It’s the time of year when your to-do list is overflowing, and people constantly ask you what you’re doing for yourself. You know that self-care is important, but many of us don’t know how to find the time to do it. It can be hard if you’re working on a tight budget, live in an area with few resources, or aren’t sure where to begin. Most of us have many appointments and commitments, but it’s time to take back our health from the day-to-day stress. According to a self-care expert, almost 80% of us say it’s difficult to take care of our health on a tight budget. To help you with this, here are six unique investments for self-care and relaxation.
1. Get a Massage
Getting a massage is one of the more affordable ways to treat yourself to a self-care treatment. Many spas offer a discounted promotional or special for first-time customers. Sometimes you can get a massage alone or book one as part of a couples massage experience. Just make sure you’re seeing a reputable massage therapist to avoid disappointment. Many people will go to a massage therapist specializing in deep tissue, sport, Swedish, and other massage techniques.
If you’d prefer to bring the massage experience home with you, consider investing in a softub hot tub for decompressing after a long day. These home spas are affordable, efficient, and epitomize self-care.
2. Join a Self-care Group or Support Group
It can be tough to get started on self-care when going alone all the time. Meetup is a free resource that helps you find others in your area who are interested in meeting up for anything from book clubs to pottery classes. You can join a group near you or those who enjoy similar things as you do. If you have friends who share an interest in something like knitting, painting, or hiking, consider joining them during their next outing. Always ask the group’s members if they have any referrals to massage therapists, yoga instructors, or other self-care providers.
3. Volunteer or Do a Random Act of Kindness
Whether it’s volunteering for an animal shelter or helping in a soup kitchen, there are many ways to help others around you and free up some time for yourself at the same time. If you don’t have any connection to the particular cause, consider volunteering at your library’s thrift store, donating blood, or grocery shopping. This also helps you connect to others and have new experiences with new people. When you feel lost, having a community of people who share your interests can be helpful.
4. Go Outdoors
Getting outdoors is one of the most underrated ways to relax. There is an abundance of parks in almost every area, even if they aren’t well-known by most residents. Hanging out in the park, even feeding the ducks or playing with your dog, can be an inexpensive way to relax and ground yourself after a busy workweek.
5. Cook More Comfort Food
If you have a smaller budget but still prefer to spend your budget on something that feels more personal, try going for some comfort food. Whether it’s a favorite soup or the most delicious pizza recipe, cooking is one of those things that people love to talk about but rarely do. Not only will you be able to relax at home and savor it with family, friends, and coworkers, but you’ll also be creating something from scratch, so you feel like an artisan chef. Try giving these easy homemade recipes a try this holiday season.
6. Exercise
Staying active is something many of us don’t always have time for. If you’re pressed for time and need a quick workout, try going for a walk or jogging in the evening. You can also get your cardio in early in the morning, so you have time to shower and enjoy your day. Getting up earlier than usual is a great way to feel productive for the rest of the day. It’s also a great way to end your day. It helps you feel more energetic and healthy for the next day and reminds you to appreciate your life because you are alive.
Bottom Line
These are just a few simple suggestions to help de-stress and practice self-care. If you’re looking for a new way to relax, start by observing your surroundings. You may find that there are rewarding opportunities to relax all around you. It is crucial that we take care of ourselves so we are better prepared to take care of the ones we love.
