If you’ve spent time on social media, you’ve probably come across plenty of people talking about self-care. While it can be inspiring to see others practicing self-care, social media can sometimes give an altered portrayal of what self-care should look like. In a lot of cases, influencers will take trips, splurge on shopping sprees or spend money on other activities. While this can look great online, it may not be a great fit for everyone. Remember, self-care shouldn’t just be about feeling good in the moment, it should also help you feel better longer term. It’s important to find activities that work for you and are within your budget. Here are some ways you can practice self-care that won’t cost you a thing (and may actually help you save money).
What is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that we intentionally do to take care of our own mental, emotional and physical health. Sometimes self-care may take the form of treating ourselves like buying a fancy coffee. Other times, self-care requires us to do things that may not feel as good in the moment, but will help us live healthier and happier lives long term. Activities like budgeting, eating healthy, staying active and getting enough sleep all fall under self-care (in addition to the occasional guilt-free pint of ice cream).
Self-care activities on a budget
If you’re not sure how to begin a budget-friendly self-care plan, here are some activities and resources on campus to help you get started.