Self-Care: The AFFORDABLE Kind

Here’s a question for you: What does self-care mean to you? Take a moment to think about it! Self-care can be actions or thoughts we engage in with the primary purpose of making ourselves feel better! The concept is quite simple. Why is it so hard to take care of ourselves?

Some people choose to take a vacay. Others may choose to max out the credit card with a shopping spree. Either choice is okay; but what if you had some options that aren’t time consuming or expensive? Would you take better care of yourself? After all, breaking the bank may lead to added stress, and an even bigger need for self-care!

Here Are 10 Cost Effective Self-Care Tips that will Feed your Spirit Without Starving your Pockets!

Get up and move

Our bodies are meant to move, hence all of our bones and muscles! Consider taking a brisk walk in the morning while the kids are still sleeping. Pull up YouTube. It is full of activities you can do right in your bedroom. If a rigorous cardiovascular workout isn’t your thing, try something fun, like Zumba! Any type of physical activity will make you feel oh so good!

2. Get Kissed by the Sun

We all need Vitamin D and it comes straight from the sun! There are multiple studies that suggest Vitamin D improves your energy level and mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, Vitamin D supports immune health, brain cell activity, and muscle function. In the morning, when the sunlight is a bit gentler, let the sun kiss your skin for about 10 minutes. It would be a great way to start the day! Now, if you live in a state where the sunlight is never gentle, blow a kiss at the sun and pop a Vitamin D supplement!

3. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Let’s avoid the word “*diet*”, shall we? Is it time to adopt and embrace a low-fat lifestyle? Is a keto lifestyle the key? Perhaps your consciousness is compelling you to not eat meat. Regardless of the reason for your new defined relationship with food, stick to it. Be faithful! Avoid temptation! Don’t be a cheater! If you know a change is needed, but you’re unsure of what to change, research and figure out what’s best for you!
Our bodies need water to function. It’s the most important drink in the world (wine follows closely at # 2)! We all know why water is important. Ask your doctor how much you should be drinking daily. It’s acceptable to take baby steps towards that goal. Once you get there, the sense of accomplishment and excitement is like…high school graduation all over again!! A celebration is in order!
Bottom line is this: eat the foods that are healthy for you, avoid the foods that are not, drink more water, and BE HAPPY!

4. Be Creative

Draw a picture, step back, and look at it. It may not be very….artistic. But it’s *your* creation, and that’s a reason to be proud! Who said paintings must be pretty? Who said your poem needs to rhyme? Sometimes the most beautiful creations make absolutely no sense. Create something and have fun doing it!

5. Read!

Do you ever see someone and wonder about their life? Sometimes it’s good to live vicariously through others and get a chance to escape your reality. Books offer just that. You get a chance to use your imagination. Or learn something new. Or learn about someone you’ve always wanted to know about. Reading is an awesome stress reliever. Get a kindle, a library card, or both. Find the genre that interests you and READ!

6. Get a Dedicated Space

Turn your spare bedroom or that storage closet into your private sanctuary! You need a place in your home (or in your backyard) that is YOURS. It should be off limits to your significant other, your kids, even Fido the fur baby. Send a message loud and clear that when you are in your space, you can be disturbed only if someone is bleeding. Otherwise, it can wait!

7. Look Good/Feel Good

You’ve been wearing the same color lipstick for 3 years. Head to a makeup counter for a consultation and switch it up! You will be amazed at how something as simple as a new lip color, or a new lotion scent, or a left part instead of a right-side part of your hair will SPICE up your life a bit! Take some bold chances when it comes to your appearance or your wardrobe and have fun experimenting!

8. Talk to Yourself

The people in your life don’t tell you how much they appreciate you. You cannot depend on others to tell you what you want to hear or what you need to hear. Here’s a simple suggestion: Tell yourself. Stop the “negative self-talk” and replace it with positive thinking and affirmations. Everyday, express love and appreciation to yourself for being YOU. Here are a couple of affirmations you can start with:

I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH AND WORTHY OF HAPPINESS.

I AM THANKFUL FOR MY GIFTS AND TALENTS.

I AM BRAVE AND STRONG. I AM A SURVIVER.

9. Boundaries- Get You Some

This may seem harsh but learn how to say “NO!” Doing so helps to ensure you receive the respect you deserve. Set healthy boundaries and don’t allow others to cross them. If someone continues to test your boundaries, it may be time to reevaluate their role in your life. Stand firm and do not allow anyone to pressure you. Take some time to think about the boundaries you have set and make sure your life choices aren’t contradictory.

10. Runaway!

Sometimes you just need to grab a water bottle, a snack, your car keys, and LEAVE. It’s okay to get away and take some time to yourself! Go for a drive. Catch a movie. Sit in a coffee shop or go window shopping. A little “me time” may be all you need. You may even decide to be a tad adventurous and have a weekend getaway with other friends who need a dose of self-care! Get away! You don’t want your local police department putting out an APB for you, so don’t forget to let your loved ones know where you’re going and how to reach you!