15 INEXPENSIVE SELF-CARE IDEAS
15 Inexpensive Self-Care Ideas
There’s a common misconception that self-care requires an expensive trip to the day-spa, a rich bottle of luxury read (if you’re over 18, of course), or a weekend getaway to a faraway land. However, you can spend millions on your self care but if you don’t have the right intentions or foundation, it simply won’t do justice.
So, we like to stick to the good ole’ inexpensive self-care rituals because let’s get serious here, self-care does not have to cost a lot! As long as you have the right mindset, you don’t have to break the bank just to treat yourself to some well-needed rest and relaxation. Here are some of our favorite – and affordable self-care ideas that are certain to fit your budget.
1. Meditate with Mala beads
It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t start this list of the best affordable self-care ideas off with some meditation and Mala beads! While you can certainly meditate without Mala beads, or enjoy the healing energy of Mala beads without meditation, combining the two can be one heck of a treat!
2. Get inspired by a documentary or movie based on a true story
For the days when you’re feeling lousy and lacking energy for life, turn on an inspirational documentary or a movie based on real life. ‘42’ is an amazing movie about the hurdles the first black baseball player overcame to make history; ‘Freedom Writers’ is an oldie but a goodie; ‘Patch Adams’ is certain to make you miss Robin Williams more than you already do (but in an inspirational way), ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ is certain to spark your journey towards happiness, and the list goes on… This leads us to the next inexpensive self-care idea.
3. Binge-watch your favorite Netflix show, completely guilt-free.
Netflix! Everyone loves a good session of Netflix binging. Unfortunately, most of us feel guilty and unproductive when we watch 20 episodes in a row but eh, this is your self-care, right? Binge away, ladies.
Plus, the second season of 13 Reasons Why just came out and it’s a goodie! This powerful series will open your eyes to things about yourself; things about others; things about the world and more importantly, things you can do to practice self-care and compassion for others.
4. Play with your pet
In times of stress, our beloved furry companions often get the shaft. You’re so overwhelmed with your own emotions that you forget that your pet has emotions that need to be catered to as well. While you likely need nothing more than this reminder to call your furry friend over for some snuggles, know that playing with your pet is also an excellent way to alleviate stress and to find comfort for yourself as well.
5. Draw a Mandala
To some, a Mandala is a swirly picture of pretty but don’t be mistaken. Mandalas are actually geometric shape that represents the universe. They symbolize a dream; self-unity and your mindful journey, and drawing them can reveal things lying deep down in your subconscious. So, grab a piece of paper and pen (yes, a physical piece of paper and pen – no iPad and Apple pen), and let your Mandala draw you through your self-care ritual.
6. Treat yourself to a bubble bath
Who doesn’t love a good, warm, soothing, freshly-scented bubble bath? Whether you prefer to listen to the steady stream of water pouring into the clear water or would rather have a sparkling, vibrant-hued, cupcake-smelling tub of water, a bath can be an excellent way to release tension!
7. Watch a funny video compilation on Youtube
As the saying goes, laughter is the best cure, making funny video compilations on YouTube an absolute must for your next self-care ritual.
8. Colour in an adult coloring book
Channel your inner child and pick up an adult coloring book because art therapy is a thing. In fact, art has been prescribed as a natural form of stress relief for centuries and the best part is that you don’t need a prescription to reap the benefits. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body (*slowly raises hand*), you’ll be shocked at how quickly (and enjoyable) coloring can be as an adult.
9. Take a mindful walk in nature
The next time you take a walk, don’t just step left; step right. Instead, focus on walking mindfully. Pay attention to the way your weight and balance shift from one foot into the other; notice any sounds that are around you or the crunching of the gravel under your shoe; take in the various tones that make up the nature surrounding you as you strut through the great outdoors. This little tip can turn a boring walk into an incredibly uplifting, mindful experience.
10. Have a dance party with yourself or your loved ones
Turn on the tunes and bust your asana. Whether dancing solo or with your friends and family, dancing can be a powerful way to shake your way to self-care, and one that is certain to be filled with happiness.
11. Listen to an uplifting yoga playlist
Speaking of music, check out our list of the best songs for your yoga playlist and have a listen. The soothing sounds will work wonders for soothing your soul.
12. Give yourself a makeover
There’s something so powerful that comes with a new look. It’s simple – when you look good, you feel great. So, grab your makeup, watch some of those awesome Youtube makeup gurus and work your magic, girl.
13. Read a good book… a physical book
Put down your e-reader. When reading for self-care, stick with the flipping of physical pages. There’s something about feeling, smelling, and touching each page of a story. So, if you’ve been waiting to finally put your nose into a good book, now is the time to treat yourself.
14. Spend some time in a hammock
Lay in a hammock. Need we say more? If you don’t have a hammock, make friends with someone who does. Just kidding. If you don’t have a hammock, lay down a soft blanket under a shaded tree and although you won’t have the breeze swaying you from side to side, the effects will be similar.
15. Stay in bed
Lastly, stay in bed; stay in bed for as long as you want. Sleep in; lay there; meditate under the sheets; do whatever you want – guilt-free.
Everyone deserves to give themselves self-care without the stress of breaking the bank. That would just be contradictory.
There’s a common misconception that self-care requires an expensive trip to the day-spa, a rich bottle of luxury read (if you’re over 18, of course), or a weekend getaway to a faraway land. However, you can spend millions on your self care but if you don’t have the right intentions or foundation, it simply won’t do justice.
So, we like to stick to the good ole’ inexpensive self-care rituals because let’s get serious here, self-care does not have to cost a lot! As long as you have the right mindset, you don’t have to break the bank just to treat yourself to some well-needed rest and relaxation. Here are some of our favorite – and affordable self-care ideas that are certain to fit your budget.
1. Meditate with Mala beads
It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t start this list of the best affordable self-care ideas off with some meditation and Mala beads! While you can certainly meditate without Mala beads, or enjoy the healing energy of Mala beads without meditation, combining the two can be one heck of a treat!
2. Get inspired by a documentary or movie based on a true story
For the days when you’re feeling lousy and lacking energy for life, turn on an inspirational documentary or a movie based on real life. ‘42’ is an amazing movie about the hurdles the first black baseball player overcame to make history; ‘Freedom Writers’ is an oldie but a goodie; ‘Patch Adams’ is certain to make you miss Robin Williams more than you already do (but in an inspirational way), ‘Pursuit of Happyness’ is certain to spark your journey towards happiness, and the list goes on… This leads us to the next inexpensive self-care idea.
3. Binge-watch your favorite Netflix show, completely guilt-free.
Netflix! Everyone loves a good session of Netflix binging. Unfortunately, most of us feel guilty and unproductive when we watch 20 episodes in a row but eh, this is your self-care, right? Binge away, ladies.
Plus, the second season of 13 Reasons Why just came out and it’s a goodie! This powerful series will open your eyes to things about yourself; things about others; things about the world and more importantly, things you can do to practice self-care and compassion for others.
4. Play with your pet
In times of stress, our beloved furry companions often get the shaft. You’re so overwhelmed with your own emotions that you forget that your pet has emotions that need to be catered to as well. While you likely need nothing more than this reminder to call your furry friend over for some snuggles, know that playing with your pet is also an excellent way to alleviate stress and to find comfort for yourself as well.
5. Draw a Mandala
To some, a Mandala is a swirly picture of pretty but don’t be mistaken. Mandalas are actually geometric shape that represents the universe. They symbolize a dream; self-unity and your mindful journey, and drawing them can reveal things lying deep down in your subconscious. So, grab a piece of paper and pen (yes, a physical piece of paper and pen – no iPad and Apple pen), and let your Mandala draw you through your self-care ritual.
6. Treat yourself to a bubble bath
Who doesn’t love a good, warm, soothing, freshly-scented bubble bath? Whether you prefer to listen to the steady stream of water pouring into the clear water or would rather have a sparkling, vibrant-hued, cupcake-smelling tub of water, a bath can be an excellent way to release tension!
7. Watch a funny video compilation on Youtube
As the saying goes, laughter is the best cure, making funny video compilations on YouTube an absolute must for your next self-care ritual.
8. Colour in an adult coloring book
Channel your inner child and pick up an adult coloring book because art therapy is a thing. In fact, art has been prescribed as a natural form of stress relief for centuries and the best part is that you don’t need a prescription to reap the benefits. Even if you don’t have an artistic bone in your body (*slowly raises hand*), you’ll be shocked at how quickly (and enjoyable) coloring can be as an adult.
9. Take a mindful walk in nature
The next time you take a walk, don’t just step left; step right. Instead, focus on walking mindfully. Pay attention to the way your weight and balance shift from one foot into the other; notice any sounds that are around you or the crunching of the gravel under your shoe; take in the various tones that make up the nature surrounding you as you strut through the great outdoors. This little tip can turn a boring walk into an incredibly uplifting, mindful experience.
10. Have a dance party with yourself or your loved ones
Turn on the tunes and bust your asana. Whether dancing solo or with your friends and family, dancing can be a powerful way to shake your way to self-care, and one that is certain to be filled with happiness.
11. Listen to an uplifting yoga playlist
Speaking of music, check out our list of the best songs for your yoga playlist and have a listen. The soothing sounds will work wonders for soothing your soul.
12. Give yourself a makeover
There’s something so powerful that comes with a new look. It’s simple – when you look good, you feel great. So, grab your makeup, watch some of those awesome Youtube makeup gurus and work your magic, girl.
13. Read a good book… a physical book
Put down your e-reader. When reading for self-care, stick with the flipping of physical pages. There’s something about feeling, smelling, and touching each page of a story. So, if you’ve been waiting to finally put your nose into a good book, now is the time to treat yourself.
14. Spend some time in a hammock
Lay in a hammock. Need we say more? If you don’t have a hammock, make friends with someone who does. Just kidding. If you don’t have a hammock, lay down a soft blanket under a shaded tree and although you won’t have the breeze swaying you from side to side, the effects will be similar.
15. Stay in bed
Lastly, stay in bed; stay in bed for as long as you want. Sleep in; lay there; meditate under the sheets; do whatever you want – guilt-free.
Everyone deserves to give themselves self-care without the stress of breaking the bank. That would just be contradictory.