Self Care on a Budget

 Importance of Self Care 

In a nutshell, self care is anything that allows you to be kind to yourself, as you would act the same for others. Partly, self care is knowing your limits and when to take a step back so you can either recharge yourself or your resources. In the long term, health self care practices are good for your mind, your body, or both. In return, you can find other improvements in your life, such as:

• Improved physical health: They say your mind and your body are linked. Therefore, taking care of your stress can improve your physical health. For example, making sure you get enough nutrients from healthy food and sleeping enough helps improve your resistance to diseases and takes care of your immune system.

• Increased motivation: When you’re happier and give yourself time to work on your passions, you will be more productive in the long run. Saying “no” to extra tasks that overextend your capacity of work isn’t slacking off, it’s self-preservation. Not only can you do more things you enjoy but you can start working towards your own goals, which will help you lead a happier and more successful life.

• You have more to give: You can’t help others from an empty cup. Practicing self care doesn’t mean you’re selfish. Taking care of your own needs first is essential making sure you stay charged, compassionate, and able to help others too.

 Self Care on a Budget 

• Start small: Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Self-care can start with the little things in your daily routine. Why not make more time for exercise or even an evening walk to wind down from your busy day? Minimize your screen time by keeping a journal or pick up a good book.

• Cut the cost of stress: Finding the root of your stress is just as important as prioritizing self care to counteract the feelings of stress and anxiety. For example, money stress can be minimized by practising more energy saving habits to lower your household bills, including your Con Ed utility bill.

• Opt for traditional entertainment: Phones, laptops, and TVs are all sources of entertainment but they can also be sources of distraction. Excessive screen time can also cause health issues like headaches, dry eyes, and fuzzy vision. Instead of winding down with a movie, try to find a good book, start journaling, or make some art instead.

• Get social: Self care doesn’t always mean you have to do it alone. Our social lives can play just as big of a part in how we perceive ourselves and the level of our mood. Why not reach out to a loved one you haven’t spoken to in a while? Or, if you know certain people who make you feel bad about yourself, limit the time you spend with them. How can you keep working on improving yourself if you’re always being brought down by the people around you?

• Keep track of your emotions: With how busy our daily routines are, it’s common to suppress our emotions just so we can tick off that to-do list. However, this may cost you more in terms of having a healthy mental wellbeing in the long run. Emotions are not good or bad, they’re a normal part of life. It’s how you behave in response to them which defines your character. Try and keep a journal or see a therapist so you can be honest about your feelings without the fear of loved ones knowing.

 Conclusion 

Self care doesn’t mean you’re slowing down. By making time for doing things you love, you become happier, more compassionate, and healthy physically and mentally. Sometimes, you just need to make time to nurture the neglected parts of yourself.