Seeking out selfcare ideas in this day and age is a sign of robust mental health. Good job! It means you understand the very important notion that you cannot pour from an empty cup, or more succinctly, that you cannot take care of they people who depend on you if you do not take care of yourself.
At a time when statistics show us that at least 23% of working individuals have experienced burnout, it’s safe to say that we need to be cognisant about our stress levels and find ways to decompress whenever we can.
Here’s some good news – selfcare ideas do not have to cost the earth. While everyone would love the time and budget to head to a spa for a full day of relaxing treatment, this is seldom feasible. This is why the team at Malée Natural Science would love to share our list of 11 cost-effective selfcare ideas that pretty much anyone can enjoy. Here goes:
SELFCARE IDEAS ON A BUDGET
1. Dance to your favourite song
Sometimes all you need to get yourself out of a funk is putting on your favourite song and having an impromptu dance party in the kitchen with a spatula as your microphone.
2. Treat yourself to a new beauty product
You don’t have to change your entire beauty routine to enjoy the benefits of a treatment. Treat yourself to a new body moisturiser, hydrating scrub or natural fragrance, and be mindful of the enjoyment it brings you when you use it.
3. Phone a friend
Feeling a little blue? Call a friend. A quick laugh and a bit of a chat with someone who knows and values you as a person can be a welcome shift in perspective if you’re feeling down.
4. Go for a walk
Put on your trainers and go for a walk. Even as much as 20 minutes of moderate exercise can boost your endorphin levels.
5. Make yourself a cup of tea
Take some time to make yourself a proper cup of loose-leaf tea with a drizzle of honey and a splash of your milk of preference. Sit down and savour ever sip. TOP TIP: Honeybush tea with Sceletium makes a great calming brew.
6. Get up to see the sun rise
Get up before everyone else and take a moment to watch the sun rise over a new day all by yourself as the first light touches the earth.
7. Keep a gratitude journal
Start a practice of keeping a gratitude journal. Every night, write down at least four things you were grateful for that day. This is a simple, yet effective way of becoming more aware of the things that you have, instead of focussing on the things you don’t
8. Do someone a kindness
Be kind to someone who cannot repay you. Buy a meal for a homeless person, donate clothing to a charity, offer to pay for someone’s coffee at a coffee shop, etc. You never know how this may touch someone’s life.
9. Stretch
Start your day with a few deep stretches to loosen your muscles and lengthen your spine. Taking this time to do something kind for your body first thing in the morning will set the pace for a great day ahead.
10. Do nothing
That’s right – do absolutely nothing without feeling bad about it. Set aside your phone, turn off the radio and TV, switch off your computer and just be for a moment. Lie down on the couch, sit with your back to the wall outside in the sun, or loll in a hammock without needing to do anything. You’re allowed, you know.
11. Make a list of positive affirmations
Write down a list of positive affirmations and repeat it to yourself every day. This could include things like ‘I am happy, healthy, wealthy and wise; I am caring and loving individual who adds value to my community’, etc. Repeat it out loud to yourself at least once a day.
CONCLUSION
Selfcare ideas can be cost-effective. Make the time to hit pause at least once in a while by enjoying one of these little budget-friendly treats and see what a big difference it makes in how well you are able to handle the challenges that life throws your way.
