by: Brad Krause
When you think about self-care tips, what you hear most often is the idea of doing something special for yourself. While special treats are nice, what most of us really need is much more basic. Of course, you don’t want to add more stress to your life by spending a fortune on self-care either! To avoid that extra stress, try these money-saving tips to invest in yourself affordably.
Acknowledge Your Needs
Many of us stay so busy that we don’t take the time to acknowledge our basic needs. Are you getting a balanced diet? Are you drinking enough water? What about getting enough rest? Sleep is one of those needs that seems simple but remains elusive for many people. If quality sleep continues to be a difficult achievement, start by setting a goal to get to bed earlier and at the same time every night. It also helps to turn your bedroom into a soothing oasis for slumber. An affordable way to create this fresh space is by shopping at retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond for the things you need, such as comfortable new bedding, soft pillows, a new mattress if yours is more than 10 years old, and gadgets that help you catch some zzz’s. You can save even more money on these purchases with a Bed Bath & Beyond promo code and coupon codes.
Find Relaxation that Works for You
Whether you’re aware of it or not, we all have tension that builds up from life’s everyday stressors. This is why we need dedicated time for relaxation every day. You may find that traditional modes of relaxation, like meditation, yoga, and using aromatherapy make you feel calm. Or you may prefer something entirely nontraditional. Either way, Mind Body Green explains how relaxation should be about whatever works for you.
Whatever activity helps you relax, the trick is to eliminate barriers to doing it daily. For example, if you don’t have time to practice yoga at a studio, consider purchasing an inexpensive yoga mat and following free yoga videos online. Or if you love to relax by reading a good book, visit your local library or sign up for an online book swap.
Kick Stress to the Curb
Taking the time to relax is only part of the equation. Basic self-care also includes finding ways to reduce stress so that it doesn’t become so dominant in our lives. Your home is your haven, which is why it’s the first place you should concentrate on when it comes to eliminating stress. Essence notes how a few small changes can make a major difference. One of the most affordable changes you can make is to paint in soft blues and light grays.
After starting with your home, look at your everyday life and add inexpensive (or free!) stress-relieving habits. Exercise is one of the best, all natural ways to reduce stress and anxiety. As long as you have a good pair of shoes or boots, it doesn’t cost a dime to go for a walk or hike. In fact, just being outdoors is another free way to reduce stress. Getting outdoors can be as easy as taking a stroll during lunch to get a break from being inside all day.
Protect Your Time
The idea of saying no to demands on your time may not seem like self-care, but it’s actually one of the most essential ways you can care for your health. This is because there are only so many hours in the day – and there’s only so much of you. If you say yes to every single demand, not only will you end up feeling run down and stressed, but others will know they can take advantage of you (even if only subconsciously). Saying no doesn’t cost a thing, so you have no excuse not to change this practice – even if it takes a little work.
It’s also perfectly fine to use your time for something extra special. We should all do things to treat ourselves from time to time, whether that means indulging in ice cream or going on a retreat for spiritual renewal. But the ultimate goal is to make everyday self-care easy and affordable so you that your basic needs don’t go overlooked.