How to Enhance Your Self-Care Routine While Keeping Your Wallet Full
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(|H|A|K|) By Emma Grace Brown
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 using Target promo codes to changing up your bedtime routine, here’s 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. If your self-care routine involves working out with a trainer, download an app that comes with a much smaller price tag.
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. If it helps, make a list of your top priorities and research alternatives.
One form of self-care that everyone should get on board with is getting an adequate amount of sleep. 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.
Develop a routine that will help you relax and quiet your mind before bedtime. Suggestions include 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 softer bedding, and find a pillow that works for you. If that doesn’t help, 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 can be found at Target, where you can shop within your budget. The help you save even more money, look online for a Target coupon code before you shop.
One of your most valuable resources is your time. That’s why it’s important to give yourself time off of work or meeting the needs of a loved one. Spend a little “me” time as often as you can, and 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
- Talking on the phone
- Watching a movie
- Whipping up your favorite snack
- Hanging out with your pet
Your list will probably stray from these ideas, but you’re sure to have budget-friendly options. There is no standard way to practice self-care; it’s defined however you choose, according to Psychology Today. However, we can find overlapping self-care practices in our daily habits.
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?
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