Here are just a few pampering ideas for you. Some of these may "speak to you" and others may not. The purpose of this list is really just to get you to think outside the box about the "cost" of self care.
SLEEP - There is no more important element to self care than getting good quality adequate sleep. Learn how to turn off your brain so that it will let your body and mind get the rest is needs. Develop a "going to bed" ritual that will let your mind know that now is the time to sleep. It is especially helpful if you go to bed at the same time every evening.
GOOD NUTRITION - Eat real food...fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, nothing from a box. Drink plenty of water. If you eat real food you do not have to worry about the ingredients list. Eating a carrot is much more likely to be beneficial than popping a pill full of beta carotene. Who knows what other beneficial micronutrients there are in carrots.
DAILY EXERCISE - I am not talking about going to a gym and working out for an hour every day...a walk around the block with friends is a great way to fill your soul. The real key is getting up and moving-one step in front of the other, repeatedly.
MASSAGE - When I die and go to heaven, my own personal masseuse will meet me at the pearly gates and be my angel for eternity. Does that give you any idea how much I enjoy a massage?
There are ways to get good massages at bargain rates...or better yet, for free. Check your area for massage programs at a local technical/community college and local massage schools. Periodically, many of these schools/programs offer massages at significantly reduced rates. The last massage I received at a massage school cost me $20 for a one hour massage. If you are worried about the quality of the massage, don't be...give it a try at least once. If you are not satisfied you don't have to go back.
Also, think about bartering with your favorite massage therapist for services. There are probably all sorts of things you can offer in exchange for a free or reduced cost massage. Don't be shy...ask for 100% of what you want and be ready to negotiate.
READING - Remember the public library? There are thousands of books just waiting to be read. If, like me, you really enjoy getting lost in a good book, think about a trip to a library in your area. Some libraries even have contemporary paper backs to check out. When I actually buy the latest and greatest paperback book, I always donate it to the library for their paperback collection once I have finished it. Re-cycling paperback books is just one way to use the library to promote your self care.
MEDITATION - It's free. You may want to join a group or class to learn the ins and outs of the meditation process. Once you have the basics down, all it takes is time and a commitment on your part.
BUBBLE BATH - This, like meditation, takes a bit of planning so you will not be disturbed. The results can be amazing.
There are lots of other free/cheap ways to pamper yourself. Stretch yourself, think outside your box and find your own bliss on a budget.
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