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As cliche, as it may sound, life is hard.
You're constantly juggling competing demands in everyday life, and sometimes, unfortunately, you're faced with emotionally challenging situations.
You know you can't be at your best when you run yourself ragged.
So, to prevent burnout and other mental health concerns, you must practice regular self-care – especially during times of crisis or when you’re at a personal crossroads.
30+ Ideas for Improving Emotional and Financial Health
Fortunately, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. You can uplift your spirit, restore your resolve, and nourish your soul without breaking the bank.
Here’s how:
Free Self Care Options
Give Yourself a Dose of Nature
Getting outside is a great way to practice self-care without opening your wallet.
Hit up the local park, try a new hiking trail, or simply sit on your stoop to catch some rays and fresh air.
The vitamin D from the sun will perk you right up, and the peaceful beauty of nature will help you reset your mind.
Call a (Positive) Friend or Family Member
Energy and moods can be contagious. So, when you're feeling down or overwhelmed, reach out to the people who always make you smile.
Their love and encouragement will help you see your circ*mstances and yourself in a more positive light.
The call will only cost a few minutes of your time, so don't hesitate to pick up the phone often.
Pro Tip: If you're not comfortable sharing your current feelings with another person right now, try writing them down in a journal. Venting of any kind may be enough to reframe your thinking and reinvigorate your spirit.
Get Spiritual
Attend church or a bible study, listen to an online sermon, or pray.
For less religious spiritual self-care, write out a gratitude list or regularly foster gratitude through a journal. Practice meditation, yoga, or grounding.
There are several yoga and meditation apps, as well as apps and audiobooks for learning the bible and exploring scripture.
Crank Up the Tunes
Music can be an incredible healer. The right melody or favorite song can literally melt away your worries, so crank up your tunes of choice.
You'll be humming, toe-tapping, and ready to get back to business in no time. And, if you turn on the radio or play tracks you own, you can get this powerful high gratis.
Read a Book
Put down your phone and grab a book for some quiet time.
Slowing down and enjoying a good book instead of continuously looking at your phone can help improve your mood and help you practice being present and mindful.
If you're anything like the Women Who Money Team, you've got a stack of books you've been meaning to get through. Head to the library and check one (or two!) out.
If that's not an option, borrow from a neighbor or friend. Bonus points if it's a book on self-care and you read while soaking your feet in warm water or enjoying a bubble bath.
Hug Your Pets
Your furry, winged, or scaly friends are an amazing source of emotional support.
An integral part of your family, they never judge you, and they love unconditionally.
When life gets hard, or you just need a pick-me-up, give them a gentle squeeze or pat. You'll instantly feel better, and they'll enjoy the attention, too.
Take a Nap
When your body or mind tells you it's tired, listen to it.
Taking a nap is a great, free way to practice self-care because you're honoring your own needs.
After your brief repose, you may have increased mental clarity and more energy to take on the rest of your day.
Put Off an Annoying Chore
99% of the time, you're on the go, doing what needs to be done. But, once in a while, it's more than OK to cut yourself a little slack.
Put off your least favorite non-urgent task for a day and do something fun or relaxing instead.
No one will be harmed. The chore will still be there, and you'll have a smile on your face.
Go Workout
Exercise is an integral part of your overall wellness. It can increase your energy level and improve your mental and physical health.
By moving your body, you're increasing your physical fitness, releasing mood-boosting endorphins, and melting both your stress and fat away.
Taking care of your health is the ultimate form of self-care because, without physical health, everything else in life takes a backseat.
The best part? No fancy gym membership is required.
Go for a jog in your neighborhood, stream workout videos on YouTube for free, or use apps to help you learn yoga and more. And be sure to drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself.
Laugh
Engaging in play and laughter should not be overlooked as great acts of kindness to yourself.
Laughter really can be great medicine. It's known to relieve stress, tension, and pain. It also improves your positivity, mood, and immune system.
So stream a few comedy shows or comedian specials on TV, invite the friend who always makes you laugh over for dinner, and watch laughter inducing skits on YouTube.
Or embrace your inner child and do a puzzle, play a favorite board or card game, feel free to color outside the lines in your adult coloring book, or go swing at the local park.
Ask for Help
Many people are prone to suffer their burdens in silence because they can't or won't ask for help.
Don't let this be you!
If life is becoming unmanageable, say something. Chances are, you have lots of people waiting in the wings willing to offer their assistance.
Just remember to ask the right person to meet your needs.
Reaching out to a judgy friend may not be the best move when you're dealing with an interpersonal problem. But they might be able to pick up your dry cleaning when you're too stressed to run errands.
Help Others
This may sound counterintuitive, but focusing on others can be very effective self-care.
The key here is to provide help in a way that energizes you and makes you feel good. That way, it doesn't seem like a chore.
Rather, you're brightening the world and your spirit at the same time.
Bonus points if you can team up with like-minded friends to offer your assistance!
Watch Some TV
Your favorite show or movie can provide a temporary escape from your stress.
Carve out some time to watch it uninterrupted and let yourself become immersed in it. The entertainment (and rest) you get will help you regroup and recharge.
Frugal Self Care Ideas
Pamper Yourself
Sure, you brush your teeth and bathe every day. Yet when was the last time you did your nails, gave yourself a facial, or soaked in a hot tub with a bath bomb?
A hot bath, chemical peel, fresh coat of nail polish, or use of an essential oil diffuser can help you relax and feel good about yourself.
An at-home spa day will only cost you a few dollars at the department or drug store. And if you already have the supplies on hand, you can move this option into the free category.
Eat Your Favorite Food
If you've got the food you crave in the fridge, freezer, or pantry already, you can indulge yourself without spending a dime.
But, if you don't, give yourself permission to order takeout or visit your favorite restaurant. This relatively small splurge shouldn't derail your budget. And it may be just what you need.
Take a Staycation
Getting away on vacation can be relaxing and entertaining, but it can also be expensive. But don't worry, taking a staycation can be just as fun for a fraction of the price.
Your lodging will be free (yay for sleeping in your own bed!), and your transportation costs will be limited to whatever you spend on gas and tolls or public transportation.
Dining and activities can be as frugal as you make them. If you eat at home and find free activities for most of your staycation, you can have your much-needed break without spending a whole lot.
Give Yourself Budget-Conscious Retail Therapy
Once in a while, it's OK to buy yourself a little something.
You just have to make sure the purchase stays within your budget. So, take a look at your finances, set your spending limit, and go shopping.
By getting that new doodad, you're telling yourself that your personal wants are important. And they are.
Save on More Expensive Self Care Indulgences
When tried and true frugal self-care time doesn't seem to be helping, you may want to do something more.
You'd really love to go to an actual spa, take a yoga class, buy that glorious designer handbag, or book a cruise. But how can you do those things without taking on debt or putting off your savings goals?
Consider:
- Creating a line item (sinking fund) on your budget specifically for self-care. Then, set aside some money from each paycheck to fund those dreams.
- Scouring the internet for special deals on sites like Groupon. A lower price may put your indulgence of choice more in reach.
- Travel hacking. It’s not for everyone, but you may be able to jet-set for little cash if you do it right. It also doesn’t hurt to ask a travel agent if they know about any exclusive deals.
- Telling others about your self-care goals. Perhaps your loved ones can help make them happen by giving you cash or gift cards during the holidays or for your birthday.
Remember: Investing in your self-care is a worthwhile pursuit. It’s OK to be frugal but don’t cheap out.
Financial Self Care Tips: Taking Control of Your Finances
Since you’re reading this article, you’re probably interested in understanding your financial health. That’s good!
Taking control of your finances means that you’ll be less stressed in daily life and have more options.
You’ll be able to respond to life on your terms and avoid being trapped by less than ideal circ*mstances. Working towards this freedom is an incredible act of self-care.
It may seem counterintuitive if thinking about money stresses you out. But to build a secure financial house, you must put focus on your finances and take action to make improvements.
Financial care tips:
- Track your spending to learn where your money goes
- Calculate your net worth and learn how to improve it
- Review your credit report and credit score
- Develop savings and investing goals
- Build a solid emergency fund
- Create a financial mission statement
- Create a spending and savings plan
- Learn about putting your money to work for you
- Develop an investing policy
- Use apps and technology to help you
- Track your finances with – Empower (free), Tiller Money, and more
- Invest to grow your assets – Acorns, M1 Finance, or a robo-advisor
That list may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be all done at once.
Like anything, it takes time and practice to become better at it. So crank up the tunes, grab a cup of tea, and get started.
Final Thoughts on Caring for Yourself
Self-care on a regular basis is critically important. Without it, your quality of life will suffer, and your ability to be there for others will decline.
While this article is by no means an exhaustive list of affordable self-care ideas, it hopefully offers you some helpful options to level up yours and reduce your stress level.
The key is to find the self-care activities and methods that work best for your unique circ*mstances — financial and otherwise.
Next:
- Love Thy Self: Practice Financial Self-Care
- Should I Quit My Job If It Stresses Me Out?
Article written by Laura
Laura is a frequent contributor toWomen Who Moneyand the founder and blogger behindEvery Day by the Lake.
