What comes to your mind when you hear about self-care? An expensive body massage, manicure, pedicure, spa treatments, and other paid pampering sessions, right? Well, you don’t always have to spend much money to enjoy self-care as often as you wish. In this article, we have outlined some affordable ideas to help students rejuvenate their bodies and minds without straining their pockets. Read on to find out more.
Practice self-care without draining your wallet with these amazing ideas
1. Listen to soothing music
Listening to music is an affordable way to relax without spending a coin; it can help you distract yourself from the daily pressures of life. According to research, sweet melodies, nature sounds, instrumentals, and repetitive rhythms can reduce blood pressure and anxiety and lower heart rate. You can also add soothing music to your yoga sessions or evening walks and see how it goes.
2. Seek help
The exam period can be hectic and draining, particularly if you haven’t prepared adequately or lack enough time to complete pending assignments like continuous assessment tests. Students preparing for multiple examinations may need more time to revise, complete homework, and relax after a long, tiresome day. If you find yourself in a similar situation, hiring a dissertation writer for assistance with your projects would be a great idea.
3. Have quality sleep
Sleeping is a good form of relaxation. Apart from helping you freshen after a long day, it has numerous health benefits to the body. Besides meditating, you can listen to sleep casts or slow music and gradually fall asleep. Popular applications like Headspace have short narratives and wondrous sounds that can help you fall asleep without distractions or anxiety.
When you are doing personal studies, taking naps between study sessions is crucial for your mental health. In addition, it is a great way to manage stress and balance your energy level. You don’t have to sleep for long hours during the day to enjoy the benefits; you can take a shawl, lay your head on a comfortable place like a throw pillow and close your eyes for about thirty minutes, and you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to embark on the next task.
4. Take a good shower
Bathing is one of the simplest ways to promote personal hygiene. It can also help you relax after a tiresome day. So, it is crucial to take a bath at least two times a day, preferably in the morning and evening, for a new and fresh look. You can go the extra mile and install a shower steamer for a more pleasant experience; this is a great idea to help you get aromatherapy as you shower.
Most college hostels don’t have bathtubs or jacuzzis. However, you can still enhance your experience in the shower by buying a shower steamer and a foot soak, which are relatively cheap and portable. If you can’t afford these tools, you can prepare a do-it-yourself (DIY) foot bath at home using locally available ingredients.
5. Keep a gratitude journal
Nothing is as satisfying as counting your blessings and achievements; keeping a gratitude journal is the ideal way to keep you going. For a start, consider writing about the things you’ve enjoyed most in the day, week, or month, depending on your schedule. Focusing on personal achievements or people who have impacted your life can be a great way to make journaling enjoyable. Whether you record events daily or weekly, just ensure you have a regular pattern.
6. Dance
Dancing is a great way to avoid stress and anxiety. The body releases endorphins when you’re dancing, which makes you happy and excited. You don’t have to spend a coin to have a good time and dance it out; you can put on your favorite playlist and enjoy yourself in the comfort of your home. Alternatively, you can join a dance group or yoga class if it is pocket-friendly.
7. Have a self-care day
Sparing one or two days off every weekend for self-care can make you happier and more productive during the weekdays. You can spare Saturdays or Sundays as your off days and do whatever makes you happy and relaxed. For instance, these days are ideal for nature walks, exploring new places, watching movies, or bonding with friends and family.
Staying in an untidy environment is not good for your mental health. So, you should use the weekend to organize your space and spare some time for hobbies.
8. Hydrate
Staying hydrated can help you avoid health complications such as kidney stones and promote proper brain functioning. So, if you want a healthy body, don’t forget to drink several glasses of water a day.
9. Have a workout routine
It is not a must to spend a lot of time and money in the gym to keep fit; you can improvise a workout schedule comprising simple activities like jogging, walking around your residential area, evening runs, doing yoga, and skipping a rope. It’s the simplest things that matter. If you can spare around 15-45 minutes daily to work out, don’t hesitate to do it. As simple as these exercises may seem, they can improve your physical and psychological well-being; they stimulate your body to release endorphins and dopamine, keeping you fit, happy, and relaxed.
10. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness entails meditation, guided imagery, breathing exercises, and mindful eating. Most individuals don’t incorporate this form of therapy into their day-to-day lives. Research has established that these practices help reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, people who meditate often make reasonable judgments and approach different circumstances with a sober mind. To enrich your life, try practicing mindfulness and training your mind to focus on the present moment.
Self-care doesn’t always have to be costly
Are you always avoiding self-care activities because of financial constraints? Help yourself with these amazing yet affordable practices for a healthy body, mind, and soul. Even engaging in one or two activities can make a difference. Try them out, and you’ll thank yourself later!