Everyone deserves the opportunities to treat themselves and practice proper self-care so you can continue your everyday life. You do not need to justify or rationalize self-care and occasional treats as everyone needs a break regardless of their daily life. Some people think treating yourself is a luxury not everyone gets, and if you do have the time to treat yourself, it is an expensive splurge. However, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself in the name of self-care without spending too much money or falling into the often wrong stereotype that people who take breaks are lazy. Everyone needs a break, a treat, and time for self-care to recharge and continue through life with your proper capacity. Taking care of yourself with an occasional treat or break also does more for your health than you might expect. How you practice self-care and give yourself a break also changes the different benefits you can receive. Someone who focuses on a healthy diet as part of self-care and treats from a local bakery after long days will enjoy more health protections against things like yeast overgrowth and inflammation.
Someone else might see a treat as finally buying a basic dyes kit to make fun fabric patterns in their spare time. There is no right or wrong way to treat yourself, and there are endless ways to treat yourself without breaking the bank or making your checkbook sad.
Nature Is Typically Free
Going out to explore or just spend time in nature is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to treat yourself. Hiking trails, parks, and other outdoor areas are typically free, but more prominent or well-known areas may require an upkeep fee. Even if you just take a quick walk around your neighborhood, taking the time to get fresh air and disconnect for a bit is a treat for your whole body, and you could discover a new store or favorite place to visit on your walks. Studies have shown spending time outside can improve different aspects of your wellbeing, including overall mood.
Do What You Want To Relax
Some people will profess the best ways to relax and unwind to treat yourself when you need a break, but the truth is there are an endless number of ways to relax, and each person has their own preferences. Do not try to fit into someone else's idea of self-care or a treat, and instead, do whatever you feel would be best for you. One person may cook their favorite meal and sit down with a good movie, but that could be seen as a regular night or even a chore to someone else. Reclaim your free time by doing what you want and what makes you feel better. You know your body and mind better than anyone else, so tailor your treats and self-care routine to what works for you rather than what is popular. Often what helps you relax the most is something you already own or can get quickly for little money, which also keeps your budget happy.
Try Something New
There has never been a time where it is easier to learn something new as there is so much information online that is always at our fingertips. If you have always had a curiosity in the back of your mind about something, now is the time to act and treat yourself to some interesting information and maybe even a new skill. Look through the plethora of free video tutorials for nail art, crochet, drawing, room design, cooking, photography, or any other skill you are interested in. The Internet is a vast resource for almost anything you want, so find a new hobby or skill to learn and quickly have any starter materials painlessly delivered to your door. Learning a new skill can even lead to long-term benefits as a new skill could lead to a career change or a better job in the future.
Taking care of yourself is about more than getting enough sleep and eating enough to make it through the day. Everyone needs breaks or time to do nothing so you can let go of stress and recharge. Self-care and treating yourself does not have to be expensive and is in no way lazy or selfish. Start by taking a walk outside to enjoy nature or consider learning a new skill to improve your life in the long-term. At the end of the day, do whatever makes you feel better to relax and treat yourself because you and everyone else deserve it.
About the author:
Naomi Shaw is a freelance journalist residing in sunny Southern California with her husband and three children. She is a work-at-home mom that enjoys writing on fashion, beauty, jewelry, and everything weddings!