Self-Care on the Cheap
I know for a lot of people money is tight; it seems the price of things just keeps going up every day. That can make it difficult sometimes to take care of yourself. I have some self-care ideas that are inexpensive and/or free.
First of all, what is self-care? It means doing things for yourself, to relax, to de-stress, to decompress, to revive your energy level, to heal yourself. Now some might say this sounds selfish, or self-indulgent. I say it is a very necessary part of life. How can we take care of the ones we love if we are not taking care of ourselves? Refueling your emotional or spiritual tank will help you get through the day, the week, the month, with less stress, higher productivity, potentially less sick days, and maybe a friendlier attitude.
So here are a few self-care ideas that are affordable:
Go to the library. Read any good books lately? Did you know you can get a library card for free or very little cost? For a lot of people, reading can be very relaxing, almost an escape. The library also has things like book clubs and quiet places to research or study. See what your local library has to offer.
Spend some time at a park. More and more neighborhood parks are popping up in cities and towns across the country. Find a shady spot under a tree to rest, or feed the ducks, play frisbee with a friend. Enjoy some fresh air, explore what is around you, unwind.
Meditate or pray. These are two great ways to relax, de-stress, or connect with your spiritual side. People often feel their minds are clearer and they feel more at ease after meditation or prayer. If you don’t know how to meditate, there are free instructional videos on the internet.
Take a hot bath or shower. Due to our fast-paced lifestyles, we often don’t take time to relax. When was the last time you took a long bath? Or stood in the hot shower for a few extra minutes? Either one of these can loosen your muscles, open your pores and nasal passages, potentially releasing tension, toxins, and helping you breathe better.
Exercise. One of the best things you can do for your body and mind is to exercise. You don’t need a fancy home gym or an expensive gym membership to exercise. Walking and running require no equipment other than clothes, not to mention pushups, sit ups, burpees, chin ups, and bear crawls are all free. You can find yoga, Pilates, and aerobic workouts online that are free or inexpensive. A good workout can be had on the cheap, you just may need to get creative. (Always consult your physician before starting any exercise routine).
These are just a few ideas that I hope are helpful. Now it is up to you. Don’t let a lack of funds hold you back from feeling more relaxed, more productive, and better able to face the challenges of tomorrow.