Self-care has become synonymous with shopping sprees, spa treatments, and exotic vacations. But for most of us, spending that kind of cash on self-care isn’t an option. That doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself and create a self-care routine that leaves you feeling as fabulous as you would after a high-end indulgence. There are many affordable ways to relax, recover, and improve your physical health — made easier by online resources such as GymRa. Follow the tips below to get started.
Take ‘staycations’
As great as it would be to take a month-long holiday in Bora Bora, it’s not possible for most of us. However, being unable to fly across the world doesn’t mean that you should let your hard-earned vacation days go to waste because breaks from work are vital to your mental and physical health. Studies have found that vacations boost your mental well-being, improve your heart health, and protect you from the long-term effects of stress.
Consider planning a relaxing, healthy, and restorative vacation right in Los Angeles. You can save money by staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. If the rental has a kitchen, you can enjoy cooking healthy meals instead of eating out. Choose a fun neighborhood (such as Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Eagle Rock) and you’re sure to find a rental that allows you to take a blissful time-out from the stresses of daily life.
Commit to your fitness
Exercise is the cornerstone of any good self-care routine. You don’t have to pay for an expensive gym membership or personal trainer to get fit. The right online workouts can make exercising at home fun and effective.
Once you find a fitness program that supports your goals, take a look at your workout space. It can be tough to get in the right headspace if you’re exercising where you normally relax. Consider taking your workout to your deck, yard, or patio instead of using your living room or bedroom to exercise.
It’s not easy to create new habits and make regular workouts a routine, but you can troubleshoot with strategies to hold you accountable. Recruiting a friend to join you can create some helpful camaraderie and accountability. Writing your workouts down in a fitness journal is a great way to improve consistency, track your progress, and keep you motivated.
Do nothing
One of the most effective forms of self-care might also be the hardest: doing nothing. Stepping off the hamster wheel of activity can be tough. Start with just ten minutes per day. You don’t have to meditate. You don’t have to breathe a certain way. Just find a peaceful spot to sit and ‘be’ instead of doing something. Many of us scroll through social media, browse the internet, or watch TV when we have some downtime, but when you’re mentally tired, it can be more restorative to go fully offline.
Try setting your alarm ten minutes earlier so you can enjoy the calm of the early morning. Sit near a window where you can see nature — the sky, trees, or birds. It doesn’t matter where or when you practice doing nothing. The important thing is to give yourself a mental and physical reprieve. Let yourself fully off the hook; don’t ask anything of yourself at all.
Good self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Aim to build a long-term foundation of healthy habits that sustain your well-being, rather than occasionally splashing out on indulgences — although there’s nothing wrong with splashing out! By taking regular vacations, committing to your fitness, and creating space to simply ‘be’, you’re on your way toward lasting health and happiness.
No gym? No problem! Personalize your workouts at GymRa today.
