Last updated on October 8th, 2022 at 07:02 pm
Magazines and influencers often promote some very expensive products and experiences in an effort to promote self-care. However, self-care doesn’t have to be about spending a lot of money on a product or a treatment. It can be something effective yet affordable – something that recharges your batteries and puts a smile on your face.
Let’s look at six self-care practices that will help you wind down after a busy day and feel better about the one ahead.
Try some relaxing yoga
You don’t need to sign up for a yoga class to enjoy the benefits, and you don’t even have to engage in a grueling workout. You can find lots of relaxing yoga routines online, made for absolute inflexible beginners, that won’t leave you sore the next day, but that will still help you to still your mind and stretch your body.
You don’t need a mat or workout gear either: you can place a blanket on the floor, and do it in your pajamas!
Try journaling
Journaling has recently become a very popular practice, and there are even classes online that will teach you how to make your journals more visually appealing, not to mention the expensive bullet journals and all the pens and pencils you can buy.
But you can get the same benefits with any old notebook and pen–anything you can write on and write with that allows you to get your ideas on paper. The aim of the practice is to rid your mind of the thoughts that are swirling around – and you can do that with any old writing material.
Borrow some colorful pencils from the kids if you want to let your inner visual artist escape as well.
Try some pampering
When you think about self-care practices, going to the spa probably comes to mind. But, you can easily come up with an affordable spa routine you can do at home — one that doesn’t require a lot of money or a lot of expensive products.
For your hair, you can simply use organic coconut oil – just make sure you wash it out thoroughly.
There are countless DIY face mask ideas online, and they will often be more beneficial than pre-packaged ones that also contain chemicals.
A tasty mango flavored lip scrub can leave your lips feeling fresh without having to use several products.
Find a routine that works for you – be it a rejuvenating mask and a soak in the bath or a quick face scrub and fresh nail polish – and make it a point to find the time for it.
Try a new meal
Eating a delicious meal is a feast for all your senses – especially if you prepare it yourself. Devote one evening a week to trying out new dishes, and get the whole family in on the action.
The more different it is from your usual meals, the better. After all, how can you know if you like a dish if you’ve never tried it?
If you work these meals into your regular weekly shop, and make sure you use up all the ingredients, this can be a great way to both stay frugal and enjoy some novelty.
Get moving
Instead of signing up for a fitness class or paying for a gym membership, why not engage in a great at-home exercise: dancing?
Put your headphones on (or wait until you are alone and use the speakers), and blast your guilty pleasure playlist to your heart’s content. You know, all those songs you actually love but would normally be a bit embarrassed to admit you know all the lyrics to.
Dancing will not only get you moving, but it will also get your body to release all kinds of happy hormones. Plus, it will be just as good as a workout – provided you don’t just play something slow.
Get outside
How much time do you spend outdoors? For many of us, it’s not enough. Did you know that you can get some incredible health benefits from spending time in nature? Getting outdoors every day will increase brain function, promote a healthy sleep pattern, reduce stress, and even increase your levels of vitamin D?
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a beach, you know how relaxing it is to listen to the waves, and there’s no denying that a walk in the woods or through a quiet park is a wonderful form of self-care.
Final thoughts
Self-care is all about doing whatever it is you enjoy – reading, music, a craft, or just being still for awhile. Don’t forget that these little practices need to be a part of your regular routine, to recharge you, revitalize you, and keep you content. And, these are just some of the self-care practices you can indulge in without spending money. Do have any more ideas?
Also read–
Why You Should Simplify Your Life and Tips for Making it Happen
Self-Care Checklist Printable (Free)
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