time to carefully pick out the tea flavor, use a nice pot and teacup instead of the first coffee mug I see, and just really take the time to enjoy the process of making and drinking my tea. You can do that with coffee, a smoothie, heck, even just taking the time to slice up some citrus for your water. Making the mundane special is a really nice way to treat yourself.

[@maytubes5]

Same here...

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

This! I have a tea pot with cherry blossoms that turn pink with hot water, it makes me happy to see it change colors lol

[@karheathyish]

THIS! seeing mundane life as special has helped me so much. i love tea too :p do you have a favorite?

[@lizzy-np2dr]

@@karheathyish Depends on the day, the time, and the phase of the moon lol. Lately I've been doing a lot of Twinings Lady Grey.

[@karheathyish]

@@lizzy-np2dr i feel that :) different needs/wants at different times. sounds yummy for a cozy day

[@retrocutiebean]

My cleaning tip for anyone who hates cleaning. Categories (and you can stop after any of these categories) In this order! 1. Wet Trash (things that would mold if not cleaned up now), 2. Dry Trash (tissues, wrappers etc), 3. cloth/fabric (towels, cloths, socks, most of the time they go in a laundry basket), 4. Items that don't go in that room (put them in the room they do go in; they don't have to be put away if you don't feel like it but at least they make it to the room they do go in), 5. items that are in the room they go in that are not put away. 6. surfaces (sweeping, mopping, wiping down table/shelves. At this point whatever room you were in will be clean enough to function. Many times I start with Wet trash and that is all I have the energy for. and that is okay because that is the most important thing in the room to remove. Honestly just removing trash from a room makes it 10 times cleaner anyways. I also often find starting is the hardest part. and if you tell yourself I only need to pick up the trash then that simplifies it enough to get started and then maybe you find the energy once the task is begun. In short: Wet Trash, Dry Trash, Cloth, Items, Surfaces. Love yall!! stay cozy Muah! 💋

[@lilacfields]

where do dishes go in this routine?

[@retrocutiebean]

@@lilacfields I consider them wet trash since leaving them could create a smell or mold. Same thing with litter boxes if you have cats, those are also wet trash.

[@retrocutiebean]

@@lilacfields HOWEVER, those are the hardest and likely to make you not want to start at all. So I start with smaller trash items to build a little momentum. Rinsing and stacking dishes neatly when they go into the sink helps immensely when it is dish time because there are less food particles. When it comes to litter thats the hardest one. I turn on my empathy and imagine if I was a kitty having to pee or poop in there, and that normally gives me enough motivation. I do it for my babies whom I love so dearly

[@Sam-bk7zy]

Also for the Sims, sometimes the feeling of looking for and downloading custom content feels like online shopping except everything's free! It kinda has that same feeling of buying new cute clothes/home goods and then going into the game and making a new sim or a new house with all your new cute cc is super fun and exciting!

[@CozyK]

sooo true!!!

[@vartite]

​@@CozyK In the same vein: adding mods to a game you like to play (or going back to vanilla) and/or setting a small challenge for yourself (try different paths, tools, etc.) is a great way to breathe new life into an old game. I also love Stardew Valley, so I'm working through the 1.6 content (so much cool new stuff!) The SDV modding community is very active (mostly PC, but I think there are mods for mobile as well), so try a new custom farm, change the visual style/color of buildings and NPCs, or add whole new towns with extensive dialogue, quests, etc. (e.g., Stardew Valley Expanded, Ridgeside Village, Zuzu City, etc.). For instructions on how to add mods, check the SDV Wiki. 😊

[@impersonatingellaimamastermind]

YESSSSSS

[@briannasurpris3039]

this is how I am with Minecraft mods!! Anything pink and free is being downloaded IMMEDIATELY!!

[@michycakes]

honestly the best part of getting back into sims 4!!! helps resist any temptations regarding our own real life retail therapy to save money etc.

[@raehawkins7655]

the free time basket is SUCH a cute idea!!

[@natalie6117]

It’s like a “shop my stash” (you’ll know what those are if you watch any makeup content creators) but for your hobbies! I love it!

[@taniarojas7521]

I LOVE going shopping around my house! There is always colored pencils or stickers or candles that I'm "Saving for a special moment" and I go "What the hell! Today is a special moment" and decide to use them and end up having a great time without spending any money!

[@tinahatch7440]

The basket idea is GENIUS! Especially for us ADHD folks who completely forget about items we own 😆

[@BeautifulEarthJa]

Yep

[@cosygracegames]

Sooo many books I barely ever read in my room, I’m gonna start taking stuff out of my cubbies and am so excited to try it out!

[@tamimargolin1559]

Agree 👍🏽 ❤

[@paulinemuscatvlogs]

My absolute FAV self care that is totally free: Listening to a podcast while going on a bike ride to each of the little libraries around town to swap out books I’ve read with new ones, then picking a bench to sit at while I eat a little snack I packed in a bento box for myself ❤ literally a perfect day to me

[@CozyK]

that sounds so perfect🥹

[@paulinemuscatvlogs]

@@CozyK I’m smiley for days after 🥹

[@Ariadne_TV]

This sounds like such a great day!

[@paulinemuscatvlogs]

@@Ariadne_TV it truly is 🥰

[@jessiwessie5066]

Yess! We definitely DO NOT need to spend a dime for self-care! Self-care can be as simple as reading your favorite book, watching your favorite show, taking a nice long bath, etc. Indulging (speaking for me) once in a while is fine. Consumerism is such a major issue today, and deinfluencing the term “self-care” is a MUST! Love the video!

[@maytubes5]

Truth 😊

[@rosehaley5978]

my favorite thing to watch when i want to have a self care day/night is watching my favorite childhood tv shows/movies on youtube! - little bear (soo pure and cozy 🥹) - franklin - angelina ballerina - totally spies - maggie and the ferocious beast - barbie/bratz movies makes me feel safe and cozy :)

[@pixiepalasmr6881]

Oh my gosh Barbie and Angelina Bellerina was my jam!

[@midnightaro]

Omg little bear , Totally Spies Angelina Ballerina and the Bratz movies ! I’m glad I’m not the only one who still loves watching little bear. Basically all of them I loved. You have good taste 😊

[@username00009]

Have you watched the Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse series? I think it was released online only around 2014 and it has become a cozy favorite. The skits are short, funny, and kind of snarky, but Barbie always comes along with her mature wisdom and things turn out.

[@Lambyth]

as a librarian, i was so happy to hear you talk about going to the library as a resource! so many people seem to forget we are there and just how many resources we have. thank you for thinking of us❤️

[@StellaPlayss]

I’m a nurse practitioner who sees patients in their homes. I’ve taken multiple people to my local libraries to teach them or chart and they’re always like “I never go to the library. I need go to do xyz” . I’m there frequently.

[@leahweinberger583]

The library has saved many souls...still does. ❤

[@Angela-rt8xp]

My favorite part of the "free basket" idea is that it is also a way to practice gratefulness for what you already have

[@Erlrantandrage]

I watched this video as a person who really doesn't spend a lot of money but who DOES need to learn how to do self care. Today I gave myself a little pedicure and did some yoga. I'm 39 and I waking up and realizing how poorly I've cared for myself. I don't want to be 60 and stuck in a chair all day. I want to be 60 and moving around my home with ease chasing cats, planting gardens. Step 1 is literally learning how to care for myself while maintaining my frugal ways. Thanks for your inspiring video.

[@ReadLitWithBrit]

Ironic that you listed watching your favorite cozy content creator as a free hobby and that’s what I’m doing right now! Your videos are a warm hug. Love! Happy Easter!! 🤍

[@cosygracegames]

So true! 💜

[@someundeadtalent2016]

Omg the basket is SUCH a cute idea!! Especially for us neurodivergent folks who often forget that they already got these items or projects or whatever at home

[@tamimargolin1559]

Agree 👍🏽 ❤

[@oliviaplunkett4208]

My high school students get so excited for our coloring days. Usually once a month we have a totally non academic day and they know as soon as they walk in the room. It helps everyone calm down a little and for my first period students, they love starting the day off that way

[@branganewolf6322]

One of my teachers in highschool would start every lesson with either a 5 minute meditation (a little guided story) or 5 minutes of coloring a mandala that she brought with her. Each lesson one student got to choose what we did that day. We loved it and it really calmed us down for the lessons :)

[@karaskinner3597]

I scroll through Libby and tag books as “want to read” and it gives me the same emotional fulfillment as scrolling through social media and internet shopping. I treat it as “Recommended Picks for You” instead of TBR and I always have a book available that matches my mood when I’m looking for something different.

[@blueraven012]

Also if you have pets, spending more time with them is amazing! And if you don't have pets, attract some animals to your garden. I noticed some frogs in my backyard and now I want to create a little frog garden with a bucket, some water plants, rocks and a log to give them a home! Hoping to make it a super low cost activity to get more froggy friends 🧡

[@CheesyCat888]

I love this idea!!

[@evelynnnyt]

This is extremely cute ❤❤

[@Profoundtruthss]

girl you ain't lying about that pinterest board

[@nicoleniobium7160]

I really liked how you said about cleaning - selfcare is not only the activity that we like, but sometimes it's something that we NEED to feel better. Thank you for the video!

[@Butterrcuppp]

I haven’t written down 3 things I’m grateful for daily. I think that simply thinking of things you’re grateful for in moments when you feel negatively about what you have can be helpful. I get caught up in seeing content on KZbin and start to wish I had the same homes and stuff as everyone else, so I take a step back and realize what I have and that I’m grateful to have it.

[@tfunkdadunk]

i do "things i'm excited about" verses grateful. it can be small things, like excited for a new album coming out, or what i'm going to cook for dinner. kind of the same thing but works a little better for me to let some of the negative thoughts go.

[@kaynwood]

Libraries also often have puzzles, video games, vinyl records, etc!! My husband loves puzzles but I could never get the price to make sense for it to be used once and never again, enter our public library - they have tons of puzzles and has gotten one each week since.

[@SameBrittDifferentDay]

Libraries have vinyl!?!?!!? I did NOT know that!!

[@tgrebnesor]

Another one I'll add for those of us that have pets, maybe if you have a dog take them to a park or wherever you normally walk them and instead of rushing from point a to b let them kind of lead (safely of course) and sniff all the smells they want and really just watch the little gears turn in their head lol as you have this little adventure together. Or if you have cats like me, next playtime try to stay fully present and watch their little butt wiggles before they pounce and how excited they get when they catch their toy. There are so many times when I play with them while watching videos on my phone because I'm ready for bed and just want to tire them out so they won't wake me up in the middle of the night, but it's so much more rewarding when you actually engage with them and I always feel so happy and fulfilled when they finally get tired and lay down for the night

[@PankoPanda2]

I love this!

[@kuma-khameleon]

I work at my local library and the amount of times you're hyping up the free resources at the library has my whole heart! Thank you so much! This video was such a refreshing breath of fresh air in the current world! And yes, everyone. Please go support your local library!! ♡

[@EmL-kg5gn]

About talking to friends - something that I’ve had cause trouble is that some people prefer to volunteer information and they assume others do too, just like some people assume that others will ask if they care. For people who ask they ask to show that they care, and they often need to be asked about things to feel comfortable sharing. For people who volunteer info they often expect that others will share what they feel comfortable sharing and don’t ask (or like being asked) questions because they don’t want to overstep boundaries. Some people are self-centred, but some are just people that volunteer! So yeah, being aware of different communication styles and knowing how to tell the difference between a different communication style and a character flaw can really help you find more friends!!!

[@AyaDragonheart]

Thank you for this perspective! Sometimes I think it's easy to forget and ends up creating needless resentment.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

@@AyaDragonheart No worries! I often need the reminder too :)

[@Cxrriemc]

I'm someone who found gratitude to be so so helpful!! I have been a lifelong pessimistic person as a way to "protect" myself from bad things happening (yay for growth to recognise this eventually haha). So it was massively helpful for me to force out 3 good things, even after a terrible day because daily life isn't black or white and it took a lot of training myself to break away from that type of thinking! So if you naturally find it easy to be a more positive person or find joy in the everyday things, it makes complete sense that gratitude wouldn't vibe with you ☺️

[@kaitlin2221]

i appreciate so much that you encourage mindful consumption. i have recently been feeling overwhelmed by consumerism, and it’s so nice to have found a corner of the internet that actively pushes back against that

[@EmL-kg5gn]

This is about mindfulness for any other PTSD girlies! Something for us to be aware of is that mindfulness can be very triggering for us even though it is a helpful practice if you can manage it. It’s just important for us to not push ourselves and to make sure we have good coping skills and a reliable way to escape and disconnect before we try it! That way if being connected to the present or to our bodies becomes too much we can take care of ourselves 💕 Also Kennedy you’re definitely one of my comfort creators! This video was so amazing, the part about cleaning actually made me a bit emotional (in a good way). I really needed to hear that today!!

[@Casbass__]

Another thing about Libby: you can filter by “available now” and it’s a great way to browse and find your next read! You can filter by genre, type (ebook, audiobook, etc.), and if it’s kindle compatible. I use it all the time to find my next kindle read while I’m waiting for other books to be available :)

[@mari23_13]

Guys, I'm an introvert with social anxiety, and trying to just be out there in the world is something that's helping me a lot with my social anxiety. Sometimes I just go out with one friend and try to talk to their friends just to be around people, and sometimes all I can do is exist around people, but this is helping me to feel more whole and learn a lot about myself, so I just wanted to say that us introverts don't have to be lonely ❤ Sorry if it's a little confusing, English is my second language and I'm still learning 😅

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

Congrats on your progress, you're doing great ❤

[@mari23_13]

@@CrisOnTheInternet thanks, I'm really happy with my progress! Last year was very hard for me, so it's good to see things changing for the better 😊

[@SlasherChick]

You're doing a great job. Learning a second language is not easy. Your message was very clear. Keep going!

[@humble_artistry]

Gratitude pretty much has the same purpose of affirmations, but instead of boosting yourself you are boosting everything life has given you. It helps switch your mindset from recognizing everything that’s going wrong or everything terrible in life to all of the beauty and happiness that life has. It also helps you slow down! Kind of like the phrase stop and smell the roses. I personally have really recognized the difference between finding three things that I’m grateful for every day and skipping it because I “had no time” and I was skeptical about the practice at first. What you’re grateful for can literally be anything that makes you appreciate the life you’ve been given. Could be people, pets, experiences, or even wearing your favorite sweater.

[@angelinamount4969]

1) As a librarian, thanks for plugging libraries! Many also have cozy hobby things you can borrow - like cookware for baking, and more! 2) Gratitude for me, helps with appreciating what I have an being in-the-moment. I am always looking forward to the next thing and planning for the future, so stopping to look at what I have RIGHT NOW helps me be content and romanticize where I'm at, instead of missing it while I look at what's next.

[@Tori.f.116]

YOU are my comfort creator that I keep up with for my self care 😊. Truly your videos are great to get cozy to.

[@midnightaro]

Libraries are so underrated nowadays ! I printed out vision board images (didn’t want to use all of my ink lol) and rented a very charming book from there. I was able to get plenty of work done and also found inspiration from doing so. I definitely feel that the younger generations who also know what self care is need this video. I agree capitalism completely changed how people view self care now and it’s not always about physical appearance but rather how you feel on the inside too.

[@briannagrace7982]

I work at a preschool and a phrase that goes around when referring to self care and alone time and such is "you can't pour from an empty cup" soooo true!! and this made me think of that

[@belliwatching]

I really appreciate your owning up to the fact that your job makes you a victim AND a proponent of this capitalistic loop. I had to step back from your videos as I was downsizing and limiting my expenses, because it was hard to see all the cute things you'd buy or be gifted from brands. But your message is so rare to find online, at least in its cheerful, personable way!!! I've really taken it on board, and it's so nice to have a refresher in this video, to remind myself of all the things I can find peace in, for free. Yesterday I went through all my yarn to knit things I'd planned to make but never got around to it. Yarn and books are the two things I need to go through before I buy anything new, and with that money I'm saving, I invest in medical appointments and therapy. All around wins!!!

[@Taymay28]

Love love love this! It felt like we were out for coffee chatting. I read a quote somewhere that self-care isn't always a car wash, it's an oil change. I think about that one when I need to clean my space or do something that I know will make me feel better down the road! Love yah!

[@strawberrybookess5083]

Growing up, anytime I was bored my mom would think of so many different ideas for things I could do. At the time I of course was a kid and was stubborn so I never liked any of her ideas. But looking back on that now, it makes me feel so cared for that she did that. You give me that same feeling.

[@Ellen-yl2pu]

Wow I am SO glad the algorithm blessed me with this video. I’m so happy I found your channel 🥰

[@misswolvesandroses6765]

Gratitudes work for me because I have chronic health problems and it can be really hard to get out of the everything sucks mindset. Positive self talk doesn’t help for this in particular because talking nice to myself won’t stop my frustrations of cancelled plans and goals so gratitudes help reposition my outlook. So yeah I’m in a world of pain but I’m very grateful I have a sofa to lie on and a cat to cuddle. It shows me things aren’t as bad as I think they are.

[@CozyK]

That makes total sense!! Thank you for explaining🤎🤎

[@bear3s]

It was funny to hear you talking about putting our feet in the grass, the last time I did it (a month ago) a little snake got inside my shoes and scared the hell out of me lol. It was a very cute baby snake, but still made me a bit paranoid about the grass.

[@cosygracegames]

I love that note on writing, or even drawing like I don’t have to be an author to be able to write a fun idea or a recipe down, or journal even just for the day- it’s always there for you to look back on and smile at that one day :) 💜

[@daisymoonsavage5040]

The gratitude thing re-trains your brain to think toward being grateful. Change is most obvious, I believe, in people who notice they are focusing on the things going wrong in their lives. When you focus on being grateful for small things you do not focus so much on or give so much attention to, the not so happy things going on. Over time it reduced my stress levels and made me feel happier to be alive.

[@hayleae.450]

Shopping your house with a free time basket is such a great idea, I love it!❤

[@alexwalker4100]

The way you use affirmations is like the way I use my gratitude journal. 😂 I still struggle with negative self talk so when I’m feeling low, I can flip through my gratitude journal to remind myself of all the good things I have going for me and the small moments that make me happy that I may have forgotten about. I find it useful to keep the daily journal and gratitude journal in two separate notebooks. It helps keep the thoughts filtered and organized and can really pack a boost in mood if you’re only looking through the grateful things.

[@Daelaight]

i didn't even notice this video was an hour long because of how much i enjoyed watching it lol ty

[@Dancinglemon]

You are so right about choosing to talk to the right people. I told two friends about my childhood pet that was dying and one looked baffled that THIS was the reason I’d been sad all day, the other immediately hugged me. Not all friendships are created equal and we all deserve the friend that gets us unconditionally.

[@Cabullosa111]

I LOVE that free time basket idea!

[@clementine7750]

tysm for this video! ive always hated how self care (online) has turned into something to further consumerism. i also wanted to say that i am someone who benefits from practicing gratitude! you seem to naturally recognize things you are grateful for, and that is wonderful! i think it is especially helpful for people who struggle with negative thinking (only focusing on negatives, discounting positives, etc.) which is very common for those who struggle with mental health and mental illness. it is so easy to focus on only the negatives, so intentionally taking the time to reflect and acknowledge the positives and the things that you are grateful for can be a very healthy practice for many people!

[@teafling]

For me, a gratitude log is a way of training myself to notice the good things more. I’m a very pessimistic person and I notice and internalise all the bad things and (unsurprisingly) it’s not good for me. But it’s a learned behaviour which means I can learn a different one. So, I’m teaching myself to notice the good things more and accept them as they are instead of “this good thing happened but so did this bad thing so today is a bad day”. Like, why does the crappy thing have to carry more weight than the nice thing?

[@haiku5756]

Brilliant ideas! As someone also with a "spicy brain," just wanted to share that practicing mindfulness while moving is completely valid. The Zen monk Thich Nhat Hahn described how to practice mindfulness while washing the dishes, brushing ones teeth, cleaning a room, making a meal, going for a walk. We don't have to sit still to do this (what a relief!). Thank you so much for sharing your insights - so inspiring and comforting 🌸🌸🌸

[@lydia6147]

Kennedy I've been living for your videos recently!! The long form cosy content is getting me THRU the last of this winter darkness haha

[@MegMage]

This video is already so amazing, and I'm not even through the intro! To reassure you: every single product you've recommended that I bought have had so much value for me and my body/work/rest ethic. But I love this move for you, and it's incredibly inspiring 💜💜

[@a.c.6601]

Therapist (with anti-capitalist leanings) here 🙋🏽‍♀️ I’m a little more than halfway through the video so far and I have loved all of these suggestions. “self care” has truly become just another way to lure us into buying shit we don’t need (even though I am guilty myself), when originally it was intended to get us back to basics: mindfulness (whatever that looks like to you - be it coloring or running), sleep hygiene, sustaining ourselves, hygiene, etc. This stuff might seem “boring” and consumer-y self-care seems so much more alluring but it’s often the boring and basics that make the biggest impact. What I love about your video is that it’s basics and beyond (emphasis on the beyond!) that makes self-care fun (and real) again. Also; a note on gratitude lists (something I admittedly do more often than not): for me, they serve as a reminder to look for the good in each day. These days; I just write down ONE thing at the end of the day I am grateful for, and I’ve noticed it has a greater impact for me than writing 5 things. Where 5 feels like a homework assignment at the end of the day, one feels like a search for a shiny moment. And because I know that at the end of the day, I’ll have to write down one thing I’m grateful for, it’s as if I’m keeping my senses open for those moments. Essentially, it redirects my focus to things that are positive, which is helpful as humans tend to have a negativity bias (myself included)! Hope that sheds some light on why gratitude can be helpful!

[@a.c.6601]

Also, gratitude practices can support or contribute to positive self-talk. Because it begins the practice of finding good, it may aid you in doing so with yourself!

[@CozyK]

you sound like a dream therapist🥲🥲

[@CozyK]

and totally agreed on the practice of gratitude in general! i did a lot of self-work in my earlier years to skew towards mostly positive observations/thoughts, so I think the practice often feels redundant for me. but I could see one a day being much more rewarding!

[@catharinerake5656]

Love all of your ideas! And I love daily gratitude lists! Because I start my day with the intention to find 3 good things to add to my list, it means I’m constantly on the lookout for positives. And your perception of reality depends what you are focusing on❤ if you’re looking for positives you won’t notice the negatives as easily.

[@asmrgillian]

Absolutely love this, thank you! I’ve been to selfcare for years and I always feel so broke when I try to do everything

[@decgal81]

A lot, maybe all, streaming services have some sort of favorites list. That's where I keep my comfort shows/movies

[@SlasherChick]

I ❤ this! I literally just made a list of 25 low to no cost self care activities on my channel. I am glad more folks are talking about it. I love some of these ideas here. They were things I hadn't thought of. I love playing in my clothes and "playing dress up" like you would as a child. It's a great way to also come up with new fits. Changing the way I looked at self care really made it acts of self love.♥

[@mmb4094]

Self care basket is GENIUS

[@animabellas]

The gratitude thing is veryyyy important, I promise after doing it for a few weeks I felt way more grateful for the world, things around me, I was kinder to others, it just personally makes you stop and really think. I even write why I’m grateful for the thing I’m writing down, or the person. It’s been a wonderful habit to add to my lifestyle ❤

[@karasquire]

Love Happy Color! It’s like a puzzle and coloring together.

[@ilovenycsomuch]

It’s good to hear someone talk about parasocial relationships with KZbinrs so positively, I’ve only heard it spoken of negatively lately. Despite how big he is, I still feel so comforted by Pewdiepie & proud of him, he’s gotta be one of the most humble & kind ppl to ever exist & this is cheesy lol but I feel a lot of acceptance & love when I’m watching his videos & it makes me feel at “home” in a way to catch up on someone I’ve stayed connected with for years & he’s still just the same after all this time

[@thatgirlnextfloor]

my version of sketching or drawing are zentangles! just look up videos here on yt and copy the doodles and patterns just get a piece of paper or on a page on your journal. it's so therapeutic and cozy and so easy to do!

[@MakaweeSioux]

I just love you!! Classic music is life! I can work better, think better, and be grateful for life

[@mariahspringstead775]

On the grateful question: I've changed that to "See the beauty in..." or "Appreciate the beauty of...". For me "gratitude" was always a bit triggering because it was weaponized and used to make me feel small and unworthy. "See the beauty in... or "Appreciate the beaty of..." (a person, object, or action)" makes me feel equal to it and feel much less icky. It gets me to the same place in the end, without the baggage.

[@savannap7907]

gratitude practices are so that you can train your mind to seek out the positive things in your life rather than only seeing the negative things. once you get stuck in a negativity bias it can be really hard to come out of, that's wear gratitude comes in :) life is what you make it and if youre really focused on the lovely things your mind paints life in a positive light

[@PandorasExecutioner]

you are already a super grateful person, K! like legit, when i watch your vids, i love life more. i remember to squeal over the little things. i did the gratitude exercises and generally im a super appreciative person. but your energy took it next level for me where im now able to enjoy life for the little things and not just my accomplishments

[@CozyK]

ahhh thank you!! that’s so nice to hearrr :’)

[@TheEclecticPagan]

From my experience with the law of attraction, the law of assumption, and manifestation gratitude is necessary. Because you're practicing the art of what you already have than what you don't have. In the law of assumption, it's all about manifesting that what you want is already yours. Why is this important? Because gratitude is part of manifestation if you don't focus on what you have you're going to feel ungrateful and that's unhealthy. This is why gratitude is necessary. Hope this helps.

[@CozyK]

Yep! I totally understand the importance of gratitude and that’s a daily feature of my thinking! I didn’t understand the purpose of the popular journaling prompt of writing down 3 things you’re grateful for. Some helpful comments mentioned gratitude doesn’t come naturally to some, so the prompt helps to make it a practice manually vs naturally!

[@claremiller9979]

Gratitude practice for me works when I feel like everything is shit, which happens when life is really hard. It forces you to remind yourself that there's something, however small, in your life which is good. Even if it's as tiny as something tasted good, or there was a cute dog on a walk, or whatever. When you're in deep depression, when the kids are being awful and work is too much and you're sick and your arm has been hurting for months (haha not talking about myself at all 😅) daily gratitude makes you think for one second that there's something good. Life isn't complete garbage. It's worth getting up tomorrow and continuing with things, because maybe there'll be a pretty flower. It sounds kind of dumb when I write it out but having been legit depressed before, it can help.

[@samarie04]

I’m working on finding positive things I can do when bored/stressed to get away from bad habits…this video was so inspiring, motivating, and helpful. I LOVE your channel so much!

[@samarie04]

Omigosh! I branched out on KZbin into niches I didn’t even know EXISTED!! There are ENTIRE dollhouse DIY kits, and book nooks with whimsical scenes…now I found a new hobby AND a cozy KZbin niche to vibe when I’m feeling more mellow!! Great suggestion!!!

[@beatricebeathyraneniute2298]

My favorite self-care that's free is crocheting and knitting. As long as I don't buy new yarn and knitting needles and crochet hooks, I just use up the yarn that I have to make pieces of clothing, amigurumi toys, accessories, etc. I also draw, play video games, grounding, outdoor walk and meditation.

[@yellowzora]

The way you handle gratitude seems like you're already smashing it. I had to start by writing things down every evening (for years) and managed to move on to noticing on the fly, and it feels great 😁 keep going, lovely list ❤❤❤

[@savannahhutcheson8909]

Daily gratitude combats anxiety and guilt! My dad was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and I had a lot of anxiety about it and still do of course, as well as guilt for not being able to be there as much as I would like, but (with guidance of my counselor) I practice gratitude to combat those thoughts and feelings. I know I can’t be there, but I am grateful that my family can be there, I am grateful for technology that allows me to be there in communication, and I am grateful that I have such a close relationship with my dad that I am experiencing these feelings. ❤

[@kaitlyntebeau9711]

I think positive self talk comes after practicing gratitude for some. Personally i’m still learning how to do both. As someone who has bpd, it’s difficult for me to find a positive in most situations, so practicing mindfulness w things your thankful for is helpful :)

[@theresacantu2735]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video!! I really appreciate the thorough explanations and even science behind each point that you made ((: I have recently bounced back from homelessness/job loss due to illness and the whole experience has really inspired me to evaluate my consumption habits and search for alternatives. Creators like you have been essential to that process ❤

[@kallimago8595]

For me, creative hobbies are so important! I love how many you spotlight here. My favorite is actually embroidery, which is kind of like coloring but with a needle and thread. I suppose there's more of a start-up cost, since the average household doesn't have embroidery supplies lying around, but one cheap kit from Amazon lasted me a whole year. I love that it's a slow, quiet hobby (great for mindfulness or for cozying up with a comfort show), and you can create something to actually display in your home. I would also put movement high on my list. On those days when I'm having trouble regulating my emotions or just want to slump and scroll social media for hours, it really helps to do a short, low-intensity workout. Walking workouts on KZbin are my favorite, but Pilates, dancing, yoga---all fun ways to move around, get an energy boost, and feel better both mentally and physically.

[@cozyhobbies_]

Kennedy this was amazing thank you ❤❤ I recently realised I was buying things on impulse ! I would buy new notebooks despite having loads and I would get this instant hood feeling after buying but then go Home and not even use it ! Thanks to you I’m going to sort through my stuff and try and make a cosy basket ! You inspired me to buy a switch last year and I’m so happy with it! I always thought gaming had to be rgb lights and intense games , literaly never knew cosy games existed ! I’ve bought mechanical keyboards and made my desk nice! I used to dread working and now I love my space so thank you so much for bringing out my inner child ! I never asked for toys when I was younger everything was second hand or a present so I love being able to fill my room with things I enjoy now. But defo thanks for reminding us to use what we have ❤ ❤

[@Cozycrochetbykelly]

I literally made a LIST (lol a self care tip that was mentioned) of all the self care tips you shared. What a wonderful video and it was a pleasure to watch. Thank you!

[@royallyrain]

I think people think of Gratitude in the wrong way tbh. Like those "write down 3 things you're thankful for today" things I mean are all well and good but to me, being grateful is something that has a deeper sense and meaning to each person. You can be grateful for being alive, you can be grateful for having a home to live in, you can be grateful for having a platform and being able to reach and spark joy in people, even grateful for having your friends and family. If you're grateful for the things you receive and have you'll be blessed with even more of it down the line. You'll still be working for them, but the reason you do content creation is not just cause you feel like it but I know you have fun doing it and are happy and blessed with what you received from it. It's good to be grateful for that.

[@CozyK]

I totally agree with that interpretation of gratitude! For me, I frequently reflect on what I’m grateful for in that way, so it’s more so the act of coming up with “X amount”every day that seems a little forced/less effective for me than making it a regular practice! But others have pointed out that it doesn’t come naturally for them, so the exercise does actually help them, which I understand now!

[@royallyrain]

@@CozyK Yeah exactly, the way the tiktok or instagram girlies do it X amount a day is really forced and you feel like you're just now making up stuff just to fill a quota, I don't think it works that way, if it does for someone else good for them though, but yeah I think gratitude differs from person to person. It's one of those things you have to think about on your own and not follow a "trend."

[@CozyK]

So true!!

[@heyitsjenny0719]

You are definitely my comfy youtuber. always comforted and inspired by your vids 🫶🏻🩷

[@madelineredding6733]

This is the first video i’ve seen of yours, and I know you’re my new self care night essential ❤️❤️

[@crinklescat1871]

I read, I clean (like I have to all but force myself when I’m having a depressive episode and luckily my psychiatrist has given me some good tips to get my ass out of the bed) but honestly seeing the results afterwards is better than spending all this money on crap I don’t need. I do my skincare routine every night like I stopped doing it for a long time when I was depressed then I finally forced myself and started feeling better, but I use Korean products& on my expensive products budget those and use accordingly The only thing I had to save up and I’m still working on is bookbinding supplies . Like I’m still getting all the supplies, like I currently have a book in my press and I didn’t do my signatures correctly so I’ve got to do a stapler/tape but next payday I’ll finish getting those materials. But the thought of getting to bind my favorite fan fictions that I do read when I need to feel better just makes me feel amazing. And also, I’ve just found that crafting is really rewarding to. But cleaning and stuff where I can see results…it’s just amazing. I feel like all this over consumerism just makes us broke and ultimately we end up with a ton of stuff and then if you truly do have mental illness, it’s incredibly overwhelming. Or just in general. Who needs all this stuff?? It’s going your way expire and money and times are tough right now Like I just get on TikTok now for bookbinding tips because I’m still learning because honestly for a while I was just wanting to buy buy buy thinking that that’s gonna make my manic depressive ass better when in actuality I ended up getting overwhelmed and exhausting my husband who just wanted me to feel better. so I’m so glad you’re bringing up actual self-care stuff. Like this is genuine self care.

[@TheOriginalDalamanza]

My absolute fav is listening to an audiobook (or music/podcast whatever you prefer) while out on a walk. Even if it's just 20 mins during a lunchbreak, you're still taking time for yourself, getting fresh air, moving your body and engaging with some content you enjoy. Quadruple self-care!

[@mmb4094]

Had to subscribe as soon as you said Gilmore Girls and New Girl are your favs bc those are my favorites too

[@savannahhutcheson8909]

The twilight series is my depression series! When I get into my depressive moments, I start watching them and it slowly pulls me out! ❤️

[@aubreezily13]

Happy Easter! I hope you are having a lovely day today! 🩷

[@infinitewisdom3088]

You gave some really good suggestions! Some of which I had completely forgotten I can do for myself such as coloring or sketching that can help quiet my mind. I'd like to share that even though there are times i feel guilty when I am not working on bettering myself, I have been soaking my feet in hot water with some epson salt as I do notes for work. I'll have a cup of water, coffee or juice next to me as I do notes and the amount of dopamine i get after i finish everything is amazing! I get to do some self-care that takes very little effort to do and paired with a task I've had on my to-do list helps makes things feel less stressful than it would've been if i had to do the task on it's own.

[@agoodlittlewitch]

Free time basket is literally genius!

[@selkrasouza6262]

Absolutely love the idea of a little treat basket. I just made one immediately!

[@TheEclecticPagan]

My favorite self care activities and mental health walks, art, mindfulness, breathwork, and singing.

[@jadaw644]

This is just what I needed as someone who's trying to spend less!

[@carolynb7115]

Girl, you are definitely one of my comfort creators. I save your videos to watch when I want self care time!

[@aimeeevelyn1801]

This was so so needed for me today. The gentle reminder for the introvert people pleaser girlies to talk with a trusted person about their feelings was such a good moment of reflection for me. I was a bit braver and shared with a trusted coworker and my husband something that was going on for me and I feel a lot better for it. Thanks Ken - you put so much work into these videos and they truly do make a difference

[@angelaengelx]

Gratitude was the thing for me that affirmations were to you!! I think it seems like you might already be practicing quite a lot of gratitude because my gratitude is just those joy moments of “omg this thing is so great and cool and I feel such a boost from that!” I never used to notice how good the good things in my life felt and I think the practice of gratitude helped me lean into the goodness and softness of life when it was hard to do so! Gratitude for me isn’t usually “think about 3 things I was grateful for today” I usually journal about things that felt excited or I leaned into or brought me joy or felt like something I did for myself or someone else did that I really needed! I feel like all the thing you describe in your videos are things that I acknowledge that I’m grateful for a lot and the things you express feel like what I feel when I’m really grateful for something. I really needed practice with it to feel it more strongly in my life over time. To me it feels like mindfulness about the love, peace, and joy in my life. 🥰

[@ConstancaPortugal]

You bring me so much peace girl. Thank you for this! 🤍☺️

[@katiefrench2971]

Cozy K, this is exactly what I was TRYING to articulate in a TikTok or KZbin comment some time ago - I love your content and LOVE your intention to decouple a bit from consumerism!!!!