But one thing that can stop you from pampering yourself is the worry that self-care is unaffordable.
Don’t stress. In this article, we bring together self-care tips and tricks that won’t cost a fortune. Our self-care tips at home or close to home can be followed easily, giving you that 'me time' you deserve!
Give yourself a DIY mani-pedi
If you can’t afford to get a professional manicure or pedicure at a salon, try the next best thing and give yourself a DIY pampering session.
Light a candle, put on some soothing music and take some time to soak your hands or feet in a bowl of warm, fragrant water. Then enjoy the ritual of preparing and painting your nails.
Once your nail polish is dry, give yourself a hand or foot massage with some gorgeous-smelling cream for that salon finish.
Get close to nature
Something as simple as taking a walk in your local park has the power to refresh you, body and soul.
Research has shown that spending time in nature improves your mood, reduces stress levels and even lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. And you can feel these benefits in as little as 10 minutes a day.
Even if you can’t get out, you can still enjoy nature. If you have houseplants, take a few minutes to care for them. Once you’ve watered them, why not put them in a sunny spot and join them? Just sitting soaking in the sunshine will enhance your mood instantly!
Try deep breathing or meditation techniques
Deep breathing is a really simple way to calm your body and mind.
Try the 4-7-8 technique. Sit comfortably with one hand on your abdomen and one on your chest. Breathe in slowly for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Then breathe out for 8 seconds.
You could also try meditation. You’ll find lots of guided meditation on YouTube that can talk you through simple techniques. Practise regularly and you’ll reap the benefits of reduced stress, better sleep and an enhanced feeling of wellbeing.
Soothe your stress headaches the natural way
Stress headaches are a common symptom when you’re under pressure and you clench your jaw or the muscles in your face, neck or shoulders.
Instead of popping pills, try some natural remedies to soothe your stress and pain. Start with the basics like drinking more water, applying peppermint or lavender oil to your temples, or practising some gentle yoga moves.
You could also try cooling products to help soothe away pain. Try a cooling patch for headache, which can be easily applied to your forehead to provide up to 8 hours’ relief. If your headache is accompanied by a fever, be sure to use a thermometer to check your temperature and seek medical advice.
Start a journal
Journaling is an enjoyable way to express and work through your feelings, changing your outlook and boosting your mood.
It’s really easy to start. Find a cheap notebook, some pens and pencils and away you go!
You can start by making lists of your personal goals, some favourite quotes or a mood chart to track your feelings. Have fun adding in some doodles and drawings and you’ll soon be addicted to your new hobby!
Have a declutter
Decluttering can be incredibly therapeutic and uplifting. It’s a form of self-care, as it’s a reminder that you should only give space to things that are meaningful or uplift you.
You could start by sorting through your wardrobe. Set aside any items that you haven’t worn during the past year, don’t fit or that are impulse buys that you’ve never used. These can be donated to charity. Then, order your wardrobe by colour, type of garment or in groups of outfits.
You can also declutter your email inbox. Make yourself a favourite drink and set aside 30 minutes to unsubscribe to emails you don’t need, block any spam and set up folders for emails you need to keep.
Take it easy…the affordable way!
We hope you feel inspired by our cheap self-care tips.
Why not treat yourself by practising one of them today? Pledge to make caring for yourself a regular habit to help you deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
You can check out our complete collection of health and wellness items, including cooling products, to help you start your self-care journey.
With fast delivery throughout Australia, you will soon be on your way to a calmer, more cared-for you!