5 Ways to Practice Self-Care on a Budget

When our daily lives are filled with responsibilities, chaos, and stress, we often overlook the importance of self-care. Contrary to popular belief, self-care isn’t a selfish activity; rather it’s about taking care of ourselves so we can stay balanced, positive, healthy, and productive. Self-care is a way to prioritize yourself so you can then take care of loved ones who depend on you. We can’t afford to not practice self-care!

Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to treat yourself to a little TLC. Here are some of our top budget-friendly self-care ideas:

Take a walk

Exercising is key to good physical and mental health. Moving our bodies reduces stress and increases levels of serotonin””the ” feel good” hormone””which helps to boost our mood and energy. If you’re new to exercising, a great place to start is by simply going for a walk around the neighborhood. Strap on a pair of sneakers and leave your phone behind to immerse yourself in nature. You’ll be glad you did!

Sneakers from Goodwill

Athleisure from Goodwill

Indulge in an at-home spa day

A trip to a luxury spa may be relaxing, but it can also be expensive. Save money by doing an at-home spa day instead! There are many spa treatments you can do at home, from a manicure and pedicure to face masks and hair treatments.

You can even make an easy face mask using ingredients you probably have in your fridge! Kick back in a comfy robe or athleisure wear and give this hydrating DIY face mask a try:

• Combine Greek yogurt, honey, aloe vera gel, and avocado in a bowl.
• Spread the mixture on your face and leave it on for about 15 minutes.
• When the mixture is dry, rinse it off with water and enjoy the feeling of refreshed, hydrated skin!

Books from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Read a book

When was the last time you read a book just for fun? If you enjoy reading, take some time to curl up with a good book. Too much ” screen time” can cause headaches, eye strain, and poor sleep quality. Give your screens a break and curl up with a book instead! Ohio Valley Goodwill always has a fantastic selection of books at budget-friendly prices. Explore our shelves for your next self-care day!

Write it down

Journaling is a wonderful way to unwind after a stressful day. You can express your feelings, jot down memories, plan out your goals, or just document your day. Another popular craft is ” junk journals“ which are like a mix of collage-making and scrapbooking. These handmade journals are made with recycled paper from books, magazines, music sheets, spare fabric, and packaging, as well as small items like jewelry, buttons, game board pieces, ribbon, or stickers. Let your creativity shine when you shop at a thrift store like Ohio Valley Goodwill for recyclable items to include in your junk journal. At Goodwill, the thrifting possibilities are endless and always easy on your budget.

Tidy up your home

Believe it or not, decluttering can be a form of self-care! When your living space is well-organized and clutter-free, you will have more time for other things. Take a few minutes each week to tidy up and clear out any clutter. Set a box or bin in the corner of your bedroom for any clothes, shoes, books, or household items you don’t use anymore. At the end of the month, bring your unwanted items to Ohio Valley Goodwill and donate them!

Donations box

Ohio Valley Goodwill is the go-to thrift store for self-care essentials, from cozy robes and sweaters to supplies for arts and crafts projects. Thrift shopping at Goodwill is a form of self-care in itself because you can always score quality goods at affordable prices! Most importantly, shopping at Ohio Valley Goodwill supports life-changing programs and services for individuals with disabilities and veterans. Every purchase you make at Ohio Valley Goodwill goes on to help someone in your community go to work””that’s retail therapy you can feel great about!

Goodwill’s Logo

Kickstart your self-care routine with help from Ohio Valley Goodwill! To find your nearest retail store, click here. And for even more opportunities to save, sign up to have our special offers sent directly to your email!