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We could all do with a bit of pampering right about now. It’s a great way to help us let go of that stress that has built up over the previous months with the onset of the virus and the resulting social distancing. The best way to destress and pamper yourself is with a little me time. Not easy for everyone, but you can always find a short slot during the day just for you even if it is when the kids are asleep.
Little treats don’t have to be expensive, you can still pamper yourself without spending a lot of money.
A Soak in the Bath (Alone)
Have a kid/partner free soak in the bath. It doesn’t need to be a long bath. Just set aside so you time. Lock the door, fill the bath, add a bath bomb or bubbles. Turn off lights, light candles and maybe even put on some relaxing music. You could put on your favourite face mask and cucumber discs so you create that spa feel.
A lovely long soak with a good book is also very relaxing. You’ll find some great book reviews over on Loopyloulaura’s blog to help you find some great books.
For those with aching or tight muscles, bath salts can work well to help relieve and soothe.
Hot Tea or Coffee
Just because you missed your morning tea or coffee it doesn’t mean you have to go without. Find a quiet nook in your home, sit and enjoy your nice hot drink. That’s something I really missed when my children were babies. It could take almost a day to drink a mug of tea or coffee and it would end up stone cold. A nice chamomile or valerian tea before bed can help relax you and help you sleep. Yummy hot chocolate can work well too!
Go For A Walk
It’s amazing how calm and relaxed you can feel after a walk outside. Try to make use of local parks as being surrounded by nature has an exceptional therapeutic effect. The fresh air can work wonders as can being surrounded by trees, grass, flowers rather than hustle and bustle and polluting vehicles. The sounds of the wind blowing in the trees, birds chirping, floral scents are so much better at reducing stress. Somewhere peaceful and not overcrowded is ideal.
Treat Yourself with a Gift(s)
So easy to do and easily inexpensive if that’s what you prefer. Next time you’re out shopping, stop to buy something for yourself. Something that will make you smile. It can be as simple as a bar of chocolate or a bit pricier like that gorgeous handbag you’ve been staring at through the window of a local boutique. It’ll need to be something you can afford. You don’t want to be weighed down by extra pressure to find the means to pay for your purchase. Recently, many have been splashing the cash online. There are so many simple, cheap, and yet beautiful gifts you can get yourself and your spouse, to strengthen your bond and make them smile. A great example is personalised photo blankets with picture loved ones to snuggle under when sipping your hot cup of tea after taking a hot bath.
Massage
After a long, hard day I find that something as simple as a foot and leg massage can be pretty amazing. Whether you massage your own feet or get your partner to give it a go it can be a wonderful way to help relax you before bed. Start by having a warm bath to help increase the absorption of the oil. I combine aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil and rub this into sore, tired feet. The aloe gel and warm skin from the bath increase absorption of the oil into the skin. Your legs and feet will feel great after. You can even go all out and see if your partner can give you a back/shoulder/head massage. That can work wonders on tight shoulders and help relieve headaches.
Manicure and Pedicure
Grab your favourite nail varnish, dig out your nail cutter and files and give yourself a manicure, pedicure or both. It’s quite soothing to file your nails and paint them. Just make sure you don’t need to use your hands straight after. Fast-drying nail polish is generally a good idea. I discovered that Avon have some great nail polishes that dry in 60 seconds. You’ll love the wide range of colours available.
Have a Date Night at Home
A date night at home can be a great way to have a relaxed evening with a partner. Distract the kids with their favourite foods, games, movies, then put them to bed early. Then prepare something special for you and your spouse. Try cooking together, or order your favourite food. Set up a table with scented candles, play some soft music and enjoy a relaxed meal.
Create Some Me Time
No matter how busy your days are it’s important to take some time out for yourself. There have been so many stories about mothers needing to lock themselves up in their closets or bathrooms just to get a few seconds alone. I should know, I’ve done it myself. The fact that we feel we need to do this shows how important me-time is.
Give yourself a break and do something you enjoy. Let someone else watch the kids whilst you watch a movie, take on a new hobby, catch up with a friend, read a book, anything to relax your mind and body and give you a change of scenery.
Turn off the Tech
We tend to be glued to phones, computers, televisions between work and home. A great way to get some downtime is to turn it all off. Your eyes and head will thank you for it. Either try it on a day off or over the weekend if you’re not working. You’ll feel your mind relaxing and feel stress levels lowering.
Avoid being tempted by social media, don’t check your emails. Give it a break, even if it’s just for a few hours. It’ll be strange at first but once you get into the swing of ditching the tech when you can you will feel better for it.
Have A Nap
What do you do when you unplug from tech? Well, you could Sleep. You’ve had to deal with the accumulated stress of the week and can’t wait for the weekend to arrive. You’re planning on the best way to destress and pamper yourself without spending money. So, why don’t you just take a nap? You need to recharge your batteries and recuperate. And most times, nothing works better than a long, uninterrupted nap. Aside from a night of long sleep (in my dreams – pun intended), getting a short nap during the day comes with so many health benefits that will help limit stress, boost your immune system, and revive you. You’ll feel ready to get through the rest of the day. So, go on. Tuck yourself in and grab some zzzs.
What tips would you suggest to pamper yourself on a budget?
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Written by Melanie Edjourian.
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Such fantastic ideas to still pamper and indulge in whilst not having to spend money. I do love the idea of a nice warm bath, with some good music, a hot drink and a manicure/pedi after (whist the kids are in bed)
It sounds like heaven doesn’t it. I wish mine would get to bed earlier.
There are so many budget friendly (and free) ways to pamper yourself. For me, I take a long shower after a tiring day. Or maybe binge watch a series on Netflix. Sometimes I do a foot soak to soothe my tired feet. I will try your other suggestions. A massage would be nice. 🙂
Binge watching tv can be great. it takes your mind away from everything going on in your life.
Having a break from social media is a great tool to use, i sometimes do that over a weekend or an individual day if I’ve had enough of the world, in a house full its hard to get time to yourself and for me its the hardest part to get.
I know what you mean. It can be hard when there are so many others in the house with you. I find going for walks on my own even just for an hour can be lovely.
Out of these, my favourite is certainly taking a walk. I love taking fresh air and it really helps clear my mind sometimes
It can work wonders. A walk somewhere green can be really lovely.
Walking is my favourite thing to do to clear my head. Do love a bath too, especially with a bath bomb
I love to walk too. It’s great to relax your mind.
I do every single one of these and I completely agree . Self care and me time doesn’t have to be expensive. 🙂
It’s great that you can do them all. It’s not always easy to find the time.
Yayyy I love your list, because you have also included things that are budget friendly. a bath alone is a great one xx
Thanks Melanie. It sure is a great way to unwind and relax your mind.
These are all great ideas, I really wish that was better an making time for pampering myself but it just seems to be the one thing that gets pushed back always/
You’ll get to a point you’ll have too. Otherwise, it can really affect your mental health.
Ah such a relaxing read 🙂 my first choice would be bath and nap. Thanks for sharing.
Great choices. Who doesn’t love a bath followed by a nap? Not that we get to do them often.
A peaceful bath without the children interrupting is rare but amazing! I love curling up with a book too to help relax.
I know what you mean. It often has to be when they’re sleeping.
I never used to soak in the bath but sometimes I do like it!
It’s such a lovely way to relax.
Self care and love is so important – thanks for the tips
It sure is. It can make a big difference to us all.