How to practice self-care and save money

Five ways to practice self-care without breaking the bank. 

WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

(The practice of preserving one's health through spiritual, physical, and mental health practices).

Lately, everyone's stress level has been through the roof and has become topsy turvy for the whole world. It's impossible to be effective in your life without making yourself the priority. So, stop trying to pour out from an almost empty cup. Instead, learn a few ways of cultivating healthy self-care routines to help alleviate some stress in your life.

Here are a few tips to help you save money while maintaining your well-being

PRACTICE SOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

Gym memberships start at 10 dollars a month = $120 a year. That's an investment you could put into some stocks at the end of the year. However, there are plenty of activities that you can do that do not require you to spend any money. For example, swimming in a lake (if the weather permits), hiking, walking and running. You can even stay inside and watch some workout videos on YouTube or download a free yoga app on your phone.

READ A GREAT BOOK 

Have you been looking at that book on your coffee table that you brought a few months ago that collects dust and serves as a coaster for your morning coffee? 

Pick that book up and read it or go to your local library and get a membership. Find some time to escape in a good story or biography. Reading keeps your brain focused on concentrating on the story instead of outer distractions. Then, of course, you always join a book club to join a community or start a reading group.

COOK YOUR FAVORITE MEAL 

Have a glass of wine (or two) with a meal you've prepared yourself or your family. Cooking has been proven to be very therapeutic and relaxing. There are times that I would "literally" cook at least three different meals in one evening, just because I'm escaping in the preparation, the presentation, and tasting. (Oh, and of course, the delicious photos that I post to Instagram.) *wink* But I digress, I'm just saying, go look up a recipe you've been meaning to try, maybe invite a few of your girls over to share the experience with you.

CREATE A HOME SPA

I know what you're thinking, but the spa has Saunas and a Masseuse Massage... I get it, but you can save about $60-150 on a facial and a great massage. Comprising just a little bit can go a long way when you consider the benefits of pampering yourself. "Minus the massage and sauna." This is where you can get creative and open your mind. You can try relaxing in a long-overdue bubble bath for an hour, soak your feet and give yourself a Mani/Pedi. Give yourself a facial, wash your hair from the gel and mousse that's been there for a few weeks. Take that time to love yourself and find some time to relax and read a book.

 START A JOURNAL

Journaling has been proven to be very beneficial to your mental health and well-being. You don't need a particular subject to write about; just try to write a page a day about your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Maybe, you can start a free blog on a subject that you may be passionate about, that someone else may benefit from. There are no rules to journaling. For example, you may decide to write a story or poem. Writing is a great exercise, and it allows you to be creative and relieve some stress.  

 

Bonus:

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME.

Many organizations need volunteers, and you can dedicate your time as a way to "give back." Start by looking at some local churches, senior citizen homes, and food banks. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, this list will motivate you to stay on your self-care journey. Maybe come up with a few things on your own. Please feel free to list it in the comments so that others may benefit from it. 

Peace and Love

Thank you

Salasia

About the author :  Salasia is a freelance copywriter, blogger, and certified health and wellness coach.

What are some self-care regimens that you've been practicing to save money? How have you been finding time to cultivate self-care in your daily routine? Please list a few in the comments.

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!

IT'S TIME TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE AND SAY YES TO HAPPINESS!!!

Photo by Catia Domaxe on Unsplash

Somehow, we've managed to make it through 2021 and looking forward to expecting new and great things to transpire in our lives. As we enter this year, I think it is safe to say that more than half of us have experienced a life of trauma, amongst many other things, and we are entering into 2022 with a hopeful heart and mind.

I'm sure we've all said to ourselves (and out loud) the Cliché lines such as "New Year, New Me!", "Moving into my new Season," "Marching into the New Year with a new attitude."

The focus should not be about cliches or the typical "Resolutions" list; instead, it's about prioritizing your goals and following your dreams beyond 2022

I believe in writing down your goals and dreams and allowing them to manifest. Don't get me wrong; it hasn't always been an easy task. There was a point in my life when I wasn't motivated and inspired to go far beyond my situation.

Instead of living my life by design, I made the mistake (on numerous occasions) of constantly putting myself last because I felt guilty about pursuing my passions and following my dreams. But, to do that, I had to first remove myself from toxic people, places, and things that were hindering my ability to be happy. 

IT'S TIME TO TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE AND SAY YES TO HAPPINESS!!!

STOP ALLOWING OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCES AND FEARS TO DECIDE YOUR LEVEL OF HAPPINESS.

I lost count of how many times people tried to tear me down for deciding to dream with my eyes wide open. It's essential to understand that no one can dictate your dreams for you unless you allow them to. How often has someone told you that a goal that you're pursuing something couldn't happen in your life because they were never bold enough or determined to be all they can be?

I am not saying that we shouldn't take advice from people who have our best interest. I am simply speaking about that negative friend, the hating co-worker, miserable family member, noisy neighbor, neighborhood gossiper, uninspired spouse, etc. I am talking specifically about the naysayers who choose to live a mediocre life and who have decided to never excel to their full potential because they stop dreaming and believing somewhere in their lives.

STEP OUT OF THE BOAT AND INTO THE WATER

Here are a few tips that can help you on your journey to happiness and allow you to live a more fulfilling life:

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS.

Create a vision board

Creating a vision/goal board allows you to have a visual goal that you can see every day.

Be precise in what you want, no matter how big or small but make sure you write the vision and make it plain. We should make it a priority to take our goals into accountability. It's easy to say that you are setting goals but are you taking the necessary steps to achieve those goals. Having a visual form of your goals helps you put them into perspective and keep it fresh in your mind.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

There may be a time or two when you will need to encourage yourself and remember that you deserve to be HAPPY! You may not have many supporters who will believe in you the way you do for yourself. But it's cool because as you embark on your mission in life, watch the multitude of people that the divine will add to your life, which will be a blessing to your journey and dreams.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS AND FOLLOW YOUR GUT

Don't underestimate that little voice giving you warning signs or when your gut is trying to tell you to go with a specific plan. You have to learn to trust your heart. We have to take the time to slow down and hear that small voice inside giving us directions on navigating through life. Meditating and spending some quiet time alone allows you to hear and see things comprehensively.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

PLAN AND EXECUTE

If you have a dream, goal, or idea that you would like to pursue, you should PLAN, PLAN, PLAN, and PLAN SOME MORE!!!! I cannot express the importance of planning and organizing your goals and dreams; when you feel that you have enough information and knowledge for something you want to pursue, you should WORK on that plan and EXECUTE it and watch how things fall in place.

“NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS”

— S.D. Brown

REMEMBER…

Winners make goals; losers make excuses!! ~ Wolfgang Riebe

Until next the time,

Take care of yourself and others.

The whole world steps aside for the man/woman who knows where they are going. 

 Thank you

Do you have your own regimen of how to prioritize your goals? Please feel free to list them in the comments.

About the author :  Salasia is a freelance copywriter, blogger, and certified health and wellness coach.