by Sheila Olson of fitsheila.com | info@fitsheila.com
In our society, we tend to think of self-care as a luxury. We also think that self-care needs to come with a luxury price tag to be effective. In reality, this simply is not the case. For one, self-care is a necessity. This is why self-care should be a priority in your everyday habits and routines. Second, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive in order to be effective at relieving stress and protecting your mental health and physical well-being.
You can begin reworking your idea of self-care by picking up some truly supportive, sustainable, and budget-friendly skin and body care products. Then, you can combine your new soothing products and routines with these cost-effective self-care tips. Be sure to invest in products that support your weight loss and cardio goals as well.
Move Your Body to Boost Your Mind
If you’re in a foul mood or feeling stressed, exercise may be the perfect remedy. When you move your body, you are supporting the production of endorphins in your brain. These “happy hormones” are responsible for balancing your mood and combating feelings of pain.
You could splurge on a gym membership to motivate yourself to get moving, or you could save all of that money and work out at home instead. For older adults who want to get their blood pumping, indoor walking, step exercises, and even Wii games can be safe and effective. Get a sports watch and a fashionable and functional band --many fine examples cost less than $50--and use these tools to keep up with your personal goals for working out around the house or your neighborhood.
Get Your Daily Dose of Mother Nature
To maximize the stress-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of your fitness routine, you can also try exercising outside. Some safe, serene, and money-saving ways to practice more self-care out in nature include yoga in a public park and walks along nature trails. If you prefer to relax, you could also try birdwatching or simply taking a nap--all without spending a cent. However, if time and finances allow, consider renting a vacation home that is close to nature; you will still get your exercise, but you will have even more fun doing it as part of a family trip.
Of course, there may be times when getting outside just isn’t feasible. Whether you live in a city or the weather is less than perfect, spending time with indoor plants can be a good substitute. It may sound odd, but inexpensive houseplants can provide a comforting connection to nature.
Spend More Time Caring for Your Skin
While you’re outside, you should also take care to apply sunscreen. This is one self-care and skincare step you don’t want to skip since too much sun can lead to premature wrinkles, permanent skin damage, and dangerous skin cancers. Budget-friendly options are easy to find.
But don’t stop your skincare routine with sunscreen! Caring for your skin can also be an effective and cost-effective form of self-care. After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ and provides the first layer of protection. Plus, you’ll be boosting your confidence.
Adjust Your Routine to Get More Beauty Sleep
Beauty sleep may sound cliche, but the truth is that you do need sleep to look and feel your best. While quantity matters, experts at the National Sleep Foundation agree that quality can be even more important. If you can only get a few hours of rest, try to focus on how well you sleep. Finding a balance between the two is even better.
To improve your sleep, you don’t need to invest a lot of money or effort. Simple changes, like relaxing in a warm bath or spending a few moments in quiet meditation can be highly effective. You can also try switching off electronics before bed, which will help your brain switch off and prepare you for a better night’s rest.
Self-care can be luxurious from time to time. After all, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself. At the same time, you should find practical ways to practice self-care in your everyday life without putting a hefty strain on your budget. That’s because while self-care can feel like a luxury, it’s actually a necessity, and you need it if you want to thrive and stay healthy.
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