Fulfilling work responsibilities, caring for loved ones and maintaining your own home take a lot of energy and time. Taking care of yourself tends to come in last place on your list of priorities, but neglecting your own self-care because of financial restraints or lack of energy can negatively impact other aspects of your life you worked so hard to preserve. The good news is you can take better care of yourself without spending a fortune. From changing up your bedtime routine for better sleep to using promo codes, let me show you how to boost your self-care on a budget:
Stay Within Your Budget
Despite the myths surrounding self-care, you really don’t have to spend money. But there are some people that prefer a swankier approach to staying healthy. If a massage, mani-pedi and facial are what make you happy, go for it. Just make sure it’s in your budget.
If you’ve already established a budget, find cheaper alternatives to a day at the salon. Buy the supplies you need to do your own manicure and facial. For a cheaper massage, take a seat in one of the massage chairs at the mall for 15 minutes, or ask your partner to help out.
A great daily exercise routine doesn’t have to require a gym membership or expensive home gym
Get creative with whatever activity you would normally pay for, and you’re sure to find something that costs next to nothing—or better yet, nothing at all. For example, if you’re a senior or a mom looking to change up your exercise regimen, but can’t afford a gym membership or a complete home gym, consider buying basic equipment like a resistance band and light weights. These tools, coupled with free exercise videos that you can find on YouTube, can be all you need to get in effective workouts.
Enhance Your Sleep Affordably
One form of self-care that everyone should get on board with is getting an adequate amount of sleep. Okay, yes, this is easier said than done, but it’s hard to find the energy for any type of care when you’re fatigued or sleep-deprived. If you’re not getting the amount of sleep your body needs to function, you’re far from practicing self-care.
Implement a routine that will help you relax and quiet your mind before bedtime. Suggestions include practicing simple yoga moves, avoiding the use of electronics right before bed and writing down any anxieties you may be feeling in your journal. You need to do whatever it takes to make yourself feel relaxed.
For optimal comfort, invest in new bedding and a pillow with the right amount of firmness for you. You can also look into sound machines or other products to put you to sleep. If you’re rolling toward the middle of the bed because it has broken down over time, buy a new mattress. All of these items can be affordable and help you shop within your budget. And if you dig up promotions or extra discounts, you save even more.
Even just 30 minutes of true personal time can be a huge mood and energy booster
Take Time for Yourself
One of your most valuable resources is your time. That’s why it’s important to give yourself time to recenter and decompress. Again, by setting up a system with your partner that benefits you both, you’ll find it easier to grab some personal time, even if it’s just 30 minutes.
When you spend a little “me” time as often as you can, you’ll notice a difference right away. A hot bath can improve your cardiovascular health and reduce stress. So, put your phone on airplane mode, play some music, and unwind for an hour. While soaking, consider outlets or activities that bring you joy, and make time for them. You’ll be surprised at how many things you can come up with that cost little to nothing.
- Reading a book or article
- Writing
- Painting or Drawing
- Walking
- Stretching
- Watching a movie
- Whipping up your favorite snack
Another form of self-care to think about in your downtime is eliminating clutter. This is a crucial household task because it frees up space for more good vibes in the home. And the more positive your environment becomes, the less stressed you’ll feel! So take some time to declutter and clean the home, making sure to let in fresh air and plenty of natural light.
Start feeling better and improving your relationships by getting enough sleep and taking some time for yourself. There’s no excuse for neglecting your needs now that you see how cheap it can be. With all of the benefits that come from regular self-care, do you really want to ignore it?
– Guest post by Emma Grace Brown, who writes at emmagracebrown.com. For more thoughts on life, relationships, and other topics, check out the rest of Joanna’s blog or ask me a question!
Images via Pexels