BeckyIf you’re anything like me, self-care is few and far between, ESPECIALLY after having kids. Now add to the fact that you’re trying to stay in line with your budget and you’ve got yourself a predicament!
Since getting back on track with our budget, we’ve had to forgo some of our “fancier” splurges like my occasional pedicures, my husband’s golfing and hunting trips, eating out once a week, etc. At the same time, we still need to take care of ourselves and allow ourselves to rest and connect.
That’s why we found other cheaper (and sometimes FREE!) options for self care. Here is a list of some of my favorite ways to indulge in self-care without busting the budget.
1.Give yourself an at-home spa day
Think DIY mani/pedi and a nice face mask like THIS ONE to give yourself a simple facial. I even found a foot mask like THIS ONE at Target recently.
Take a bubble bath with candles and some low-playing music and feel yourself unwind. I may not get the chance to leave the house to be alone, but it’s still nice when I get that time alone to recenter.
2. Take a walk
A simple walk around the block on your lunch will make you feel better and get your energy going. Research has shown that walking boosts your endorphins, but my favorite way to take a walk is taking a walk outside!
Whether that be a walk in the falling leaves or watching flowers budding up through the soil, get out and walk! There’s something about the fresh air on my face, the chirping of the birds, the peace that comes with getting outside can’t be beat.
Take your loved ones, walk your dog, put on a good podcast and feel the stress melt away.
3. Read a book
Guys, if you know me, you KNOW how much I love to read! I sure miss the days of being able to lay around all day reading a good captivating book. It’s so simple and serene.
This is where the saving-money part kicks in. There are so many options to find a good book.
You can check a book out at your local library, buy a used book at a discounted price from your local bookstore or if you’re lucky, you’ll cross paths with a little street box library in your neighborhood while taking a walk. You can leave a book behind that you’ve read and loved and then take one for yourself.
4. Take a nap
Again, naps are rare around here, but if you want to talk about something that is restorative for your body, NAPS. There is nothing quite like a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Pure bliss!
But in general, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or even just plain old worn out, take a nap. Give your body that time to recharge and see what a difference it makes. Also, IT’S FREE!
5. Catch up with friends
Out of the many self-care options I like to choose from, my absolute favorite of them all is catching up with an old friend.
You know what I’m talking about. Those friends where you can show up at their house and just chat the afternoon away while eating snacks galore. The friends where you can sit and say nothing and watch Harry Potter movies on repeat until you feel like you’re a Hogwarts student yourself! The friends where you can go “window shopping” through Target and TJ Maxx all morning long (if you have that kind of willpower).
That’s the restorative, connective self-care I long for. Find yourself a friend like that and make time at least quarterly to be together, even if you’re just in one another’s presence.
So whatever you choose as your self-care, know that there are so many options that don’t cost you a thing while you’re getting out of debt and sticking to a budget! Make a list of things YOU enjoy doing that can help you take care of yourself and choose one to do this week.
