Wellness on a Budget: Take Care of Yourself Without Breaking the Bank!

Focusing on our wellness is so important. It ensures that we’re happy, healthy and generally all of our needs are being met. It ensures that we’re not pushing ourselves to the point that we become ill before taking action. But when we research ways to relax, unwind and take a break from our general routine, we can be met with tips like ‘go to a spa’ or ‘go travelling’- as lovely as these things would be they’re not always doable due to time and money constraints. But actually, sometimes the best ways to relax and take care of yourself don’t need to be complicated or cost you much and can still be highly effective. Here are some examples!

Take hot baths

Hot baths are so underrated. They’re relatively cheap to have and they’re accessible- most of us have a bathtub at home. The hot water eases tense muscles, it’s a quiet place to relax and clear your mind and it can even lower your blood pressure. If you’ve had a hectic day and you come home cold and irritated, a soak in hot water can be all you need to wash away the stress. You could buy yourself some bath salts, bubble bath or oils to make the experience even nicer. You don’t need to spend a fortune on these things, in fact there are some great vegan and cruelty free fragrance oils online that allow you to make your own. Mix and match your favorite scents and create your own custom bath products.

Meditate

Again, meditation is accessible- it’s something that all of us can do if we put aside a few minutes of our day to do so. You could spend five or ten minutes practicing breathing techniques sitting in an armchair, or listen to a meditation app or YouTube video while lying in bed before falling asleep. We’re constantly being bombarded with information and our minds are rarely still. Taking this time to be mindful and just pause for a moment can help you to feel grounded. It’s great for issues like anxiety.

Take up a new hobby

Hobbies don’t always have to be expensive classes, groups and other things that require memberships, entrance fees or equipment. There are lots of things you can do from the comfort of your own home. You could get into cooking or baking, you could grow things in the garden. You could start writing a novel or a blog, or use some free software to create your own music. Hobbies keep you occupied and teach you new skills, they allow you to grow in new ways which will always make you feel really good.

Spend time with a loved one

It’s easy to lose sight of what life is all about. Most of us are so caught up in working, paying bills and doing other things that we’d rather not because we’re responsible adults and have to. While these things are of course important, what really matters in life are the people you have around you. If you found out you only had a week left to live, chances are you’d want to do so surrounded by the people you care about- it can put it into perspective when you think about it this way. We’re all busy but make the time to catch up, invite your parents round for a dinner party, have a cosy movie night with your partner or go for a walk in the park with a friend. It doesn’t have to cost much (or anything at all!), it’s all about the time spent together which is precious.

Declutter your home

Wellness isn’t all about lying around in your pajamas, feeling cozy and feeling totally relaxed. Sometimes it can involve getting things done which will improve your life in the long run. Decluttering your home is one example, getting rid of the things you don’t need and making space for the things you do can be really good for your mental health. Clear away mess, deep clean and organize your belongings- your days will run much more smoothly when you know where everything is. Home is where the heart is and should be a place you feel relaxed and comfortable, if it’s packed to the rafters with clutter or every drawer stresses you out when you open it then that’s not a good way to live. A few times a year, a big clear out can be really refreshing.