It’s nice to be able to treat yourself every once in a while. But you could treat yourself a lot more frequently if treating yourself was free. It can be! There are plenty of ways to give yourself some special treatment without worrying about your budget.
In fact, you might start planning on doing something special for yourself regularly. You only need to make the time and make yourself a priority.
You’re worth it!
Give yourself the pampering you deserve:
Call your favorite person. A long-distance phone call is free these days if you call on the cell phone. Pick up the phone and call someone you’d love to talk to. They’re probably dying to hear from you.
Give yourself a manicure. Put on a movie and give yourself a manicure. Take your time and do it right. You put time and effort into the things you do for others, so take this time for yourself.
Watch your favorite TV show. Binge watch your favorite TV program. It’s relaxing and fun. You’ve already paid the bill for your favorite streaming service anyway. You might as well get your money’s worth.
Take a hot bath. A hot bath for no reason at all is the best kind. A shower can be almost as good.
Go to the bookstore. It’s free to walk around the bookstore and check out the books. Bring some coffee and find a place to sit (if it's COVID-safe). In just a couple of visits you can finish an entire book.
Take a walk. Walking is free, and it is good exercise too. However, a lot of people don't realize the benefits of being out in the air, taking in sunlight and grounding yourself to the Earth. Walk around your neighborhood. Walk at the park. Walk at the beach. Walk alone or take a friend. Just walk and enjoy being outside.
Make your favorite dessert. Whip up your favorite dessert and treat yourself. You’re doing yourself a favor by freeing up space in the pantry.
Play a game online. There are thousands of games that can be played online for free. You can play by yourself or a group of friends. You can even find some no-cost apps that allow you to create your own trivia questions. It can be a fun way to spend some time without spending any money.
Sunrise or sunset? Watching the sunrise is free. Actually, watching the sunset is free, too. Between today and tomorrow, take time to figure which side of your house the sun rises and sets on, and take time to watch it on the next clear day. Which do you prefer?
Listen to your favorite author or artist. Just about any song as well as many podcasts can be found online somewhere for free. Sit back, relax, and listen to your favorite album.
Local attractions. The park, museum, art galleries, monuments, and other local attractions are often free if you go on the right day (or check with some of your card memberships to see who has partnerships for local activities). It’s not always necessary to travel to another city to see interesting things.
Window shopping. It costs nothing to look, as long as you have a measure of self-control. This actually may be the best time for you to plan ahead for when you do have the means to get what you want, because you can plan better and you won't splurge because you don't have it to do so.
Take a nap. Treat yourself to a great nap. Set the mood just right - drink some chamomile, burn some incense, spray some lavender and give yourself some extra time to relax (without feeling rushed to do so). You deserve it.
Create. Immersing yourself in creating something is good for the body and soul! You don’t need paints or expensive art equipment. Just use materials that you find around the house. For example, you can sketch, write a song or a book, compose music, do origami, whittle, and much more.
Look at an old photo album (whether in person or on your photo). Pull out an old photo album and relive a few memories. You’ll have a few laughs and maybe shed a few tears.
You don’t need to save up your money to give yourself a treat. You can give yourself a little VIP treatment without spending a single cent.
Use this list as a springboard to think of more ways you can be good to yourself each day. Make a long list and pull it out each day. Plan on treating yourself at least a few times each week. You know that you deserve it.
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