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Looking for self care on a budget ideas? In this post, I’m sharing 31 ways to practice self care at home without spending a fortune.
Do you find it hard to have any kind of self care routine while you are trying to save money? It’s hard to take the time and spend money on yourself when you are trying to reach your money goals.
We always hear that self care is so important, but how can you practice self care on a budget?
When I hear self care, the first things that come to mind are gym classes, massages, manicures, and other expensive treats. But the more I consider this, that’s not the truth at all.
You can practice self care on a budget and there are many ways to do so for free!
I wanted to find more free and super affordable ways to practice self care, so I wanted to share this list with you, too.
Fit these ideas into your busy schedule by blocking out time once a day or once a week to do something for yourself. I’m a big fan of time blocking and planning my day out, so I’m going to try to squeeze a few of these into my weekly schedule.
Try one of these ideas this week, and change things up and try another next week. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, or any money for that matter, to practice self care.
Ok, let’s dig into the self care on a budget ideas!
1. At home manicure & pedicure
You don’t have to get a professional manicure or pedicure to feel great. I love painting my own nails while listening to music or watching a movie. Get an affordable manicure kit like this that will last forever and a few great nail polish colors.
2. Apply a face mask
Try a facial cleanser or mask to feel refreshed and clean.
3. Try a fun bath bomb
Bath bombs make taking a bath a lot more fun and fancy-feeling. Try one of these great scents for a luxurious bath on a budget.
4. Go for a walk
I love starting my day walking in the back of our property. It’s a great way to enjoy nature, have some quiet time, and get in some exercise. And it’s completely free!
Take a morning walk near your home, walk during your lunch break, or take an evening walk with your family!
5. Watch a movie you love
Sometimes you just want to lay down, relax, and enjoy a favorite movie. Pull out a favorite chick flick (Safe Haven, Runaway Bride, and Sixteen Candles are a few of my favorites!) and enjoy a nice relaxing movie night.
6. Try a yoga class
Look for a great deal on a yoga class to attend alone or with some friends. Yoga can help you relax, focus, and get in great shape.
You can also look on YouTube for a free class you can do at home!
7. Practice yoga at home
Do yoga for free at home. Just grab an affordable yoga mat (or a towel) and find a tutorial on YouTube to go along with.
8. Catch up with friends
Invite a friend over to walk or just hang out and catch up. You could even run errands together to make that task more enjoyable.
If you can’t get together in person, just chatting on the phone or a Zoom call can lift your spirits.
9. Read a book
For me, reading is a great way to practice self care on a budget. I love to find books at yard sales or ask for them for gifts. Right now, I’m hooked on anything from Liane Moriarty.
Related Post: 11 Books to Help You Save and Make Money
10. Enjoy some quiet time
If quiet time gives you energy and helps you relax, schedule some free time in your day or week. Find a quiet place to sit and just think. You can have a notebook handy to jot down any thoughts.
11. Read a magazine
I’m not a fan of paying for magazines, but often I will get free magazine subscriptions and I got the Magnolia Journal as a gift.
Enjoying a magazine you love is a great way to relax, get some new ideas, and escape for just a few minutes.
12. Listen to a podcast
I’ve recently started listening to podcasts after I cancelled my audio book subscription. There are so many wonderful podcasts out there on a huge variety of topics.
I listen to a few business podcasts, Ruth Soukup’s Do It Scared podcast, and Crystal Paine’s podcast.
13. Find a new hobby
If you are feeling bored or want to find a new hobby to enjoy, look for a tutorial or class to help you learn a new hobby or skill.
14. Make some goals
I’m a huge fan of goal setting and taking the time to think about what goals we want to reach.
Take some time to sit down and think about what you really want to accomplish. Then, map out an action plan to get there. Just planning my goals gets my excited about achieving them!
You can get a free goal planner here.
15. Walk your dog
I love taking my dogs for walks around our property. It’s a great way to enjoy some time with them, get us both some exercise in, and enjoy some quiet time.
16. Take a bath
A bath can be a great way to relax and practice some free self care. Grab some of your favorite bubble bath or a bath bomb to make your bath a little more luxurious.
17. Meditate
Find a quiet space, a meditation playlist, and just be. Some quiet time may be just what you need.
18. Do a quick workout
I love finding 5 or 10 minute workout plans on Pinterest. These are short enough that I will actually do them, and they make me feel so great after!
YouTube videos are great to follow along with, too!
19. Take a nap
A nap may be the perfect way for you to practice self care on a budget. When I had an office job, I would often use half of my lunch hour to eat and the other half to take a nap in my car. It made me feel so refreshed!
20. Redecorate your home
I love to redecorate different areas of my home. You can do this on a budget by using things you already have, shopping yard sales, and using free wall art from Pinterest.
Related Post: 11 Living Room Decor Ideas Under $30
21. Do some cleaning
If cleaning makes you feel great, do a quick clean or deep clean an area of your home. The point of self care is to do something that makes you feel great, whatever that is.
22. Organize a space in your home
I really love organizing and have been decluttering and organizing one room a month. This makes me feel refreshed, so give it a try. You can get my free 15 Day Organizing Workbook here.
23. Work in the garden
I really love working in my garden and being outside when the is nice. Get outside, plant some flowers, pull weeds, or grow some vegetables.
24. Go to lunch with friends
Invite a friend or a group of friends to lunch and catch up. Lunch is a more affordable time to eat out, and many places have budget friendly lunch menus.
You could also have a picnic style lunch at a park and bring your dogs or kids.
25. Do some stretches
If you only have a few spare minutes, get up and do some quick stretches. You will feel refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle your do list.
26. Try a new hairstyle
Feeling like you need a hair makeover? Try a new cut or find a new way to style your hair with a YouTube video or Pinterest tutorial.
27. Do your makeup
Sometimes, just taking the time to fix my hair or makeup makes me feel so much better.
When I’m working from home, I usually don’t apply any makeup and leave my hair in a bun. So, when I fix my hair or makeup, I feel a little fancy! 🙂
I’m trying to get into a better habit of putting on a little makeup and fixing my hair when I’m home – otherwise I feel like napping all day!
28. Get fitted for a bra
You’ve probably heard that most women are wearing the wrong size bra, right? If you need to replace yours, go ahead and get fitted for the right size.
Try on several styles and find something you feel great in – and comfortable! You may spend a little more money getting what you want, but it will be worth it in the long run.
29. Buy new underwear
When is the last time you replaced your underwear? Keep an eye out for a sale and stock up. Department stores usually have great deals!
30. Get rid of old clothes
Stop hanging on to old clothes that don’t fit or that you will never wear. Go through your closet and keep only the things you love and wear.
It will make you feel so great next time you go in your closet and only see the things you love and make you feel great.
31. Shop secondhand for new clothes
Want to replace your wardrobe, but don’t have the money for a shopping spree? Try shopping second hand for some new clothes. You can find many items brand new with tags at thrift stores or even yard sales!
Related Post: 23 Yard Sale Shopping Tips
Taking care of yourself and practicing self care on a budget is totally doable, even if you don’t have a lot of time or money.
Take some of these self care on a budget ideas and implement them into your daily and weekly routines. Find short blocks of time that you can devote to doing something you love and that makes you feel great.
