S elf-care is often thought of as something very time-consuming and expensive that you’ll have to plan to have. That could not be farther from the truth. Self-care isn’t just essential oils and bath bombs (though it can be), it’s about anything that puts you at peace.
Once you understand that, you’ll see there are many ways to treat yourself without spending any money. Doesn’t that sound amazing? Now that we have that down, let’s explore some ways you can treat yourself to feel like your best self.
1. Read
Reading is an underrated activity that most people deem too time-consuming or ‘intellectual’ for them to pursue. In all honesty, there are no set books for your particular age group and neither is there a requirement to read 6 hours a day.
Simply read anything that brings you joy in any amount of free time that you find yourself having. Some people like to look down on those who don’t read classics or very loaded books, but jokes on them, you don’t read to prove a point, you read to cultivate joy in your life, and if the 1986 Archie Comics do that for you or if ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ reminds you of what it’s like being a kid again, then that is exactly what you should be reading.
2. Watch Something
Sometimes, taking out time to watch a movie or TV show you had been wanting to for a long time is exactly what you need to unwind. So kick up your feet, pop some corn, and put on the first dumb TV show you come across.
Keeping up with actual ‘good’ movies or series can sometimes be quite exhausting so in that case, there is absolutely no shame in watching reruns of ‘The Office’ or whatever Netflix series that has got the kids in a chokehold these days.
3. At-Home Spa Day
Have a rare day off work? Why not have an at-home spa day! Break out those face masks you’ve been saving, turn up the music and take a long shower, moisturize, shave (if that’s your cup of tea), and lounge around in your robe all day long.
It doesn’t have to cost a dime either, especially if you don’t have any face masks. Simply google DIY face masks and make the perfect one for yourself with everything you already have! Nothing feels better than just giving back to your body and feeling refreshed and relaxed when you wake up.
4. Cook A Nice Meal
Do you have a favorite dish that you absolutely adore? Why not take out some time to make that for yourself? Turn up your favorite playlist in the kitchen and get cooking and then, lay out the table with your favorite drink, change into your favorite outfit, and savor the taste of that delicious food.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy either. Even a bowl of cereal that you’ve been craving or some of mom’s tomato spaghetti can do the trick. It’s all about what you love and what makes you feel good.
5. Meditate and Journal
Sometimes, self-care is more than just spa days and picnics, it’s about taking care of your health, both mental and physical. Taking out even 10 to 15 minutes to just meditate is a great way to practice mindfulness, stay in the present, and stay more relaxed as the day goes on.
Similarly, journaling is an amazing outlet for all the tension and anxiety that’s taking up space in your head. Simply getting your thoughts down on a piece of paper can make you feel a lot better than you could ever imagine. Of course, practice makes perfect, but the more you stick to it, the more benefits you reap and the clearer it becomes that this was, after all, a good idea.
It’s important to remember that these ways to treat yourself without spending any money are simply ideas to get you started. Treating yourself can be anything you want, from coloring to reading, to hanging out with friends and family.
Simply tune in to your body and mind and see what you want and give yourself what you deserve, whenever you can. Self-care doesn’t have to be a 3-week trip to Paris, it can simply be getting an extra hour of sleep each night. Figure out what works for you and find ways to incorporate that into your daily life.
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- 5 ways to treat yourself without money
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