Healing Music
I bought a used guitar online for a steal. A guy moving abroad just wanted it gone. I’d never played before, but I’ve always been curious, so I’m currently learning to strum by following a YouTuber guitar teacher—and it’s going surprisingly well. A friend of mine recently went vegan and is learning to cook from a content creator. We even decided to learn Spanish together (for free and at our own pace).
Exploration
If you live in Budapest, I highly recommend the city walking tours. I believe Sopron has them too. There are themed walks—like the most beautiful doorways or Art Nouveau buildings—and some are even free.
Maintenance
Every week, I find a free guided meditation or deep breathing exercise online. It sharpens focus, eases anxiety, and I simply love it.
The Feeling
I put on my sexiest lingerie set—because feeling sexy isn’t just for dates. No one sees it, but knowing what I’m wearing underneath makes me feel confident.
Digital Detox
I take half a day each week for a digital detox. I put my phone on airplane mode (I don’t dare leave it at home in case of emergencies) and head out to Margaret Island, City Park, or another green spot. I like switching locations to keep it fresh. In summer, I bring a sandwich or chopped fruit; in winter, tea or mulled wine in a thermos. I sit on a bench, pull out my gratitude journal, and jot down the good things that happened that week. I used to roll my eyes at this, but after trying it, I felt the mental boost within two weeks. Revisiting my entries helps reduce stress and encourages positive thinking.
The Body
I roll out my yoga mat in the living room—or just use a towel—and do a full-body yoga session or, lately, some stretching, which feels amazing. Afterward, I give myself a self-massage using online videos for guidance. Instead of a massage roller, a stretching stick works well; for trigger point balls, a sock rolled into a ball is perfect. I always feel reborn afterward—and it costs nothing.
DIY Body Care
No need for pricey exfoliators—I add sugar to my shower gel and scrub my body with it; it’s the best body scrub. For my face, I use homemade masks (honey, yogurt, banana, or lately matcha). For my hair, nourishing treatments made from coconut oil or olive oil. I’ve created a spa day at home without buying a thing.
Clearing Out
Psychologists say tidying up and cleaning your home is good for your mind. I agree and apply this to my online space too. Every week, I spend twenty minutes unfollowing some influencers—or any social media accounts—and deleting apps. I also organize my photos weekly; there’s no need to keep 15 identical pics of my cat or lunch on my phone. Less online stimulation is a gift for your brain.
Relax
I turn off the bathroom light and light a few candles. The gentle darkness is more soothing than bright light. I play calming music or nature sounds like rain, waves, or wind through trees. If you have a bathtub, add bath salts; if you shower, light incense or a scented candle. I usually relax with a small chocolate and a glass of wine in the steam, but fruit or a smoothie works too. If I’m in the mood, I start a podcast or audiobook, close my eyes, and unwind.
So Much More
A library offers way more than you might think. I recently borrowed a puzzle from mine, and a friend borrowed a board game. The annual membership costs next to nothing and opens up tons of options. You can borrow not just books but also sheet music, graphics, cassette tapes, and slide films. Plus digital content like e-books, audiobooks, database access, and online magazines. At the Metropolitan Szabó Ervin Library, borrowing DVDs and educational kits is free. You can even use gaming room equipment and borrow tablets for onsite use. Libraries also host programs like storytime, slide shows, creative craft afternoons, book launches, lectures, photo screenings, talks, concerts, and even family constellation sessions or drawing contests. So, the library is not just about knowledge but also about experiences and community.
