6 Tips to Practice Self-Care without Breaking the Bank is a post originally published on: Everything Finance - Everything Finance - Its all about Money!
Life gets stressful at times, and as adults, it is easy for us to be carried away by the busyness of life. We contend with so much on a daily basis from your family, your finances, your health, and your job, it’s easy for burnout to set in. For me, as a single mom of two, finding time to care for myself is rare; throw in financial restrictions, and it is nearly impossible. I have learned that in order to show up for myself and kids I have to take better care of myself and one such way is making self-care a priority. I have redefined what it takes to practice self care, and it is not the glitz and glamour of social media. When most people hear “self-care”, they often jump to the thought of facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, yoga classes, and traveling. Yes, all of those things are great and we all deserve them, but they can be expensive!
The truth is self-care has nothing to do with spending money, it’s about taking care of yourself and doing the things you need to operate at your very best. Here are 6 ways to practice self care without breaking the bank.
What is Self Care?
Self-care is a general term that describes everything you do deliberately for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It means doing things to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. Doing so enhances our ability to live fully, vibrantly, and effectively. The practice of self-care also reminds both you and others that your needs are valid and a priority.
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Why is it Important?
Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit the good feelings to others. You cannot give to others what you don’t have yourself. While some may misconstrue self-care as selfish, it’s far from that. When you pay adequate attention to your well-being, you’re not considering your needs alone. You’re reinvigorating yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself for the people around you.
The following are six different methods of self-care that are guaranteed to slow your mind and increase your health relatively quickly without breaking the bank:
Financial Self Care Routine
Self-care and wellness go beyond just taking care of your mental, emotional, or physical health. Practicing financial self-care is also important for staying on top of your money as you work toward financial goals. If you don’t know where your income is coming from or where your money is going, your sense of happiness and well-being can suffer. Practicing financial self-care means developing habits that set you up to reach your goals. Schedule some time once a week to sit down and look at your money. Take a few minutes to review your bank statements, and budget, this will keep you ahead of the game as the month goes by.
Have Home Spa Days
Every moment of a Spa is so luxurious, except the moment you get the bill. Going to the spa can be very expensive, but with just a few affordable ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can easily recreate a memorable spa day at home. Investing in a few additional beauty tools up front, whether it’s a facial cleansing brush or a pedicure kit, can help you enjoy more at home spa days. The first step of having your at-home spa day is setting the scene. You can light a candle, dim the lights, and throw on your favorite robe. Or you can stay in pajamas and pamper yourself with your favorite show in the background. The beauty of at-home spa treatments is that there are no rules, do what makes your heart happy without putting a major dent in your wallet.
Read a Book
Reading is one of the most effective forms of self-care. When it comes to books, there are so many different genres to choose from. Whether it’s a novel, non-fiction read or collection of poetry, practice some affordable escapism with a good book. My favorite is self-improvement books. If you find the right one, it can empower you and set a fire within your soul that keeps you motivated. The cost of your favorite looks can add up, libraries are a great way to enjoy your favorite authors for free.
RELATED: Top 5 Financial Books That Will Change Your Life
Get Moving
Exercise is a necessity and just 10mins of it can help improve your mood, give you energy, and even extend your life span. And exercise doesn’t have to be boring. What’s something you enjoy doing? Riding a bike, going for a scenic walk, and playing kickball with the kids are all great ways to exercise without feeling like it’s work.
RELATED: 8 Ways to Workout From Home and Cancel your Gym Membership
Start a Journal
A few years I started journaling, not only did it improved my mood, it left me feeling calm, centered, and capable. The process of writing down your thoughts helps clear your mind and enables the brain to regulate emotions. It’s an excellent stress management tool and has also been shown to improve memory. If you’re new to journaling, you may not know where to start, start with a gratitude journal.
Speak to a Therapist
There is a common myth that there has to be something such as trauma or grief for someone to speak to a therapist. But literally, anyone can benefit from regular sessions with a therapist. Talking has got to be one of the best ways of relieving emotional stress, be it small or big. Opening up and talking with an unbiased, non-judgmental person, who can offer a rational third party perspective, is undeniably valuable.
Final Words
Taking the time to practice Self care looks different on everyone, what one person sees as nourishing, another might find boring. So focus on doing what makes you feel calm, connected, and happy. Above all else, remember that your mental health matters. I encourage you to take some time for yourself. Let go of the busyness of life and think about what you can do to nurture yourself.
What are some of the ways you practice self-care?
6 Tips to Practice Self-Care without Breaking the Bank is a post originally published on: Everything Finance - Everything Finance - Its all about Money!
