Self-Care Can Be Low-Cost
Lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care. They think they have to be deserving of it. They feel like it’s splurging to do something good for yourself. It can seem extravagant. I’d like to change that mindset today. Self-care is something you deserve. Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront. You can’t take care of others when your own well-being is suffering. Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself.
Clear Your Mind and Move Your Body for Your Best Health
Try one of these activities
Time Out is Not Just For Bad Behaviour
Do you take good care of yourself? If you find that the level of care you are giving yourself is lacking, take a time out. Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. So why not give yourself a time out? This is one low-cost trick you can try. Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music. Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.

Waste Some Time
We often feel pressured to be productive all the time. We may think that being busy is a sign of worth and accomplishment. However, it really doesn’t have to be that way. Just kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries.
Let yourself have some down time to do something frivolous like binge on your favorite Netflix show, take a nap or just sit and pet your cat. You deserve it. If you find yourself putting the needs of every single person ahead of your own, you are exhibiting a classic sign of self-neglect. you continue doing this you may end up unable to do anything for anyone. You need to put yourself first sometimes.
Low-Cost Writing
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity. Jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being. It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. Jotting down dreams for the future might inspire and motivate you to take action. Give it a try. Pick up a simple notebook when the school supplies are on sale, or pick up something beautiful that really captures your eye. Sometimes writing with a lovely pen in a special journal can perk up your day. I purchased a special turquoise pen to use when the mood strikes.
Journaling for Mindfulness
Here are a few prompts you can use to get started:
- Three things that made you smile today …
- What was the best part of your day? the worst?
- Describe something that challenged you today. Why did it challenge you?
- A problem you’re currently trying to solve is… Why is it a problem?
- What’s one thing that made you feel valuable/loved/heard/brave today?
- Were you able to make progress on a goal today? Which one? What happened?
- Did anything unexpected happen today? What?
- Describe something beautiful you saw today.
- What made you laugh today?
Reach Out to Someone
Not having a small circle of closely knit friends is a symptom of poor self-care. Good friends are there not only through the good times, but also the bad and can be an invaluable part of your well-being. Socializing is a crucial part of self-care. Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated. Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Sit down and Skype with your favorite internet pal. Meeting up in person for a walk together or a cup of coffee is even better. Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing.
Change Your Perspective

A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir-crazy in your home. If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you.
While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self-care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept. You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being.
There are plenty of ways to improve your mind and body connection. Eating right, self-care, and outlets for self-expression – but none beat the benefits of clearing your mind through movement. Make exercise and moving your body a daily part of your routine.
To developing some low-cost strategies for self-care
Fran
P.S. If you have missed the previous blog posts or the signup for the 7 day Self-Care Challenge, click here to begin: www.franwatson.ca/blog/selfcarematters