Self Care on a Budget - Queen of Free (2024)

My mom wore tennis shoes with holes in them when I was in high school. It wasn’t that our family couldn’t afford a new pair. We also had access to stores where they sold shoes. But when it came to our family, my mom took care of everyone else’s needs first. I remember thinking she was maybe a little bit crazy for not just going and buying new sneakers.

And then I became a mom.

I struggle to take care of myself on a regular basis. Last year, my body began physically manifesting the dangers of this unbalanced habit. As my blood pressure creeped higher, I realized I needed to make wiser choices or I wouldn’t be around to take care of everyone else as long as I’d like to. This predicament endangers one’s health more than a holey pair of shoes.

So this year, I invested in some regular self care practices to keep me from serving my family from an empty cup. For years, I neglected my own health and well being thinking it would cost too much to maintain. However, I began to discover a number of smart ways to live life to the fullest and richest without putting my health or budget at risk.Self-care doesn’t have to equal shelling out tons of cash. You can invest in your body and life without breaking the bank.

Most research points toward the need to regularly take in more water. A wise rule of thumb states you should divide your body weight in half and then consume that number of ounces of water per day. While I don’t mind water and reach for it first in restaurants because of the price (yay free) or after a great workout, I get bored with the lack of flavor. So this year, to reinforce the positive life habit and take better care of my body, I’ve been drinking fruit infused water. While you can buy an bottle that separates the fruit from the water, I found that I’m fine with placing a slice or two of lemon or lime in refillable water bottle does the trick just as well.

Occasionally, if we’re running low on fresh fruit I place a drop or two of lime concentrate in a bottle, too. I’ve added blueberries and pineapple and even herbs to my water. My favorite fruit combination of all time though is sliced strawberry and sliced lime. Delicious. If you can, fill up a bottle the night before and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Then you can grab it on your way out the door in the morning. Bonus: no need to grab a drink at the gas station or the drive through.

After some measurements and self reflection, I realized my blood pressure spiked during times of high stress. To combat my weary spirit, I chose to spend intentional time breathing and stretching. Simply slowing down every day for 15 – 30 minutes and calming my heart and body began to cause my numbers to drop. I knew I didn’t have the budget to afford a regular yoga or stretching class, so I headed to YouTube to find some ideas. I’ve always loved the free FitnessBlender Channel which features a wide variety of workouts posted every week by a super fit husband wife duo. However, this year, I discovered 30 Days of Yoga from Yoga with Adriene. After completing the first challenge, I couldn’t believe what a difference it made in my day and life. I dove into another 31 day challenge and rarely miss my afternoon appointment with YouTube.

The winter months in Indiana feel bleak and long. Early in January, I begin to long for green – green leaves, green grass, or I’d even settle for green weeds. In the fresh produce department of Meijer, I found a small fresh basil plant priced at $2.99. I had enough extra green in our grocery budget to bring a little green home with me. So I brought the lovely little plant home and placed it in a coffee mug on my desk. Not only was I able to enjoy all of the fresh basil goodness in my meals, the plant grew new leaves and continues to thrive. Watching something grow is good for my soul. I don’t have to have a fancy hydroponic garden or a greenhouse. My sweet little $3 plant accomplishes more than I could have ever imagined it would.

My pursuit to take better care of myself this year dovetailed nicely with another goal – reading more books. I set out to read 80 books in 2018. I’m currently reading my 24th (and 25th and 26th because I’m always reading more than one) book of the year. I love reading across genres and history, across perspectives and topics. However, I don’t really have the cash to purchase 80 new books this year. Enter the local library. Certainly, we all know we can check out high quality books, DVDs, and more at our local branch.

However, few people know about or use the free apps libraries offer. This year, I’ve already listened to best sellers and sought after books by using both the Hoopla and Overdrive Apps on my smartphone. You simply download the app, link it to your library card, and then select the books you want to read. While I’m folding the laundry, driving to pick up or drop off kids at school, or even grocery shopping, odds are good I’m also listening to an audiobook. The TV remains off and my mind opens to works of fiction and nonfiction, scholarly pursuits and imaginary worlds. And cost? Absolutely free. The books return themselves when they’re due so you don’t even risk a late fee.

Price doesn’t always correspond with quality. Last year, I discovered a line of skin care that I LOVE. My skin looks and feels great and I’m not out a wad of cash. It’s called Formula 10.0.6 and you can find it for the best price in Meijer and ULTA where I live. I love that they offer a small sampler pack that allows you to try a handful of their products for only $10. While you don’t have to purchase this brand, there are plenty of fantastic ways to take care of your skin and yourself (it’s your largest organ after all!) without overspending. ULTA regularly places the products on sale online and in stores and has great coupons and rewards.

In the end, I’ve realized I can’t afford not to take care of myself. Self care doesn’t have to look like pricey meals out or a trip to the spa. Each day, I can take small steps to restoring my body and soul without shoveling out loads of cash. Then, when you need to, take the time and all the money you’ve saved to buy yourself a new pair of hole free shoes.

My book is now available:Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.You can also check outThe Debt Free Devotionalon Kindle.

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.