What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of self-care? If you say expensive facials or buying yet another cozy jumper, then you’re not alone: most of us associate self-care with spending money. However, looking after yourself doesn’t need to come with an empty bank account — rewiring how we view self-care is half the battle.
The trick is in the name: self-care literally means to look after yourself. It’s about being mindful of how you spend your time and energy, not just money.
To help you figure out self-care without breaking the bank, I asked my PEDESTRIAN.TV colleagues for their favourite cheapy self-care habits. Save this one for your next off day.
Self-care tips on a budget
Bree: Cook that meal you’re craving
Bree Grant, E-Commerce Editor, listens to her cravings because her gut is always right.
“One of my small self-care hacks is cooking my craving meal,” she said. “It’s usually one that’s been on my mind all week, so I go buy all the bits, crank up the tunes and cook myself a nice little meal, with dessert, too, of course.”
Mia: Take a breather
Mia McGarr, Creative Strategist, is all about giving her brain some crucial “switch off” moments throughout the week.
“I love going for walks, sometimes without headphones, just to turn off the noise and be in my environment,” she said. “I find it’s a great way to get you out of your bubble of work or life without overloading your brain with even more information and noise.”
Emily (that’s me!): Look after your future self
Emily Sturgess, Native Content Creator, thinks long-term since she doesn’t have a time machine.
I find it helps to think of your body as a machine, and you need to do daily maintenance to look after it long-term. I feel so much better mentally, and my future self is so thankful. Whether it’s keeping agile with an exercise class or ensuring I’m fuelled with fruits and vegetables, I like to treat my body like I’m looking after future me.
It’s the same as looking after our skin. You can’t turn back time after you’ve damaged it, nor can you ask for a fresh canvas.
That’s why preserving the only skin we’ll ever get is so important. One way you can do this is by protecting yourself from the sun as it speeds up our skin’s natural aging process. SPF products like NIVEA’s Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Extra Firming Day Cream SPF30 are the first step in protecting your skin. You should also cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and stay in the shade.*
Not only does the cream have SPF, but it also contains co-enzyme Q10, which has been proven to reduce wrinkles and firm skin in seven days.** If this range sounds familiar, that’s because NIVEA has relaunched its Q10 Day and Night cream, now with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid.
Here’s the correct order to use NIVEA’s Q10 range: Dual Action Serum (apparently, the new serum smells and feels really good), Eye Cream, Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Extra Firming Day Cream SPF30 or Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Night Cream, and finish with the Targeted Wrinkle Filler Serum. Some people found that the serum reduces fine lines in just 5 minutes while also minimising 50% of new wrinkles in four weeks.***
Maya: Plan your self-care activities for the year
Maya Brasnovic, Head of Content, always plans her next self-care moment to get through work headaches.
“I plan six activities to try throughout the year. Some are out of my comfort zone, and some are things I love doing — such as pottery, indoor rock climbing, tufting or a meditation class,” she said. “There are also free options, like photography, drawing, cloud watching or star gazing.”
Jessie: Set aside every second weekend for you
Jessie Gilland, Senior Creative Strategy Manager, makes time for just her (so no one cramps her style).
“I really value getting out and about with friends, but I’ve recently acknowledged that drinking and eating out gets monotonous,” she said. “Therefore, it is not actually good for self-care. So I’m doing one weekend on, one weekend off when investing in those activities.”
Simran: Look out for free self-care activities
Simran Pasricha, News Producer, loves snagging a freebie in this rigged economy.
“A friend suggested watching community or suburb Facebook pages,” she said. “I’ve been able to do free workouts, meditation, and even a free painting class. Lots of people post that they need people to help them with esthetician courses, so I’ve had a couple of free facials through there, too.”
Now go off and look after yourself, because you are worth the time and effort. Remember, you’ve only got one you.
*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreens are only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high risk sun exposure. Reapply frequently.
**Self grading, 46 women, 2020.
***Self grading, 41 women, four week study, 2022.
The post 6 Ways To Practice Self-Care Other Than Going On A Luxe Health Retreat appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
