High end health clubs, personal trainers and special diets can break the bank. So it’s easy to assume you need a hefty bank balance, maintain wellness and support a live-in nutritionist, or a minimum-$150 face oil. But some of the healthiest habits of the rich and famous are surprisingly simple — and free. From barefoot walks to cold showers and 5-minute meditations, these celebrity-approved wellness hacks prove you don’t need to spend big to feel better.
Wellness has become overly complicated and overpriced, making it intimidating and inaccessible for many. Buzzy self-care trends can convince people they need expensive products or over-the-top routines — but that’s just not true.
Instead, it’s small, consistent rituals — the kind you can do anywhere, anytime — that have the most lasting impact. And as the celebs below show, the best ones won’t cost you a dime.
The 7 Celebrity Wellness Hacks You Can Steal for Free
1. Cold Therapy – Chris Hemsworth
Who’s into it? Aussie star Chris Hemsworth literally dives into cold exposure in his Disney+ docuseries Limitless, plunging into Arctic waters like it’s just another Tuesday morning.
Try it for free: Crank your shower to cold for the last 30–60 seconds. It’s brutal, yes—but fans swear it jumpstarts energy, slashes stress, and builds mental toughness. No glacier dip necessary.
You don’t need high-tech treatments to feel better — in the case of cold therapy, just ice-cold water and a little discomfort. Combining a sauna with an ice bath is an effective way to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery and elevate your mood according to Chris.
2. Meditation – Oprah Winfrey
Who’s into it? Oprah has sworn by daily meditation for years, crediting it as her mental reset button and the secret to staying grounded amidst a chaotic lifestyle.
Try it for free: You don’t need to hire a pricey guru. Find a quiet place to sit still and focus on your breath for 5–10 minutes. Or hit up YouTube for guided sessions. Inner peace for zero dollars.
3. Earthing (Grounding) – Gwyneth Paltrow
Who’s into it? Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow champions “earthing” — the practice of walking barefoot on grass or sand to soak up the planet’s good vibes. Paltrow herself apparently swears by earthing — which is also called “grounding” — and members of the Goop community believe it can help with inflammation, arthritis, insomnia, depression, and more.
Try it for free: Ditch your shoes, head outside, and feel the earth beneath your feet. It’s strangely soothing and completely free. If you’re in your local park, you may get a few odd looks — return them with pride.
Some of the most powerful wellness activities are the ones you can do in your backyard.
4. Journaling – Emma Watson
Who’s into it? Emma Watson journals every single day and takes her notebook everywhere. For her, it’s part therapy, part ritual. She describes it as a way to keep her head together and connect with her inner self.
Try it for free: You don’t need a fancy, leather-bound diary — grab a scrap of paper or open your Notes app. Word-vomit your thoughts, stressors, and dreams with zero judgement. Free and effective.
5. Nature Walks – Gisele Bündchen
Who’s into it? Gisele Bündchen’s social feed is basically one long love letter to nature — barefoot hikes, forest strolls, and sunset walks.
Try it for free: Put your phone away and hit the nearest green space. Even a 15-minute stroll can clear your head and boost your mood. Bonus points if you go barefoot like Gisele.
You don’t need a gym membership when the outdoors is open 24/7. A nature walk is one of the simplest, most underrated wellness activities out there.
6. Digital Detox – Scarlett Johansson
Who’s into it? Scarlett Johansson gave Instagram a shot — for three whole days — before calling it quits. Her verdict? “I’m too fragile for this,” she admitted, preferring real-life over reels.
Try it for free: Skip the scroll and give your brain a breather. Step away from the apps for a few hours (or a day if you’re feeling bold). Fewer memes, more mental clarity — and no FOMO in sight.
7. Gratitude Lists – Jennifer Aniston
Who’s into it? Jennifer Aniston starts every morning scribbling down what she’s thankful for, which gives her a positive mindset shift. What is Aniston most grateful for these days? “Oh God, just my health, my family, I’m just grateful,” she says. “I try to write down a gratitude list every morning as well, it always gives you a thankful shift. I’m just grateful for all of it. My meditations vary, but gratitude lists are really important, I believe. Every week I do them. We have a lot to be grateful for.”
Try it for free: Before the chaos kicks in, jot down three things you’re grateful for, no matter how small. It’s quick, free, and way healthier than scrolling yourself into a funk.
Gratitude doesn’t cost a thing — and it rewires your mindset faster than any supplement.
