We’re all in need of some positivity. In these times, more than ever, it’s important to spoil yourself every once in a while. Either you have a killer day at work and accomplish a lot of tasks, or you have a particularly stressful day, set aside some time to reward yourself for the efforts you’ve put in. Usually, people go for something small like coffee or a drink, which can all add up really quickly. Here are just a few ideas that you can do to boost your mood and have some fun without spending too much.
Call Your Favorite Person
Just like many others right now, you may not be able to see your friends and family as much as you would like. Thankfully, in this digital age, you can always pick up the phone and give them a call. Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime are all great ways to virtually keep in touch with friends. If you are feeling stressed or alone as the dark and cold of winter creeps in, there are loads of creative ways to remotely catch up with loved ones for free and from the warmth of your own home. With Houseparty, you can get the gang back together and play games while social distancing. Netflix and Chrome work together with the Watch party extension, so you can sync up with your friends to watch the same show or movie and chat about it.
Get Active
Getting active doesn’t always mean hours in the gym or booking a zipline adventure trip. There are plenty of fun home workouts and dance lessons for every level. Even taking a midday bike ride, walk, or a running session with your pet will get your heart rate up. Any way that you can get your body to release endorphins, you will feel your mood increasing. It’s a great way to stay healthy in both body and mind. Put on some of your favourite music and have yourself a little jam session.
Try Something New
Do you love photography, writing, or painting? Whatever you love to do but never have time for is the perfect thing to pick up when you need a reward. If you have ever wanted to pick up a new hobby, there’s no better time than the present. There are so many crafts and DIY projects that are perfect for relieving stress and having fun without spending a fortune. YouTube and Pinterest can help you spark ideas for fun projects and new skills. Tie-dying old T-shirts or adding splatter art with bleach can give some old styles new life. Disperse dyes are great for colouring synthetic fibres if you are bold enough to dye your own material for sewing projects or upgrading some throw pillows.
Pamper Yourself From Home
A spa day doesn’t mean you have to shell out a load of cash for a professional. You can customize a relaxing experience right in your own home. Do your nails in a new colour and run a hot bubble bath with your favourite tunes and some tea. There are several essential oils and aromatherapy candles that can boost the ambience and relaxation. Whip up a quick and natural hair or face mask right in your kitchen. If you have a little extra money to throw around, Groupon is often loaded with local businesses offering discounts on facials, massages, and nail services. Another little known fact is that many beauty schools have salons where students finish up their final training and offer reduced rates on nearly every service. If you don’t mind an expert occasionally watching over and some services taking a bit longer, this is one of the best budget-friendly ways to enjoy a little self-care.
Start a Show or Read A Book
Snuggling up with a cosy throw on the couch and a good book can be the perfect reprieve from a stressful workweek. A little Netflix bingeing can also do the trick. There are a wealth of free new podcasts spanning from murder mysteries to self-help, comedy, and pop culture.
Spend Time Outside
Take advantage of that lunch hour and bring your new book outside with a light picnic to soak up the sun. When sunlight enters your body through the skin, it stimulates your body to produce vitamin D. Research has shown that vitamin D can help regulate your moods, and the lack of it is one of the reasons for seasonal depression.
You can easily do something nice for yourself without breaking the bank. Life is hectic, and everyone deserves to treat themselves. Self-care should not be looked at as something selfish. It is as important to be there for yourself as it is to be there for others.
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