Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is also accessible to literally everyone. No matter your budget there are a million different ways to take care of yourself. Today we will be talking all about self-care on a budget. Because self-care doesn’t have to mean dishing out money for an all inclusive spa day.
Picture this: You’re lying on a beach in the Tropics, the sun warming your skin, and a gentle breeze ruffling your hair. Oh wait, you’re actually on your living room couch, covered in a blanket fort, with a fan blowing air that kinda-sorta feels like a breeze.
But don’t worry, here are plenty of ways to provide yourself with champagne level self-care on a beer budget – and i’m here to show you just how!
Defining What Self-Care Means To You
If you scroll Pinterest long enough you may come to the conclusion that self-care means taking a bath and doing your nails. But that is just not the case. Self-care is unique to each of us, so it’s important to define what it means to you, and what makes you feel your best.
If you’re anything like me and you work from home your definition of self-care may be different than if you work in a high stress environment like an ER, for example. You will just have different priorities. And thats okay. In fact, it’s a good thing. Once you are able to define your specific needs for self-care, you will be able to fine tune your routines to fit.
What does your day to day life looks like? And what can you add every single day to benefit your mental and physical health?
Know that there can be some trial and error on your self-care journey. You may realize that although baking cookies may be someone’s definition of a relaxing evening, if it stresses you out more than it relaxes you then it may be time to try out a different self-care practice.
Bottom line is, be honest with yourself and experiment with activities to find a self-care practice that works best with your lifestyle. And remember, it doesn’t have to cost you anything either!
11 Ideas for Self-Care On A Budget
1. Go on a digital detox walk
This is probably the only tip that I strongly believe is universal to absolutely everyone! There is nothing more beneficial than taking yourself on a walk outside and leaving your phone at home (although for safety reasons I always bring mine and leave it on do not disturb).
Stepping away from your busy life and any problems or stress you may be facing is the single most beneficial thing you can do for yourself. I wont get into the benefits of exercise, I know you know that walking is good for you, so unplug and go out on a walk around the block. Take some deep breaths, soak in the sun, people-watch, think about your goals and priorities. Spend some time with just yourself. Trust me, you will come back feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and 1000% amazing. Plus, it’s 100% free!
2. Take 30 minutes to stretch and destress your body
This may be a tiny bit controversial but here’s what I suggest; put on your favorite show, take a green gummy (only if that’s legal where you live), and just stretch out all of your muscles. You don’t even need to follow a tutorial. Just let your body guide you into doing whatever feels best. Hold your stretches as long as feels right, and you will feel all of the tension melting away. Trust me, this is going to be your self-care goto. Plus it’s affordable! I call that a win-win.
3. Make a nourishing and mindful meal
We all know that food is fuel and cooking healthy meals doesn’t have to be expensive! What you eat has a major effect on your body and can play a big role in how you feel both short and long-term. That’s why finding affordable, healthy meals that you can whip up in no time makes a huge difference.
Make cooking a self-care experience by picking out nutritious, and delicious meals to make for yourself. I find that reading about the benefits of the foods you eat can also make the experience feel like you are taking care of yourself. For example, I read about the awesome benefits of using turmeric. And now I put it in a bunch of my meals and it makes me feel like I’m making a difference in my body. Find similar foods that get you excited to use them, and you will feel the mental benefits of at-home cooking even before the physical!
4. Do something physically challenging
This may seem like the opposite of self-care, but in our world of working from home many of us do not get enough movement during the day. I’m speaking from experience when I say that between working a 9-5, working on a blog, and ending the night catching up on a TV show, there are days (more than I would like to admit) where I don’t get nearly enough movement.
Going out of your comfort zone to participate in pushing your body a little further than normal can have amazing benefits for your mental and physical health. Pushing your body will make you feel alive and invigorated which may be just the thing you need to make you feel your best.
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5. Rewatch a comfort show
This is probably the ultimate self-care move! Especially on a cozy night, lighting a candle, getting a blanket, and rewatching a feel-good show can do wonders! (OMG writing this is getting me extra excited for fall!)
All I can think about is cuddling up under the covers with the lights off and putting on Friends which in my opinion is the ultimate comfort show. Whenever I do this, I just feel like I’m not alone, and I’m right there in Monica’s apartment with the group (if you know, you know). Do you have a favorite comfort show? If so, share it down below!
6. Do 1 thing that will make your home feel cozier
Self-care is not just about doing activities to treat yourself. It ultimately starts with an environment that makes you feel amazing! Find one way to make your home feel a bit cozier. Whether thats lighting a candle, getting out a cozy blanket or doing some organizing. Keeping a clean and inviting environment is a great budget friendly form of self-care.
7. Experiment with making an at home beauty remedies
This is one of my faves. Making all sorts of fun DIY hair and skin masks and body scrubs is super fun. Plus these are both natural and inexpensive self-care methods!
Here are a few faves:
8. Put on a podcast and go on a drive
This one is self-explanatory. Nothing is quite as fun as going out on a late-night drive listening to some music or a podcast. Above all it gets you out of the house, gives you some time to yourself, and you get to control the speaker. Sounds like a budget friendly dream to me!
9. Start a goal oriented savings account
We live in a world of near-instant gratification. We get food delivered, any movie can be streamed and nearly anything you desire will arrive at the door with 2-day shipping. So being able to save money for something you want is a great way to build up excitement. Basically start out with a goal you want to achieve and any time you move towards it, throw some money in a jar. Soon enough you will have accomplished your goal, and saved up for an item you wanted!
10. Play a cozy video game
Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a ‘gamer’ you can enjoy playing a cozy video game. It’s so incredibly fun to explore a fantasy world from the comfort of your couch! My personal favorite is Zelda, it’s a fun open-world game with tons of exploring and puzzles. If you or anyone in your family has a console, give it a try. You may just discover a love for exploring!
11. Go on a picnic
Grab a blanket, a book, and stop by a coffee shop to get a latte and a snack and you are all set! Whether you are alone or with friends a picnic is a fantastic, and most importantly cheap, way to enjoy much needed self-care on a budget.
If you are looking for a good book recommendation, here are a few of my favorites I’ve recently read:
Did you find these affordable self-care idea's useful?
Hopefully you found some new self-care on a budget ideas that wont break your bank in this post. Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s just all about finding the best ways to recharge your mind and body so you can keep working on being the best version of yourself!
If you found any of these affordable self-care ideas helpful, or you have some idea’s that you want to share, please leave them below! I would love to connect and hear from you 🙂
