If you're anything like me, you're here because you're looking for ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank. I know firsthand what it’s like to not have much money. I also know the importance of taking time to "treat yo self" every once in a while. Being budget conscious and taking care of yourself don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Here are some awesome ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
1 Meditate
Meditation is a great way to center yourself and rest your mind. There are some great podcasts, phone apps, blogs, websites, and more that can help you clear your mind and take some needed time for yourself. In fact, this one of my favorite ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
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2 See a Local Live Performance
Oftentimes, schools put on concerts and plays that you can see for less than $15 a ticket. Check also for community and local theater performances.
3 Bake Something Delicious
It doesn’t take a lot to bake a delicious treat for yourself! Sugar, flower, baking powder, chocolate chips, butter… you’ve got cookies! Mix it up a little and check on Pinterest or other sources for fun recipes. Don’t forget to enjoy the product of your hard work!
4 Learn Something New
Always wanted to learn to knit? You can pick up a ball of yarn and a pair of needles for less than $10 at your local craft store! Wish you could speak French? Apps like Duolingo and Babbel help you do just that. You’ll feel so good about yourself after you’ve mastered something new.
5 Make Use of Groupon and Other Discounts
This is an awesome way to discover something you normally wouldn’t do or to do something you’ve always wanted to, but haven’t because of monetary reasons. They have deals on almost anything you can imagine: manicures, paint and sip nights, bowling, deals at local restaurants, the list goes on and on.
6 Take a Luxurious Bath
Fill your bathtub with some hot water, maybe some essential oils or bath bombs, and just relax. Let’s be honest. There are very few things that are as comforting and relaxing as a nice hot bath.
7 Go to the Beach or Another Body of Water
Pack a beach chair, an umbrella, and if it’s cold, plenty of blankets and sweatshirts. Just sit by the water and relax to the sounds that are around you. This is an especially perfect activity during the off season when you’ll most likely be alone.
8 Have a Movie Marathon
Pick your favorite movies, invite a few friends over (or not!) and spend the day watching some awesome films.
9 Practice Yoga
Treat your body, mind AND spirit by practicing some yoga!
10 Take Advantage of Local Nature
Explore your local area’s forests and parks. Maybe even feel like a kid again and play on a playground if there’s one available.
11 Read a Book
Choose a great motivational book, or an old favorite, or one you’ve been meaning to read. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s one that will make you feel good. Maybe motivated, inspired, or just happy!
12 Put on Some Fuzzy Socks
There’s something about fuzzy socks that just make you feel like everything’s gonna be okay. If you don’t have a pair, you can buy some for pretty cheap.
13 Put on a Facial Mask
Pamper yourself and your skin! Put on a facial mask! You can buy one online at various locations, or in drug or big box stores, or you can make your own!
14 Give Yourself a Mani Pedi
Get yourself a new nail polish color and make your toes and fingernails look so pretty! Go all out, soak your hands and feet, massage them, use the tools. If you don’t want to do it yourself, you can often find deals for getting a manicure for under $20.
15 Take in the Sunrise or Sunset
Wake up early and watch the sunrise, or go outside and watch the sunset. It’s amazing how beautiful they both are.
16 Take a Nap
This is probably one of my favorite ways to treat myself. Tired? Don’t talk yourself out of it. Put on some relaxing music, wrap yourself in your favorite blanket, and nap it off.
17 Visit a Friend
Is there a friend you haven’t seen in a while? Drop by and surprise her! If distance is an issue, give her a call, or text her, or even send her a letter! Cultivate those awesome friendships in your life.
18 Rearrange or Redecorate Your Space
Choose an area of your home, and make it different. This can be as easy as rearranging your furniture, or hanging up new decorations. The possibilities are endless, and it’s always exciting to have a space you love being in!
19 Make Your Christmas or Birthday List
It’s never too early to think about Christmas or your birthday! It’ll let you think about what you want, and can give you hope for getting it in the future if you can’t currently afford it.
20 Play with Some Animals
If you have a pet, spend some quality time with it. If you don’t, there are plenty of ways to get some snuggles. Volunteer at a pet shelter, visit a cat café, or just ask your friend if you can borrow her furry friend for some time!
21 Go Stargazing
Get yourself a blanket and lay out under the stars. What’s awesome about this activity is that you can easily do it by yourself, or with some friends. Why not add some wine to really treat yourself?
22 Give Yourself a Makeover
Try a new hairstyle or makeup look. Take pictures so you can come back to your favorites down the road.
23 Create Something
Make a cool collage, or paint something. Make something that you’ll be proud of. Maybe crochet, or make a friendship bracelet!
24 Affirm Yourself
Acknowledge the good in yourself. Maybe you’ll do this by putting inspirational post its around your space, or by repeating phrases to yourself. Maybe you’ll just write a list of things you like about yourself. You deserve to acknowledge that you are beautiful and amazing!
25 Binge Watch a Favorite or New Show
There are so many great TV shows that are easily accessible. "Breaking Bad," "Game of Thrones," "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," "Gilmore Girls"… Let yourself lay back and watch a couple (or more than a couple) hours of good TV.
26 Make a Collection or List of Your Favorite Inspirational Quotes
Collect the quotes that most inspire you, and compile them so you can always reach for them when you need them.
