This post is all about 5 inexpensive and easy ways that you can practice self-care.
As I’ve gotten older, taking care of myself and protecting my peace has become one of my top priorities, and I have learned that I don’t have to have a fancy juicer or a boutique gym membership to do that. While those things are really nice, I don’t think that you have to spend much money to take care of yourself.
I get it, it can be easy to get distracted by self-care trends like light therapy and 24K Gold eye patches, but not everyone has that kind of budget! Since I consider financial wellness a very important part of how I practice self-care, I choose less expensive yet effective ways to incorporate it! Plus, not having room in your budget for a spendy facial shouldn’t keep you from practicing self-care.
Here Are 5 Inexpensive and Easy Ways to Practice Self-Care:
- Adopt a Skincare Routine and Stick to it
In my opinion, this is the easiest and most luxiourious way to take care of yourself simply because it gives back tenfold. Whether your skincare routine is 2 minutes or 10 minutes, you will never regret carving out this time for yourself in the morning or at night.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, I use a gentle face wash and moisutirzer in the morning and I use my dermatologist recommended medicine at night followed by the same mositurizer. My entire routine is 3 products total, but every single day after finishing my routine, I feel like I just did something really important for myself and my skin.
Along the same lines, I think it’s really important to spend a little bit of time getting to know your skin (from your head to your toes) and learning how you can take care of it long-term. Whether you are interested in preventing wrinkles, protecting yourself from incidental sun exposure or simply soothing puffy under eye bags, there are so many techniques and tools that can help you that aren’t complicated or spendy.
I hope that you choose to practice self-care by nurturing your skin! Afterall, it is our largest organ, and no one else is going to take care of it for you!
I tried a (mostly) natural nighttime skincare routine not too long ago – you can read more about what I thought about it here! - Choose Reading Over Screen Time
Taking time away from your screen is an absolute necessity. I know that you know this, but do you really make an effort to step away from your phone, laptop or TV? My favorite way to do this is by picking up a book. Like most of us, I am on my computer for the majority of the day. Whether I am working or writing blog posts, I average about 9-10 hours per day on my computer during the week.
I used to mindlessly scroll my phone after I got off my computer until it was time for bed every single night. There were even times when I would put on a TV show and scroll my phone at the same time. Without fail, I felt incredibly drained at the end of each night. I know I’m not alone in this! It wasn’t until I put down my phone and picked up a book that I actually felt truly relaxed and rested. Go figure.
With that said, the cost of books can add up – especially if they are newer ones! My favorite and best hack for saving money on books is getting a library card – and yes, they still have those! Library cards are completely free. Simply put a book on hold online or go into the library and check out the ones you want. A lot of libraries even offer e-books if you choose to read on a kindle or your phone. If you read on a device, try not to get distracted by other apps, texts, or emails!
It’s really hard to get off of your screens sometimes, but I’ve learned that you really, really don’t miss a thing when you do. Plus, you will feel so much better for it considering reading has been proven to reduce stress levels by 68%. - Cook or Bake Something That You Enjoy
Let me ask you this: What is better than cooking a meal for yourself that is both nourishing and delicious? The only thing that comes close is baking a treat that is both good and good for you. Do you agree?
One of the best things about cooking or baking for yourself at home is that it’s a fraction of the cost of going out. Plus, you are in charge of exactly what’s going in your food! Those two things are crucial for self-care. There is nothing worse than going out to eat, spending a bunch of money and not feeling good after because there was too much butter or salt in your food leaving you bloated and uncomfortable.
Listen to your body to learn what you are in the mood for or simply pick out a new recipe that you want to try! The act of choosing something for YOU and preparing it for yourself is truly sacred.
You don’t have to be the best in the kitchen to enjoy this self-care tip. It’s honestly probably better if you’re not because you can practice and gain some confidence in this area! That’s what I did! When you find a recipe that you love or perfect one that you create, write it out on an index card. I love to do this because it keeps me from scrolling through my phone to find it, and it’s always handy when I need it. - Move Your Body Daily
Whether you choose to take a short walk around the block with your pup or do a HIIT workout in the morning before work, it is so important that you incorporate movement into your daily life. We have been taught this our entire life! Exercise not only has a positive effect on our bodies, but it has a positive effect on our mental health, stress levels, and confidence. That’s what I like to call self-care!
The best part about this is that you can get a great workout in for no money at all. Going for a walk outside, doing a strength circuit in your living room, and going for a bike ride around the neighborhood are all free and easily accessible, so there is no reason why you can’t take some time for yourself to move your body.
I know that there are days when you just don’t feel like moving or you’re too tired after a long day. Trust, me I get it! I have those days too, but I always feel better if I choose to move my body in some capacity. With that said, there is a difference between listening to your body and laziness. If your body truly needs to rest then do that! That is a form of self-care too.
On the days that I don’t feel like moving a bunch, I love to go on a walk or stretch. You will get to know what your body needs fairly quickly. Listening to your body and giving yourself what you need when you need it is one of the very best things that you can do for yourself and your health – physically, mentally, and emotionally. - Take a Long Shower or Bath
To me, there is nothing more relaxing than a long, warm shower or bath, putting a hair masque in, letting it sit and taking my sweet, sweet time. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
This is hands down the easiest, most luxiourious way that you can practice self-care on this list, and I saved it for last because it truly is the best way to round out a long, hard day or week. The uninterrupted time that you carve out to take a shower or a bath is totally yours, totally free and totally relaxing.
Before you get in, grab a fresh towel, put on a podcast or some relaxing music, light a candle and relax. Don’t forget to tell anyone you live with that you are taking some time to prioritize your self-care, so to try not to interrupt! After you get out, extend the pampering. Lather up in lotion, put on your comfiest PJs, and grab a huge glass of water (or wine). Trust me on this!
Some of my FAVE natural self-care products for the shower or bath are from Primally Pure. More specifically, I love their body butter, body sea soak and their body wash! You can use my code “HAILEY10” if you are interested!
I want to remind you: self-care is not selfish. In fact, I think that not taking care of yourself is the most selfish thing you can do because not prioritizing yourself affects how you show up in the world and with your loved ones.
I know that sometimes self-care looks like ordering takeout and not changing out of your PJs on a lazy Sunday, but I do hope that you take some of these tips into consideration especially if you are looking for more low-maintenance and low-cost ways to prioritize yourself.
Whether you choose to implement a 5-minute skincare routine or wake up an hour early to get a workout in, you will not regret giving yourself the time and attention that you need! Please take all of the tips you need from this post and implement them and drop your favorite ways to practice self-care in the comments. I want to hear all about them!
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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.
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