While you may think self-care is only for the wealthy, it’s a possibility for everyone. Put simply, self-care is anything you do to take better care of yourself. You don’t need to fly to Fiji and participate in an expensive retreat. Rooted On The Vine explains that there are many things you can do at home and in your neighborhood at low or no cost. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Establish Your Priorities
Most of us need a ferret of basics, like money to pay the bills, adequate sleep, good nutrition, and exercise. But there are many more things that we need to be healthy emotionally and psychologically, like social connections, stress management techniques, and fulfilling hobbies or activities. Obviously, we can’t do everything all of the time, so we need to determine what things are most important to us and allow these priorities to guide us in planning our schedules.
Of course, the “have to” activities will sometimes take precedence over the “want to” activities, but with proper planning, you can make time for the things you enjoy, as well as those you require. For example, you may lack the funds and time needed for daily gym visits, but you can still build some exercise into your day, whether you take a walk at lunch, climb the stairs before or after work, or meet a friend in the park to toss a Frisbee.
You may want to learn a mind-body practice, such as tai chi or yoga. Check your local community center for offerings. If getting enough sleep is challenging for you, it might be a good idea to set an alarm on your phone for an hour before bedtime. When it goes off, begin to turn off screens, make your lunch for the following day, and gear down so your body will be ready for sleep.
Make a Conscious Effort to Manage Stress
The number one stress management tool is learning to set and maintain your boundaries. It’s important to be able to say no when appropriate. None of us can do everything, and sometimes the temptation to say yes and please others can be strong. Practice thanking the other person for whatever option was offered and saying that you won’t be able to do the activity this time. No explanation is required.
Stress management also means being kind to yourself as far as what you demand to be accomplished. A good rule of thumb is this: if you wouldn’t expect a friend or loved one to exhaust themself by adding too many activities, skipping meals, or giving up sleep, then don’t expect it of yourself either.
Spending time outdoors, time with a pet, or time exercising can all help manage stress–so if you take your dog for a brisk walk in the neighborhood, you’ve hit the trifecta. Know when to turn off the news and other anxiety-provoking programs.
Spend Time on Hobbies and Practices You Love
Whether you’re gardening, baking, knitting, sculpting, or learning to Salsa dance, the payoff can go far beyond the activity itself. When you get in a flow state, fully immersed in an activity that matters to you, both body and mind will benefit. If you don’t know what appeals to you most, take time to try some things out. Maybe a friend can show you how to crochet, or you might find a buddy who wants to learn about genealogy with you.
Gardening can be an incredibly beneficial hobby. Not only do you get to see things grow, but you can spend time outdoors, which promotes positive mental health. If you’re new to the gardening scene, click here to learn more about practical tips on plants for your area. If gardening isn’t for you, there are many free tutorials available online for all kinds of activities. It costs nothing to take a pencil and paper to the park and sketch the views of nature you enjoy.
Find Solutions to Manage Your Financial Stress
Being tight on money can fill anyone with anxiety. If your current living situation has a high mortgage or rent payment, you might consider downsizing to save money. While you may not be sure you want to move, it’s worth considering. You can easily check listings for your desired area online to see what’s available in your price range. Some sites allow you to specify the number of bedrooms, baths, and location desired in your search.
Or if you’re currently a homeowner, look into refinancing your house. When interest rates are low, you can significantly lower your mortgage payment, which can free up some money every month. If you’ve been in your home for awhile, you may even be able to cash out some of your equity to pay off high interest credit cards.
Prioritize Your Personal Well-Being
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s more about paying attention to what your body, mind, and soul need and finding ways to include it in your schedule. You might even find that some of your new practices save you money. So, establish your priorities and get creative about how to make sure all the pieces fit into your day. It costs nothing to be thoughtful and considerate of yourself.
For self-care integrated with biblical principles, visit Rooted On The Vine today!
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Written by Holli Richardson. Holli’s migraine headaches really kicked into full force when she started college. All those late nights studying, and the endless coffee and medications that college necessitates didn’t help, until she found relief from holistic health. You can find more about her writings by going to hollistics.net.
