How to Practice Self-Care on a Budget

Self-care is front and centre nowadays, and for good reason. Burnout is real (whether that’s physical, mental, emotional or financial burnout) and it’s important to take time to put yourself first. But while self-care is necessary, there’s often the misconception that self-care is costly. It doesn’t have to be! We’re sharing our budget-friendly, low-cost self-care tips to get you back on your game and feeling balanced once again.

Tip #1: Get outside

Whether it’s going for a walk, run or even tapping into the child at heart and having fun at a nearby playground, nature is the best natural medicine there is. Leave your phone at home and make a point to breathe in deeply and pay attention to all the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

Tip #2: Take a bath

Or a shower. Either way, it’s as simple as turning on the water, getting suds upped, and washing away thoughts that don’t serve you. If you have peppermint oil or candles on hand (remember, you don’t need to buy anything), use those to get deeper in your self-care, maximize your relaxation and awaken your senses.

Tip #3: Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water. What you put into your body has a direct correlation to how you feel, so make sure you’re hydrating your body to keep your skin looking good and your mind feeling fresh.

Tip #4: Get some sleep

Just like water and proper nutrition, your body needs sleep to properly function. Make sure you’re getting as much sleep as possible. (Bedtimes aren’t just for kids!) The best way to prepare yourself for bedtime is to turn off your devices at least 30 minutes beforehand to get your body in a routine.

Tip #5: Stretch

Even if you’re not a fan of yoga, doing some simple stretches daily can make a world of difference in your physical and mental health. Stretching is great for stress release, relieving tension, and calming your mind.

Tip #6: Read more

Give your eyes a break from looking at a screen all day and let them pore over the pages of a good book instead. And because this post is all about free self-care tips, we recommend finding your next great read at your local library.

Tip #7: Say no

It’s too easy to fall into the trap of accepting everything that comes your way. But sometimes you need to just step back and realize that what you truly crave is isolation. It’s okay to say no! (And bonus: Saying no feels oh so good on the wallet.)

Tip #8: Declutter your space

You’ve heard the saying, “A cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind.” If your space feels too full, it can weigh heavily on your shoulders and affect every aspect of your life―yes, even your finances. Take some time to go through what you own, what you’ve stored away for nostalgia’s sake, and what you truly don’t need. Make the effort to purge, declutter and reorganize your space. And that desk that’s been hidden under those piles of paper or all those clothes that don’t fit you? You could probably make some money off them!

Tip #9: Set intentions

Sometimes all you need in life is a good plan. Take time to review where you are in life―in your career, with your family/friends, your finances, and your goals. And then jot down where you want to see yourself in a year, five years, ten years, etc. You’ll come out feeling rejuvenated and driven to make these goals happen. Now’s the time to invest in your future.

Tip #10: Talk to someone

Don’t carry your hurdles by yourself. There are so many people out there that want to help see you succeed! Whether it’s simply chatting on the phone with a family member about your day, inviting a friend over to unload what’s on your mind, starting the conversation about money with your partner, or even talking to one of our counsellors and money coaches about your financial worries, you have don’t have to handle it alone.