This topic has come up with my girlfriends a couple times recently: As we move into and through our thirties and get busier with work and dog children (or children children), it’s time to invest in more things that make us feel good. That can mean investing in our mental health, our physical health, our social needs, our time-saving needs – whatever it is. We don’t want to have to look back on this time of our lives and think, “Well dang, I really wish I had just allowed myself to spend on ____. It would have been worth it.”
So here are 6 ways I’m starting to invest in my self-care this month, while being mindful of my budget. See if you can do it, too.
(1) Book a house-cleaning appointment
With two fluff monsters in the house, I’m already vacuuming the main area almost daily so I don’t feel like we’re living in squalor. I don’t mind, since it only takes a couple of minutes when I need a little breather from work. But I’m having a hard time justifying hours lost to weekend deep cleaning in the bathrooms, etc. when I’m not even that good or efficient at it. I’m currently trying a couple of different cleaners through the online cleaning service, Hux, until we land on someone we’d like to retain for monthly cleaning.
(2) Book a massage or body work session
I postponed my plan for monthly body work (intense massage focused on a problem area) since I’m spending more on orthopedic appointments at the moment, but I love the program at Khali Yoga in NoDa. Luis, the therapist, has helped me release tension in my low back, hips and abs so far.
(3) Get your car cleaned
I’m so overdue for a drive through Autobell it’s disgusting. Anyone else feel the need to pre-clean their car before they make someone else touch it? (PS Autobell is local to Charlotte, which is cool.)
(4) Buy a bundle of fitness classes
With so many people vaccinated now, it’s a nice time to get back into a groove with community movement. Be on the lookout for fitness studios offering deals around holiday times if you’re on a budget. I meant to jump on some July 4 yoga class pass deals, but will wait until I know when I can really get back to a full practice.
(5) Plan some nice dinners out
As great as it is to save on food costs with groceries and cooking at home, going out to eat with friends has always been one of my favorite self-care practices. It takes the stress out of food preparation (I clench up whenever I cook) and builds quality time into the day with friends and loved ones where you can really focus on each other. Plus, it’s such an easy way to add variety to your nutritional intake, which is a huge part of feeling satisfied with a meal.
(6) Grab a bag of Epsom salt for an anti-inflammatory soak
I’ve done this periodically to soothe sore muscles after yoga practices (plus, this only costs $2 if you don’t factor in your water bill). Epsom salt, which contains magnesium sulfate, theoretically supports the body’s detoxification processes, which can provide pain relief and reduced inflammation. I’ve soaked for 20-60 minutes almost every day this week to relax my knee, and I truly find it helpful. If nothing else, you’ll find it relaxing.
