Life is busy and often stressful, so many of us have work commitments, growing side hustles, and simply everyday chores and challenges. When we’re thinking of our to-do lists and all of the things we need to tick off, we shouldn’t forget our own self-care.
We need to take the time to re-charge our batteries, and we might think that we’re unstoppable, but we’re not. Plus, that’s more than ok. We don’t need to be super-human, we need to be happy, healthy, and productive when the time is right.
Don’t get me wrong pampering ourselves and indulging in life’s little luxuries is a dream, but when we don’t want to break the bank… here are 5 ways to practice self-care on a budget. Don’t forget to head on over to amymarshment.com to discover Sarah’s top recommendations from sunshinesarahxo.com too!
One: Put your phone in a drawer
This might not be the first idea that comes to mind when thinking about self-care, but seriously so many of us are addicted to our screens and it’s distracting us from proper relaxation time.
Don’t get me wrong, I need my mobile phone for just about everything.
However, when it comes to the evening, switch your phone out for a good book or something less stimulating.
Even if it’s for half an hour, you might start to notice some changes in a positive way when it comes to drifting off to sleep or finding enjoyment in pacing through the pages of a book, instead of mindless scrolling.
Two: Spend longer in the shower
Now, I know that saving on water is more environmentally friendly… I’m not saying to do this all the time, but, if you spend longer in the shower to connect with yourself and pamper yourself; this works an absolute dream for feeling and looking good.
For instance, condition your hair, pay attention to the strokes you’re using on your body with a lush bar of soap, or tend to your feet with a gorgeous exfoliating scrub.
By taking the time on yourself, you tend to feel present, content, and like you’re doing good for you.
Three: Take long, deep breaths
Breathing techniques work a treat for me. If I’m feeling super anxious, I take a deep breath, hold for 3 and breathe out for 6. It helps to clear my head, loosen my chest, and help me re-calibrate almost!
Breathing techniques work their magic when it comes to how I feel because they make me feel present. I’m not saying that they’ll work for everyone, and they feel funny at first. However, they’re free so what have you got to lose?
Four: Allow yourself the nice things
We all need a treat from time to time. Why not make yourself a large hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows and accompany it with your favourite snack.
Better still, why not make your desired snack from scratch. Good, delicious food can be the perfect pick me up. I love to wrap myself in a blanket and eat something tasty with a glass of bubbly to make myself feel better!
Even the process of making your tasty ensemble is the act of creating something with love and fulfilment!
Five: Get some fresh air
Pop some shoes on and don’t worry about what you look like, let the fresh air hit your face and enjoy the outdoors. Even if you get out the house for just 5 minutes around the block, you’ll feel great for doing so.
It really doesn’t need to be every day, look after your needs and go out when you feel ready to. However, it’s also good to push yourself.
With my role, I’m tied to my desk and on constant Zoom calls. It makes it easier to slump into my office chair, when in actual fact I feel so much better and more productive after I’ve been out and about!
Thanks so much to Amy for this wonderful post, please go over to her blog and checkout my guest post for her - 5 Easy Self Care Habits For Lockdown.
Amy Marshment || amymarshment.com
Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest @amymarshmentx
