Self-care doesn’t need to be as glamorous as social media makes it out to be. As wonderful as it sounds to pamper yourself with fancy beauty products while indulging in a glass of wine, it’s not exactly practical. That isn’t to say you should neglect your wellbeing if you can’t afford these luxuries as there are inexpensive self-care habits you can adopt.
Tidy Up Your Space
Cleaning the house may be the last thing you want to deal with when all you want to do is relax but having a cluttered space could be the culprit of your unease. Put on a cleaning playlist and start with just one area of your home to avoid being overwhelmed. While you’re at it, get rid of all the things you don’t need and donate them or find a recycling center where you can drop them off.
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Eat Healthy Meals
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to eat more fruits and vegetables and stay hydrated. Pizza, ice cream, and chips may be your comfort food, but the lack of nutrition from these may leave you feeling sluggish afterward. Make budget-friendly meals that are quick and easy and use cooking as a therapeutic outlet.
READ: Get healthy and fit with these delicious meal plans from Paleo Manila!
Get Moving
Take advantage of free fitness apps or YouTube videos and get moving. It doesn’t even have to be a strenuous exercise. Low-impact activities like stretching, yoga, or having a dance party in your bedroom are great ways to get your heart rate up. If the weather permits, walk around your neighborhood to get some Vitamin D and a change of scenery. Â
READ: Hustle your way to fitness with The Movement Studio
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Do a Digital Detox
If you spend the majority of your time glued to a screen, a digital detox may just be what you need. The benefits of going offline include eliminating the distractions caused by social media and being more present. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with a loved one or take up a hobby that doesn’t involve your phone or laptop.
Start a Journal
Untangle your thoughts, process your emotions, and practice gratitude through journaling. Whether you choose a physical or digital journal, having somewhere to write these all down can provide mental clarity and make you appreciate what you have even more. Writing prompts are available online to help you get started.
Celebrate Your Wins
Would you speak poorly of someone dear to you? Probably not — which is why you shouldn’t look down on yourself either. A simple self-care exercise would be to look in the mirror and enumerate the things you admire about yourself. These don’t necessarily have to be physical attributes; praise yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone or overcoming a recent hurdle.
Prioritize Rest
Hustle culture promotes regularly busying yourself, but spreading yourself too thin could be counterproductive. Rest days are essential so you shouldn’t feel ashamed about your leisurely breaks. Unwind by listening to your favorite podcast, picking up a book on your to-read list, or watching one of your guilty-pleasure shows.
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This list is proof it’s a misconception that self-care has to be something luxurious. Take this as a reminder to check-in with yourself and take it easy every now and then.
