In the run-up to Christmas, life gets busy and stressful. We are so focused on buying presents, being social butterflies, embracing the festivities and dealing with difficult family members. So we have to remember to prioritise self-care.
We all know that we need to look after ourselves – physically and mentally. Like I’ve said a million and one times, there is nothing more important than your wellbeing.
That Pricey Self-Care Aesthetic
When it comes to self-care, there is an aesthetic that surrounds it. One that features stunning shots of bathbombs exploding beneath a carefully-curated wooden tray of bathtime delights including wine, books, and expensive skincare.
But that isn’t realistic for all of us. We don’t always have a spare tenner to spend on a bath bomb (why are they so expensive nowadays?).
This aesthetic can seem like the only way to do self-care. In reality, it’s different for everyone. It can depend upon your financial situation, personal needs, time constraints and so much more.
Self-care shouldn’t just revolve around this, sometimes, unattainable and inaccessible asethetic. There is nothing wrong with the aesthetic – sometimes there is nothing better than treating yourself to a bathbomb. But other forms should also be promoted.
[Related Post: Let’s Talk Self-Care ]
Being a bit skint, for instance, shouldn’t stop you from focusing on your wellbeing. So if you can’t fork out that tenner, here are some things which cost little to no money.
Don’t Forget The Boring Things
Let’s be honest, self-care simply means actively taking time to look after yourself. With the fast-paced nature of society and all its pressures, sometimes this can take a back seat.
One of the cheapest ways to practice self-care is doing the boring things. What I mean by the boring things is the things that actually help your brain and body function.
The boring things can include:
- Drinking enough water
- Moving your body
- Eating intuitively and eating enough
- Taking your medication
- Making sure your hygiene is ok (anyone else let their hair get mingingly greasy when they feel shit?)
- Getting enough sleep
These things always get overlooked, but it is the most basic and important way of looking after yourself. When life gets busy or we are going through a tough patch, even the most basic forms of care are thrown out the window.
We are all guilty of choosing a more luxurious, fluffy-type of self-care over the boring forms like this. But we should make it a priority. It’s the type that we need to do every single day to exist but sometimes it takes a backseat.
So next time you’re about to practice that fancy version of self-care, then ask yourself – have I looked after my basic needs? If you haven’t, then maybe you could start there.
Get Some Fresh Air
Most of us spend the majority of our time inside. Unless you work outside, our days consist of going from home to some form of transportation to the office and then back again.
A really simple of form of self-care is just getting some fresh air. I swear there is nothing better than just breathing in some fresh, cool air when you’ve been sat in a stuffy office or at home all day.
Getting some fresh air can be really great for helping shake off the fog of the day. Do you know what I mean? That feeling of fuzziness or cotton wool inside your brain.
Whether you go for a walk, take a book and sit outside, or even just open your windows. However you do it, fresh air can just leave your feeling revitalised and calmer.
Take Care of Your Surroundings
I know there are some people who thrive in the chaos of mess, but I am not one of them. The saying ‘tidy room, tidy mind’ is so true for me. If my surroundings are calm, tidy and collected then I feel like I reflect that.
Tidying your room or home really isn’t the most glamorous form of self-care, but that’s not what this post is about anyway.
In the same way as looking after your basic needs, taking care of your surroundings is also a really important form of self-care. It doesn’t matter how many bubble baths you have, you aren’t taking care of yourself if you’re living in a pig-sty.
I’m not saying you should become the next Mrs. Hinch, you could simply just make your bed. Just make sure you’re looking after yourself by looking after your surroundings.
So if you are reading this whilst ignoring the fact you’re running out of clean pants then stick a load of washing on. Or pretending that pile of dirty plates doesn’t exist, then maybe just wash up? And that layer of dust over everything in your house isn’t doing you or your things any good.
Maybe it’s time to start your self-care routine with a bit of spring cleaning.
Switch Off From Technology
Everyone is constantly telling us how bad technology can be for us and, I know, it can be annoying. But we have to face it, there is some truth to it.
The Internet is a wonderful thing. It can help you create a community. You can use it to build your business. There is so much incredible content to be found. But with all of the positives, there are negatives.
Spending too much time online can become a bit consuming. Whether that’s constantly striving to create content, get more likes or comparing ourselves to others. Sometimes it can all get too much.
So we should take some time to switch off from technology to do other things. It gives your that break from the online world that your mind and body needs.
Rather than mindlessly scrolling and double-tapping photos, you could read a book, do some yoga, spend time with your friends and so much more.
DIY Pamper Yourself
Sometimes we can’t afford to drop the big bucks on luxurious facemasks or fancy smelly candles. Trust me, I wish I could but it isn’t always possible.
Plus, spending shit loads of money on products isn’t self-care when you are already deep in your overdraft.
However, this doesn’t mean we don’t deserve to pamper ourselves. Once we’ve tackled all the boring and basic things, we totally deserve to get fancy and have a pamper.
No matter what that self-care aesthetic looks like, pampering yourself doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If you can’t afford a fancy new facemask, try making a homemade one? Have a long soak in the bath with a book. Use that moisturiser that’s left over from the gift set that your nan got your for Christmas.
We all deserve to feel fabulous, no matter how broke we are. So maybe hit up Pinterest for some cheap ways to have a little pamper session.
As much as the self-care aesthetic is all we see, it just isn’t always realistic. And even though the aesthetic isn’t always right, self-care always is.
As always, it’s different strokes for different folks so these ideas might not be right for you. Although, the boring things are probably right for about 90% of people so it’s probably good to start there.
Whatever works for you, just remember that it doesn’t always have to cost money. It’s just about taking the time to look after yourself. Whether that does mean treating yourself to some fancy skincare or going for a walk outside and just washing you minging hair.
All that matters is you’re practising it and looking after your wellbeing.
What does your self-care routine look like? When you are broke, how do you practice self-care?
Hannah xx
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Really great post! Sometimes it feels like self care is branded as luxury when what it’s really about is caring for your body and mind in the basic forms. The rest is lovely, expensive fluff ❤️
Thank you so much Kirstie! Exactly, self-care is for everyone – no matter how much money you have xx
I love this! I’ve been meaning to do some DIY self care for so long but have never got round to it x
Thank you Tamika! Make sure you give yourself some time to do it soon girl, you need it! X