So you want to do more self-care? Awesome! But then you go online and see all of these self-care products, and man, they are expensive. That’s where I come in. I have spent entirely too much money on self-care products so now I can tell you how to maximize your self-care on a mega-budget.
For bonus content on self-care, check out my blog on The Three Pillars of Self-Care
TEN SELF-CARE PRODUCTS ON A BUDGET
1 . Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is cheap and is an amazing addition to baths. An Epsom salt bath can reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, relax muscles, and even reduce cramps and symptoms of PMS. There are also options of Epsom salts that have essential oils infused, which can promote further relaxation. At the end of the day, what is a better tribute to self-care than a nice bath?
2. DIY Face masks
DIY face masks are great in a pinch! Especially because you normally don’t have to look any further than your kitchen. While there are countless DIY Face Mask recipes online, the most basic (hydrating) mask is:
- 1 tbs Honey
- ½ Avocado,
- a handful of Oats.
Add in any lavender buds if you have it for an extra relaxing face mask. (recipe based from Elle Magazine)
3. Trader Joe’s skincare
I know that not everyone has a good ol’ TJ’s nearby (which should be illegal), but those of us that do: News Flash- they have skincare products and they are actually pretty good! Not only are they good products, but they also come at a bargain. From eye cream, to exfoliant, to facial oils, Trader Joe’s really does have you covered.
4. Incense
I love a good incense stick. The extra nice thing about incense is it is usually pretty easy to find, and it’s really cheap. There are different kinds of incense, but the most common will be the long sticks that you burn on a long piece of wood or metal. Of course, with burning anything, use caution and play it smart. I find my incense at a local smoke shop or metaphysical shop for a couple of bucks at the most.
5. YouTube
YouTube is the unsung, not-so-secret hero of the self-care ballgame, and here is why. First of all, it’s totally free and super easily accessible. There is an infinite amount of resources on YouTube: meditations, binaural beats, ASMR, yoga, whatever you crave, YouTube has it.
6. Sheet masks
Sheet masks are a great option for some quick self-care. You can find these anywhere- the grocery store, pharmacy, or amazon. While they aren’t free, they are relatively cheap to get in packs so you can pull one out at a moment’s notice.
7. Yoga mat
Yoga mats can get expensive, but they do not have to be. You can find yoga mats online and in-stores for as little as $15. Not only can you get a yoga mat cheap, but you can skip the yoga studio fee by following a yoga routine on YouTube. My favorite YouTube yogi is Yoga With Adriene. She has all levels of yoga available for all types of yoga flows. If you want a relaxing yin yoga, she’s got it. If you’re looking to push yourself a little more, she’s got that too!
8. Composition Notebook
Were you thinking, “How is Jenn going to work journaling into this list, this time”? (I know, I am basically a mind reader.) Journaling is one of my favorite forms of self-care and I mention it in almost all of my Blog and Instagram posts. Journaling can be really expensive, with all the fancy markers, stencils, stickers, even the journals themselves aren’t cheap- except one: The tried and true Composition Notebook. No, it’s not a fancy bullet journal, but in a pinch and on a budget it gets the self-care job done.
I do plan on creating journal prompts in the future, but If you need guidance now check out these wellness promts on Pinterest!
9. Spotify
Most people probably have a Spotify account, but even if you don’t, Spotify is free with ads. This gives access to thousands of podcasts and songs that can be used for self-care. Make a playlist of uplifting songs that fill your cup and jam out. For free. Listen to a podcast that gets you motivated or just makes you laugh- for free. Or you can do my favorite: put on zen music while taking a bath and make it feel like you are really in a spa- FOR FREE. Why not pack it all together, sprinkle in some Epsom salt, put your DIY face mask on, and light some incense?
10. Libby app
Do you like to read? Do you wish you could do more reading? Have you heard of the Libby app? If reading is your form of self-care, don’t overlook this app. You can get thousands of digital books for free- and all you need is a local library card. The nice thing about living in 2022, is that you can probably get your library card online! If not, it’s pretty easy to get one in person; most libraries just need a form of ID.
That’s it! That is my list. If I had to put it all in one lump sum I would say the total of this whole list might roughly come out to $85. Depending on what you adapt it could be more, it could be less. What are some of your favorite ways of self-care on a budget? Let me know down in the comments!
