Self-Care on a Budget

To no one’s surprise, life can really kick you in the rear... and scratch you in the eye and rip out your hair all before breakfast. And when you’re busting your tail taking care of a family, putting your best foot forward at work, and/or planning a large event or trip, the stress and exhaustion can leave you feeling empty and hopeless. Stress causes digestion disfunction, mood swings, headaches, and loss of focus; not to mention the aging and weight inconsistencies, which just stresses you out even more.

Self-care is critical in keeping your sanity. While selflessness and compassion are admirable qualities, selfishness is sometimes a requirement. Putting yourself first every one and awhile ensures you have the strength and stability to be there for others in their times of need. Of course, the first self-care activities that come to mind include massages or a vacation on the beach, which tend to be paired with a high price tag. But worry not, there are plenty of ways to give yourself the de-stressing you need without breaking the bank.

Quiet, Please

One of the best ways to unwind is to clear the room and relax in peace and quiet. Whether it’s in your bathroom, bedroom, office, or entire house, silence can make all the difference. Close the door, light some candles, find a comfy spot, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Think, or don’t. Have a snack, or don’t. Take a nap, or don’t (although I recommend one). Just be with yourself… even if it’s only for ten minutes.

{Home} Spa Day

Bubble baths truly don’t get the credit they deserve. The ingredients are simple and cheap:

• Hot water
• Bubbles (using dish soap, bubble bath, or a bath bomb— all available for $1 at Dollar Tree)
• Small candles (real or fake, scented or not)

Add bubbles with hot water to your bathtub, light the candles around the bathroom, lay back, and relax. Fancy yours up even more with some rose petals, bath salts, or a bath pillow (or rolled towel for convenience). It may sound too simple to be true, but trust me, the heat and warm scents are soothing for your body and mind.

Finish your home spa day with some nail polish and a hair deep conditioning. The benefits will last much longer than a day. You know what they say: look better, feel better… and vice versa.

Jam Session

This may be the most commonly used, underrated self-care remedy. Whatever genre pulls you out of your funk, alternative rock, 90s rap, smooth jazz, or some 80s dance pop— turn it up, and jam out. No matter how tone-deaf you are, sing it out, too. Recommended locations include the car, the shower, or wherever the hell you feel like. Music is a limitless guilty pleasure.

Whatever Makes You Happy

Love to cook gourmet meals or bake scrumptious desserts? Clear the kitchen and be a chef for a day. Got an eye for crafting and decorating? Dig through your closets and create a new piece for yourself. Blessed with rhythm and dance moves (even if your kids disagree)? Move the furniture, turn on your favorite playlist, and dance like nobody’s watching. Admire a beautiful film or hilarious television series? Pull out the pajamas and throw blanket, grab the remote, and spend the day on the couch. The point is, treat yourself by doing something you love, regardless of other’s opinions.

Work It Out

Do not take this as another person telling you that you need to exercise more. The thought of gaining weight or not being as active as your doctor may advise induces enough stress on its own. But sweating out frustration has shown to be quite effective for some (myself included). You don’t even have to go to a gym if that’s not your cup of tea. Google some weight-free workouts or yoga videos to get the burn you need without leaving the comfort of your own home. Cardio is also a great workout to clear your head, especially when done outside with some beautiful scenery. You’ll forget about your worries, even if only for a half-hour, and may even burn some calories or a jean size while you’re at it.

Let It Out

Some days call for a good cry or scream to get the stress or pain off your chest. Find a thick pillow and let it all out, whatever that sounds like for you. There are so many events or people that make you want to throw in the towel. And I know we’ve all used the phrase “so ____, I want to SCREAM.” Well, go ahead and do it! Just be careful who sees or hears…wouldn’t want to scare an unfortunate passerby. When you’re done, I promise you’ll feel relief.

Meditation

A cross-legged monk and an “ooom” hum are usually the first thing that comes to mind for meditation. Boy, is that stereotype outdated. Meditation is simply taking a moment to look inward, and there are many techniques to doing so. Apps like Calm, Aura, and Stop, Breathe, & Think teach meditating for beginners and include a ton of free sessions, calming sounds, and breathing techniques. The best part? You can take a minute to meditate at any time and for any amount of time. Talk about a life-saver!

There are tons of other ways to give yourself the attention you need and deserve— some a little pricier than others. The most important thing is to recognize that:

1. You are only human

2. You are more important than you realize.

3. You are stronger than you believe.

4. You can’t take care of others if you aren’t taking care of yourself, too.

Find what care technique is best for you, and remember to step back and take care of yourself often.