Need to treat yo self? Need to do it on a budget? Today we’re going discuss exactly how you can do just that.
Do you have a bad habit of spending all your extra coins when it comes to treating yo self? You know, you have a bad day at work so you decompress in the shoe department?
Or maybe you’re a stress eater like me so you make your way to the ice-cream aisle and buy one (or two) quarts of ice cream and stuff your worries away?
We all have our vices and regardless of whether it’s a new pair of unneeded shoes or extra junk food, it can hit your wallet hard over time. Considering that 63 percent of Americans can’t even come up with $500 in the event of an emergency, I’d say that we all could use a lesson in how to treat ourselves without spending money.
The best thing that can come out of learning to do this is that we keep our stress levels down and we stash a little more money in the bank. What could possibly be better than that? So, let’s get into these things that you can do to treat yo self without spending money.
Related Reading:
Cheap Self-Care Items You Didn’t Know You Needed
64 Things to Do to Be Happier (That Have Nothing to Do With Money!)
50 Ways to Better Yourself This Year – A 60 Day Better You Challenge (Free Challenge Calendar!)
22 Ways to Treat Yo Self Without Spending Money
1) Pick up a book and read it.
This may involve some creativity. Sometimes I have to read a book with a toddler’s butt in my face (don’t ask) or I’ll even lock myself in the bathroom sometimes. I get it in by any means necessary. Here’s a good one I’ve read recently that’s definitely worth reading!
2) Take a nap.
I don’t get to do this often, but when I do, my hubby knows to leave me the heck alone and let me finish my nap. It’s no fun waking up a grouchy toddler that doesn’t get their nap in and it’s even worse if that grouchy toddler happens to be 33 years old:)
3) Go visit your girlfriend.
You may not get to see your friends as much as you used to, but taking out even just an hour or two to see them is refreshing. It’s even more refreshing when your kids stay at home with dad.
4) Shave!
Omg! I don’t get to do this as often as I would like, but there’s just something about having a pair of freshly shaved legs. Especially when you’re slipping those legs into a pair of pants or laying in the bed at night. Take a little extra time for yourself and get this act of cheap luxury on. Bonus points if you shave using coconut oil!
5) Meditate.
Get up early or stay up late. Take at least 15 to 20 minutes each day and meditate. I’m trying to do this more often and practice mindfulness. It’s no easy feat when you have a short attention span but keep at it. You’ll be thankful you did.
6) Tune out with some tunes.
While working or writing, I like to put my headphones on and listen to my favorite music. Sometimes my mood calls for a specific kind of jam, but music seems to mellow me out and help me chill.
7) Popcorn and Netflix.
Sometimes after I put the kids to bed there is nothing more I want to do other than chill, watch Netflix, and eat some popcorn. Especially during the summer when OITNB is on. Oh and let’s not forget Luke Cage. Summer ‘16 was pretty good for Netflix, wasn’t it?
8) Color.
Raise your hand if you still proclaim to be the best colorer? My hand is raised! I used to spend hours coloring and sometimes I sneak my kid’s crayons and coloring books and have a good ole time. But nowadays they’ve got these cool adult coloring books I refuse to spend a dime on. So if you’re cheap like me, check out these free adult coloring pages.
9) Take a bubble bath.
I love adding a little of my favorite essential oils to my bath. And those of you who have a deep soaking tub, I’m totally jealous.
Related: My Treat Yo’ Self on a Budget Essentials List
10) Check your city calendar for free events.
Sometimes there are free museum nights, free festivals, and free classes available in your local area. All you have to do is keep your ear to the ground about these freebies or set up a local Google alert and have them delivered straight to your inbox.
11) Have fun with the kids.
Let’s admit it, when they aren’t driving us crazy, the kids can be pretty fun too. Head outside with the kiddos and play a game of catch or treasure hunting or something. If the weather is right, head to the park!
12) Set up positive quote calendar alerts.
Get rid of all those negative beliefs and self-talk with positive affirmations. Set up regular reminders to pop up on your phone that will give you a boost when you likely need it the most. I like to use abundance affirmations like “You deserve to live a rich life” or “Money loves to take care of you.”
13) Have some tea.
Do you love getting in some quiet time with a good cup of tea? Me too. Go have some why don’t you?
Here’s some of my favorite tea to give you an idea of what to look for.
14) Complimentary make-up lesson at the mall.
If you’re like me and don’t know a darn thing about putting on make-up, go to the mall and look for brands that offer a complimentary session. You might just learn a thing or two.
15) Write in your journal.
Clear your mind of some of that mental clutter and dump it all out in your journal.
16) Go exercise.
This isn’t one of my favorite ways to spend my time, but it is a refreshing way to treat yo’ self, nonetheless.
17) Open up a savings account.
Now, this is more like it. I love saving money and it’s definitely a worthy way to treat yo’ self. Open up an online savings account to save money for a guilty pleasure.
Related Reading: 100+ Ways to Save More Money
18) Take the day off and just do nothing.
Call in sick, plan a day off, whatever. Just take the day off from work and use it to do absolutely nothing. This is easier said than done, however.
19) Have sex.
No explanation is necessary.
20) Go on a walk.
Treat yo’ self to a stroll in your neighborhood or along a local walking trail. Give yourself some time to think and get a little exercise in while you’re doing it.
21) Declutter.
You can get rid of a bunch of stuff you’re no longer using. Not only that, but you may just find something to use too. I mean, what if you find a new book that you’d forgotten about? Or maybe an old cd you haven’t listened to in a while.
Decluttering could help you get rid of stuff, earn some money on unwanted things, and find a new use for things all at the same time.
22) Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
I don’t call people nearly enough (only my mom) so I could certainly use this treat. Pick up the phone to talk to a friend you haven’t talked to in ages. It may be the chat you need and is most definitely an awesome way to treat yo’ self!
Bonus: If you need a new hobby or creative outlet, consider starting your own blog. You could start a blog for a little under $50 for the entire year. Check out my guide on how to start a blog on a budget.
Now, go treat yo self…
It’s important we learn to take care of ourselves and we get bonus points when we do it while taking care of our financial health. We live in a society that encourages heavy consumption. People mistakenly tie their levels of consumption to their self-worth.
Well, I’m here to tell you that you are worthy of treating yo self and you’re also worthy of being financially well-off while doing it. So make sure you engage in some of these acts of self-care and save some money too. You totally deserve it!
What ways do you like to treat yo self without spending any money?
