Read this blog if you want to learn how to have fun and practice self-care when you’re on a tight budget. The tea:
By 2026, the self-care industry is expected to be worth close to $13 billion, but it’s important to note that we don’t have to spend money to prioritize ourselves and our well-being! Keep reading for some ways to enhance your connection with the present by participating in activities that don’t involve materialistic gains.
- Journal
A “journal” can be as simple as a napkin or whatever sheet of paper you have lying around with some blank space on it. Take a few moments to write out your thoughts without inhibition. Write about the dream you had the night before, plans for the future, any observations you have of your mood in the present moment, or list all of the things you were grateful for that day. If you don’t feel like writing, download a free voice diary app on your phone to record your thoughts verbally.
- Go for a walk
Now I’m sure you figured this would make it on the list, but here’s where we gotta switch things up! Don’t just walk around, go for a walk with intention. Notice all of the opportunities that present themselves during this walk and follow your intuition. Let your thoughts flow freely, and if something troubling is on your mind, imagine that each step is distancing you further from those thoughts and closer to a solution.
(Scent & Spill "Daydream" candle. Product photo taken by Brittany Chase Photography)
- Clean the house and light a candle
Nothing feels better than straightening up your space a little and lighting a candle afterwards. Not only does a candle’s comforting glow greatly improve the ambiance of a space, but the fragrance can directly affect our emotions as well. This connection between scent and emotions is primarily due to the olfactory system being closely linked to other parts of the brain that deal with memory and emotion. Due to their proximity, it’s not surprising that scent has such a powerful way of influencing our thoughts and moods!
- Listen to music
Another great way to spend quality time with yourself is by making a “good vibes” playlist with all of your favorite mood-boosting songs. Generally these songs are fast-paced, energetic, and carefree, but feel free to put whatever songs make you feel good. You can check out my feel-good playlist here!
- Read a book
Go to the library and pick out a book, or trade one with a friend, to add something new to your collection. You can set aside at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time, or give yourself a goal to read a certain number of pages every week. Reward yourself afterwards if it helps to get you started!
- Practice yoga or stretch
Yoga doesn’t have to be a “thing”! Just pull up a 15-30 minute YouTube video, get some comfy clothes on and grab something soft to sit on like a towel or blanket if you don’t have a yoga mat. Practice breathing with intention and pay attention to the way your movements feel to your body. Drink water afterwards!
- Take a bath
Sometimes a bath is the way to go! Wipe the tub out and fill it with warm water and some epsom salt if you have it! Give yourself some TLC and be sure to moisturize everything with whatever lotion you have on hand afterwards.
- Do something kind for yourself or someone else
When directed towards others, kindness furthers our connections with those around us. When directed towards ourselves, kindness can increase our self-esteem and optimism. Some examples of kindness that doesn’t cost any money include:
- Giving someone a compliment
- Complimenting yourself (genuinely!)
- Texting a friend or loved-one that you’re thinking about them
- Saying “thank you” to someone for something they did for you
- Volunteering your time for a good cause
- Passing along an anonymous positive note to a stranger
- Sharing a smile with a stranger
- Giving your s/o a back rub!
- Donating clothes to a friend or facility in need
- Setting your clothes out, or preparing your lunch for the next day
- Forgiving yourself for a mistake you made in the past
While this list certainly isn't comprehensive, we hope it gives you a good place to start to practice self-care without any monetary involvement.
That's the tea!
Thank you for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this article and how you practice self-care without spending money! Leave a comment below, and stay tuned for next time!