5 All-Natural Ways to Practice Self-Care When You’re on a Tight Budget
One of the biggest myths about having a robust self-care routine is that you have to spend tons of cash for the best results. Thankfully, this notion is 100 percent false! Having a self-care routine that nourishes your mind and body doesn’t have to cost much at all. In fact, some of the most effective self-care techniques are ones that you can do for free.
Need some ideas to get you started? BeNat shares our top five recommendations for creating an all-natural self-care practice when you’re on a tight budget.
Start an at-home meditation practice
Even with all of the buzz it has received within the last few years, meditation is seriously underrated. In addition to anecdotal reports of feeling calm and relaxed after meditating, scientific studies are backing up the benefits of this effective self-care practice.
Recent research has revealed that meditation can rewire the brain, and can increase focus, foster compassion towards self and others, decrease aggression, and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. Mindworks notes that studies have even shown that meditation can support heart health, women’s health, and the immune system.
If you are brand new to meditation, start by downloading a free guided meditation app or by watching a guided meditation video. Guided meditations are wonderful for beginners, especially because they explain everything you need to know about creating your own at-home practice. And be sure to stay comfortable during your routine by wearing soft and versatile clothes, as you’ll want full range of motion as well as durable materials like bamboo fabrics.
Reduce your overall spending to lower stress levels
When it comes to self-care, most people don’t think of including their finances into their overall practice. However, financial self-care can not only improve your cash flow and savings, but it can also reduce your stress levels. Eliminating as many of your money worries as possible goes a long way in delivering a boost to your wellbeing.
Improving your financial health can be as simple as reducing your spending. Rather than creating a complex budget, investment plan, and the like, focus on letting go of less money each week. To achieve this goal, you can cancel subscriptions, negotiate existing bills, stop impulse purchases, or even refinance your home to free up cash. Taking measures like these to cut your expenditures will take a massive load off of your mind.
Get outside
One of the best things you can do for your mind and body is to spend time outdoors. The best part? It won’t cost you a penny! SelectHealth cites studies finding that spending time in nature each week can enhance your concentration, help you lose weight more easily, reduce your stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, improve your memory, and make you feel happier. Fun outdoor activities that you can add to your self-care routine include going camping, hiking, walking, swimming in a nearby lake or ocean, fishing, or biking.
Begin journaling daily
Journaling is a powerful self-care activity. Mental health professionals around the globe recommend daily journaling as a way to reflect on and explore your emotions. By writing down your thoughts, you can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. You can also better process grief and trauma, reduce intrusive thoughts, and boost your creativity.
You can also use journaling to create a gratitude list at the beginning or end of every day. Gratitude journaling comes with its own set of unique health benefits, including better sleep, reduced inflammation in the body, and feelings of calm and happiness.
Enhance your sleep routine
Verywell Health points out that sleep is a cornerstone of optimal health. When you don’t get enough sleep — even for one night — your mind and body suffer. Even those who believe that they can get away with less than the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep experience measurable health consequences.
When working to create an amazing self-care routine, be sure to prioritize sleep. It costs nothing and can transform your energy levels, concentration, and overall health. Some helpful tips for improving sleep include turning off all electronics at least one hour before bedtime, swapping time-wasting activities in the evening with an early bedtime, keeping your bedroom temperature below 70 degrees, and blocking as much natural and artificial light as possible. Also incorporate all-natural self-care products like bath and foot soak from BeNat as part of your bedtime routine.
Having an amazing self-care routine doesn’t have to cost you anything. With a bit of knowledge and advanced planning, you can effortlessly look and feel your absolute best.
BeNat promotes healthy, natural, and eco-friendly choices for those that care about the environment and are looking for simple, clean, and effective personal care and beauty products that are actually good for yourself and our planet. Connect with us today for more info! 954-562-8750