I am sure that many of us can think of a time or a few when we had a bad day and decided to reward ourselves with a little bit of retail therapy. We all work hard for our money, and we should be able to treat ourselves, but doing this too frequently can become problematic and costly. It is important to practice self-care and to take care of yourself, but it is equally important to spend wisely.
Treating yourself does not have to equate to spending a ton of money, or even any additional money. Sometimes you just have to be creative, and use the resources you have.
Sometimes being a minimalist, can yield some amazing results, like extra money in the bank!
So how can you pamper yourself without spending money?
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Take a long hot bath
If you are anything like me (always rushing to do one thing or another), you probably cannot remember the last time you took the time to take a long bath. Days are typically filled with showers and go, but think about how relaxing it is to sit in a tub and just relax. This is a great way to relieve stress, and have some time for yourself.
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Take a nap
Sometimes we do entirely too much, and our bodies simply need a break. Allow yourself the time to take the break your body needs. Shut it down and take a nap. Remember when you were a kid and hated nap time? Oh what I would give to be able to take an afternoon nap each day at a time of my choosing.
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Drink tea
Tea is so soothing and relaxing. I love to find good flavor combinations of tea to drink when I want to unwind a little bit. My favorite tea at the moment is red raspberry leaf tea.
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Avoid triggers (things or people)
If there are certain things or people that put you in a bad mood, or upset you try to avoid them. I know that you cannot always avoid annoying things and people on a regular basis. But, you can pick a day as your day for self-care, and try to shut those annoyances out even for a short while. You will be surprised by how great it feels to not be around the things that trigger you.
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Take a day off
There are times when you just cannot adult, and that is ok. Sometimes you need a day for you to do nothing, or something you love doing. Take a mental health day, spend the day in bed, or spend the day doing your favorite activity.
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Talk to a friend
I am a firm believer that our girlfriends help to enrich our lives. Think about the years of inside jokes you have between you. Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t chatted with for awhile. Laughter with great friends is an instant mood booster, and I’m sure your friend will be glad to hear from you as well.
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Eat your favorite food
Eat, I said, not binge. Make yourself your favorite food or dessert, and allow yourself to sit down and enjoy it uninterrupted. Eating your favorite meal can feel great because it triggers the reward center of our brains. But remember, everything in moderation!
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Netflix and chill for 1
There is nothing better than finding a show you love and watching episode after episode until you are ready to do something else. The best part is that you are in the comfort of your own home and you can put on your most comfortable clothes while doing this. Double score!
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Exercise
This will probably sound like work ( and in a way it is), but working out is something that you do for you and only you. When I leave the gym I feel happy and energized because our bodies release endorphins (the happy hormone) when we work out. Plus you get to take a long hot shower when you’re done.
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Make your bed an oasis
This does not mean go out and buy new sheets; put the credit card down now. Wash a pair of sheets you already own, spray them with rosewater, and spend some time relaxing in your bed.
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Do not force yourself to do anything you do not want to
As I have gotten older, I make it a habit to keep all plans that I make, so this one is a reminder for me too. It is ok to say no sometimes, or to reschedule. Do not be flaky; make sure if you are cancelling/rescheduling that you do not do it last minute. There are times where we go out even when we do not feel like it, and it ends up being a great time. And there are those time where we spend the whole time wishing we stayed home. Evaluate how you are feeling, and make the call as to whether or not you need to say no. Just do not be flaky and last minute about it. Mmkay?
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Meditate
How often do you take the time to just sit calmly and breath deeply? Probably never right? This exercise can be so relaxing and helpful for the body. Find a quiet corner of your home, grab a yoga mat if you have one, sit quietly, and meditate. Your body will thank you.
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Turn off your phone
Don’t panic. I promise you can go an hour or so without your phone. The world will not end. Our phones literally do the most. There is always something to read or see on social media. They are major distractions that take up way too much time and attention. Try turning your phone off for an hour or two and relax. I promise, the world will not end.
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Go to the park
I am lucky enough to live in a major city (Chicago) where the parks are beautiful and plentiful. Make yourself a lunch, and go sit outside in the park and enjoy your food. One of my fondest memories of a job I had years ago was bringing a delicious lunch and sitting outside by this beautiful fountain to eat my lunch in the summertime.
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Look for free activities in your area
Another perk of being in Chicago are the free events like the summer concert series we have. Look up free activities in your area, and grab your best friend and indulge yourselves in all your city has to offer.
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Read a book
When is the last time your grabbed a book and allowed yourself to get lost in it? If you do not have books of your own, go to the public library and check out a book. This is two activities in one. Going to the library and reading the book of your choosing. Remember what they said in school, reading is fundamental ( so corny, I know).
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Journal
I used to journal before I started my blog, and writing out your thoughts and feelings can a be great way to get out the things that are on your mind.
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Have a spa day at home
Give yourself a facial using one of the recipes shared here. You can make them with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
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Do your hair and makeup
Remember when you were a little girl, and you got into your mom’s makeup? Play in your own makeup as an adult. Head over to Youtube, watch a tutorial and practice your makeup skills. You can wow your partner or your friends on your next night out with your new found makeup skills.
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Listen to music
Put on your favorite song and dance like no one is watching. How great do you feel when your favorite song comes on? The memories and nostalgia alone are sometimes enough to put you in a great mood.
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Clean your home
I know this sounds like a chore, but how good does it feel when your home is clean from top to bottom. When you are done, you can sit down and relax with a nice cup of tea to pamper yourself.
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Give yourself a manicure and pedicure
The goal here is the pamper yourself without spending money, and we all know how expensive those trips to the nail salon can be. Grab your favorite color and polish those fingers and toes.
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Go for a drive
Pick a time where there isn’t a lot of traffic and go for a long drive. Here in Chicago, there is nothing more beautiful than driving down Lake Shore when traffic is low. Rush hour is a different story!
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Do yoga
Go to youtube and watch a yoga video. What is more relaxing than yoga?
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Visit a free museum
I am sure there are tons of free ones in your city. Even if they are not free each day, most have at least one day per week where admission is free. Check it out and enjoy a day at the museum.
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Self-pleasure
Need I say more?
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Massage
If you are in a relationship exchange massages with your partner and see above (ahem). If you are not try giving yourself a shoulder rub or even a foot rub.
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Take a walk with a friend or other loved one
I love exploring the many beautiful neighborhoods in Chicago and looking at the beautiful homes. You get to spend time with someone you love, and exchange some laughs while you’re at it.
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Listen to a podcast
I am currently obsessed with podcasts. They are so inspirational, and can help reset your thinking when you’re in a funk. My two favorites are Jenna Kutcher’s, and Annie Spano’s. Both are linked if you want to check them out for yourself.
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Do nothing
When is the last time you took a day and did absolutely nothing? If you can take a day off, do so and spend the day doing nothing at all to recharge your batteries.
As you can see, there are many ways to pamper yourself without spending money. Sometimes you need time to unwind and just do what feels good to you. Never feel guilty for taking time for yourself. We all need it!
What are some of your favorite ways to pamper yourself without spending money? Pin this pin for later when you need a cheap #selfcaresunday
