Welcome to My World – Do You Allow Yourself “Me” Time?
Hello world! Do you have enough “Me” Time” Most of us are so busy that we don’t, but it is important and it doesn’t have to break the bank either.
Epsom Salt baths help you get your magnesium and they are so relaxing for “ME” time. Deficiencies can be mood altering as well as have other bad effect on your body so don’t forget about yourself.
How to Practice Self-Care Without Breaking the Bank
Self-care has become a fad, and a pricey one at that. But self-care isn’t about spending money on healing crystals, boutique beauty products, expensive vacations or lavish shopping sprees. Most real self-care is incredibly affordable and easily achievable.
Here are some self-care ideas, all of which can be done for free or under $20, that everyone can pop into their wellness toolkit…
START MEDITATING WITH A FREE APP.
A lot of people think that meditation is not for them. But meditation is for
Does he look relaxed? What is he looking at? We can learn from our dog & cat friends.
everyone. As humans, we are meant to have quiet time where our brain jacuzzi shuts down for maintenance. Plenty of dogs are expert meditators, staring off into space, fully present in the moment, and look how happy they are! Even if you are skeptical, it is worth giving it a fair shot. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Headspace is a great resource if you’re new to meditation and on a strict budget.
TAKE A LONG, HOT SHOWER OR BATH.
Feel the hot water lap or patter rhythmically against your skin. Let yourself
I can find the time to relax in the tub? Can you? It really is worth it!
sigh and relax into the embrace of the warmth. Soak in epsom salts, add bubbles, add shower oils (lavender oil is one of my favs), light a candle. Really take advantage of your bathing experience. If you’re not taking an indulgent bath or shower once a week, you are really missing out on an effective, affordable healing experience.
INDULGE IN A READING/MUSIC HOUR.
Find a small corner of your day to just sit and read, journal, listen to music
Books have stopping points so you can stop reading: a chapter ends, etc. & they allow us to get lost in other worlds.
and be with your thoughts. If you have a record player, dust it off and toss on your favorite record. If there’s a book you’ve been meaning to finish, now’s the time. Create unstructured time and space for your intellectual and creative needs. It will feel surprisingly refreshing and productive.
START A POSITIVITY JOURNAL.
Positive thinking is a practice. Our brains are wired to focus on the negative.
You may want to use a phone app or keep a hand written journal for mood tracking & relaxing.
It’s why most of our ancestors didn’t fall into canyons or get eaten by bears. They focused on how dangerous the momma bear was, rather than how cuddly and friendly the cubs looked. And that’s why we still exist today!
But in the modern era, positivity serves us on a more spiritual level. Feel better about yourself, your life and the world around you by keeping a daily journal about all of the wonderful things going on. Just 10 minutes of positive thought patterns can balance out your mental scales quite a bit. (If you’re not into the idea of forced positivity, clearing your thoughts stream-of-consciousness style in a journal every day can blissfully unload a lot of stressful mental clutter.)
EAT SOME CHOCOLATE.
Eating chocolate is always self-care. It’s good for you and makes you feel all
Here’s one I Iike! Dark chocolate can keep your mood enhanced, your brain young, memory fresher & lower your BP.
warm and happy inside. If you’re not into chocolate, this can also apply to fine cheese, wine, coffee or anything that you find truly indulgent to consume.
GO TO THE LIBRARY.
I know, it seems so analog. But libraries are still a great resource for getting
You can read & relax at the library.
out of your house and indulging in some great reading. Books can be expensive, so let a library become your mind and wallet’s best friend.
SIP SOME TEA OR GOOD COFFEE.
There is something special about sipping a hot beverage alone. Snuggle into
For me, nothing beats the smell of fresh coffee in the morning. It is very relaxing.
a corner and sip away, letting thoughts drift in and out of your consciousness.
SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES.
No fancy body oil can top a coffee date with your most beloved friends and
Do you enjoy being with friends & family? It may be just what you need.
family. If you’re feeling lonely, depressed or bored, make a date to catch up with your loved ones. Take a walk, grab a beverage or make a meal together.
CLEAN YOUR HOUSE.
Ugh, I know. This sounds like no fun at all. But, if you enjoy a clean space
I can’t say cleaning is one of my relaxing fun pastimes 🙂 .Too me it is just a necessary chore. Do you find it relaxing?
(who doesn’t?) keeping a tidy living space is huge for self-care. Disorganization can cause subconscious stress that weighs your spirit down. Keep on top of your messes so that they don’t become overwhelming and cause anxiety, or worse, a breakdown.
LUXURIATE IN SOME SELF-MASSAGE.
Your body needs love on a regular basis. Invest in some tennis balls and
Massage feels good; is good for your back & your other aches & pains, & it’s excellent for your stress management… I’m a firm believer in natural remedies..
you’ve got yourself unlimited self-massage in a can. The tennis ball is incredibly effective at releasing “knots”. A regular self-massage practice can reduce your risk of injury and keep your body loose and limber between visits to your massage therapist. Self-massage techniques are easy to learn on the internet, or have a trusted friend give you some tips.
TAKE A WALK OUTSIDE.
Ah, fresh air. Nothing is quite as relaxing and therapeutic as a meandering
Walking in nature is relaxing & you can become aware of how your body moves.
journey in nature. Absorb some stabilizing sunlight, oxygenate your body and re-energize yourself. Nature reduces depression, improves your immunity and quiets your mind. Get yourself out of your box and get outside.
SHUT DOWN SOCIAL MEDIA.
Take a break. Social media can cause anxiety and takes you out of the
Sitting at your computer can be harder on your body & mind than you think.
moment. Experience your life without a technological lens for a change. It will feel so liberating.
DOODLE OR COLOR.
Creating art in general is great for awakening your creativity and lowering
Have you ever tried a coloring book or painted?
your stress levels. Buy an adult coloring book or take up a new artistic hobby, like water coloring or sketching No paper? Try free coloring apps like Recolor or Pigment. Whether you’re making silly stick figures or a massive mural, art feeds your soul.
EXERCISE.
It is important to move your body. If you don’t, your muscles and joints will
If you aren’t exercising, start. Even light activity is better than none! You’ll also see that exercise gets you “out of your head” & into your body. Your mood improves. It works for me!
become hard, stiff and inflexible. And that feels horrible. But gym memberships can be expensive. Find a YouTube video to do some home yoga or a HIIT workout. You’ll soon feel great again.
GET DRESSED UP.
If you’re feeling stressed or a little down, get dressed up. Working from home, I find that making myself presentable and even putting on a bit of lipstick can make me feel happier and more productive, even if I never leave my house.
TAKE A NAP.
If you love naps, treat yourself. A lot of us have a significant sleep deficit, so
My Handsome Mickey knows how to nap & meditate… Who’s more relaxed than a cat, especially when in sleep mode? We can learn from them…
getting a few extra Zs is always a wonderful idea. Plus, it’s free and it’ll feel great!
COOK YOURSELF A NOURISHING MEAL.
If you are always rushing in and out of your house, make space in your
You should make your own macaroni & cheese so you know if it’s healthy for you and your family. this is definitely a comfort food, but if you buy prepackaged, no telling what’s in it or how it will make you feel.
schedule to cook yourself a wholesome, healthy meal from scratch at least twice a week. The food will be healthier than eating out and be prepared exactly the way you like it. No need to get complicated. There are plenty of healthy homemade recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less. Lighter is a great resource for easy, healthy, diet-specific recipes to get you started.
DO WHATEVER MAKES YOU HAPPIEST.
If you’re happiest on a long run, go for it. If you’re happiest snuggled up on
swimming & water exercise are low impact so give them a try if you enjoy the water..
the couch watching Netflix, that’s fine too. Make space in your schedule for something that makes you happy every single day. Self-care is that simple.
Self-care doesn’t have to be this expensive, posh endeavor reserved for hipsters and rich white women. We all need and deserve to love and care for ourselves in the best possible way. And that doesn’t require expensive facials, massages, crystals, beauty products or shopping sprees. Let’s redefine the meaning of self-care to cut out the consumerism and focus on your intention.
What affordable self-care practices are part of your life?
Have a great healthy day!
Enhance Your Life with Mother Nature! Great for your Mind, Body & Spirit!