Just because you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself anymore.
You may hesitate to do so, because you associate this form of self-care it with luxurious massages, expensive vacations and other pricey pamper projects. But that’s not always the case.
Also, self-care matters. With all the stresses of life, you need to give yourself a break so you can recover physically, emotionally, and mentally.
The truth is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to care for yourself.
Once in a while, you have to indulge (go get those shoes that you want or enjoy a full day of spa treatments).
But if you’re really pinching your pennies, there are still ways you can pamper yourself.
Why Self-Care Matters As You Improve Your Finances
Pampering is often thought of as something you reserve for special occasions like anniversaries, Christmases, birthdays and more.
But this shouldn’t be the case.
Pampering yourself is a form of self-care that reduces your stress, anxiety, and other negative feelings.
Since money is a stressful issue, having a way to relieve those negative emotions while working towards your financial goals is important.
If you deprive yourself of opportunities for self-care, you might resent your financial journey.
So, instead of depriving yourself, learn to enjoy life, even if you have to maintain a budget.
How Not to Feel Guilty When Indulging Yourself
Here’s a rule of thumb: not every penny you earn should end up in your savings account. Leave room in your budget for small treats.
When you set a budget for your self-care, you won’t feel bad about it.
The money you set aside will be for whatever you want to do.
So, if you want to buy a toy or enjoy a massage, add a line item in your budget to pay for it.
Remember, self-care is important, so don’t feel bad once you’ve budgeted for it.
Budget-Friendly Ways to Pamper Yourself
Give Yourself a Massage
If you don’t have the time or money to visit the local spa, ease your tensed muscles with a hand massager.
Small things like giving yourself a foot and hand massage can help you relax.
Also, many handheld body massagers are available for as low as $20.
Plus, you can use your massagers over and over again.
Give Yourself a Pedicure and Manicure
Save yourself a few bucks by giving yourself a pedicure and manicure.
All you need is a few tools to clean and shape your nails.
Grab your nail clippers, polish, nail file and nail coat. You can also find at-home foot spa kits for less than 420.
Take a Bubble Bath
A warm shower is already comforting but imagines soaking in bubbles!
A bubble bath is an affordable way to pamper yourself. Make the bath better by adding bath bombs and oils.
Give Yourself a Facial
Professional facials can be expensive but that doesn’t mean you can’t do a budget-friendly version at home.
Create a DIY facial scrub with a few items in your kitchen’s pantry.
You’d be surprised bythe kitchen items that can exfoliate your face.
Sleep In
Sleeping in might seem like an odd form of pampering. Is it still pampering if you take a long-overdue nap?
Think of it this way: it’s still a form of self-care. And the best part is it’s completely free.
Give your body some time to recover and reset so you’ll feel pampered and refreshed.
All you have to do is pick a day to clear out your schedule and sleep.
Wear your favorite pajamas and favorite eye mask while you’re at it.
Call a Friend to Catch Up
Is there a friend you haven’t talked to in a while? Set a virtual date with them over the weekend.
Enjoy a nice chat with a friend. There’s nothing better than pouring a glass of wine and catching up with a friend, recounting all of your good memories.
In this time of COVID-19, physical gatherings are discouraged but you can still meet with your friends online.
Eat the Food You Want
Food isn’t just good for the body; it’s good for the soul.
Set a date when you can order all the food that you want (as long as it suits your budget).
You can also cook your favorite recipe and enjoy it with some candles. If you have some wiggle room in your budget, why not buy the most expensive Starbucks drink?
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you should neglect to care for yourself.
It’s OK to set aside money to preserve your well-being. It doesn’t have to be expensive; you can do some pampering yourself.
Make pampering part of your budget so that you’ll stay motivated on your financial journey.