Practicing self-care can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be. Often, when we think of ways to relax and unwind, especially when we’re feeling low, we may envision things that require spending money, such as a weekend getaway, going out for a meal, or retail therapy. Whilst these are valid outlets and can be incredibly healing, you may not always want to spend money in order to indulge in some self-care (especially not in the current cost of living crisis!). Whatever your reason for wanting to save a bit of cash, there are plenty of free ways that you can practice some self-care, benefitting both your wellbeing and your bank balance!
Yoga
You may be thinking, “this isn’t the first time an article has told me to do some yoga”, and whilst you would be correct, there is good reason for this! Yoga has so many proven physical and mental health benefits, and can be done from the comfort of your own home. The newfound popularity of this relaxation technique means that it is as easy as searching YouTube for beginners yoga videos (I recommend Yoga with Adrienne), putting on some comfy clothes and setting down a mat and you’re good to go.
Entertainment
There are so many ways to entertain yourself at home that can actually boost your mood without you necessarily realising. The majority of us listen to music or watch TV everyday, and both of these can be used as forms of self-care. Putting on some nostalgic music and having a sing or dance in your bedroom can prove to be really therapeutic (it’s like a concert, but free). Likewise, rewatching an old favourite movie is a great form of self-care, especially if you have someone that you can invite to watch it with you. Bonus points if it’s a movie that can make you laugh!
Revive an old hobby (or try a new one)
Especially whilst you’re studying, it can be easy to neglect those hobbies that you used to love doing. Chances are you may even have the means for it right under your nose (talking from experience – my love for reading is thoroughly displeased and upset by the fact I have an ever growing pile of books on my bedside table…). If you find yourself in a similar situation, pick up those books, that sketchbook, or that bundle of yarn, and let yourself enjoy! Similarly, there are plenty of hobbies that don’t require making any extra purchases; for example, grabbing a pen and paper and drawing or writing; learning a new language online; even reading (your local library deserves some love too).
Communication
This could be a good time to reach out to a loved one – whether that be a family member that you miss, a new friend that you’ve just made, or even a course-mate that you want to get to know better. If they live locally, you could meet them for a walk or invite them to your house. Equally, if they don’t live nearby, call them! Speaking to someone that you haven’t communicated with in a while can give you a happy boost and allows you to reconnect. We as humans are social beings but it can be easy to isolate yourself when you’re feeling down, so this is an amazing way to show yourself (and others) some love.
Food/drink
If you’re a fan of a hot drink, make yourself a tea or coffee or other hot beverage of choice with the things you already have at home. Make it in your favourite mug and enjoy every sip. If that’s not your cup of tea (no pun intended), why not try cooking or baking with the things you already have in your kitchen cupboards? You don’t have to follow a recipe, but chances are you already have what you need to make even the simplest dish or baked good, so give it a go! Put some music or a podcast on in the background and get creative – you’ll have fun and you may even discover a new favourite meal.
These are just a few ideas of ‘no-spend’ self-care activities that you can partake in, all of which you can complete from home and are free! It’s important to remember that any activity which makes you happy can be considered an act of self-care, whether that be paid or free. But I hope that this article has proved to you that money needn’t be an issue when thinking of ways to treat yourself! Everyone deserves some self-care in their lives, and that includes YOU.