6 Low-Cost Ways to Nourish Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

0 Comments

by: Elizabeth Wellington

A lot of us think of self-care as splurges—that massage you have been waiting for or a big night out with friends. But for the most part, the way we treat ourselves on a moment-to-moment basis has the power to affect our state of being.
Our daily rituals have the potential to nurture a sense of ease that renews us in a life of adventure and challenges. The more moments we take to honor ourselves with love and kindness, the more we can give to our passions and loved ones every day. Here are six acts of self-care that require little commitment and almost no money. They will leave you feeling rested and ready to take on the world.

1. Give Yourself a Foot Massage

A foot massage can soothe a worried mind or tired feet. If you want to take your massage to the next level, do some reading about reflexology. This ancient Eastern practice links pressure points in our feet to different organs in our bodies.

2. Write Down Affirmations

Take a piece of paper and write down affirmations that align with your personal and professional goals. “I cherish my body each day” or “I thrive at work” affirm your highest self. Studies indicate that they decrease stress and anxiety while increasing performance.

3. Take Yourself on a Date

Instead of relying on a significant other to sweep you off your feet, take yourself on a date. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Going out to a night at the museum or a matinee movie on a rainy day costs less than $20. Think about your dream date, and make it come true.

4. Take a Long Shower

Next time you feel stressed, hop in the shower. Try hanging a bundle from the shower head to give you an aromatic experience. Focus on your breathing for a soothing water-based meditation.

5. Walk with a Friend

A light walk with a friend is a lovely opportunity to connect on a personal level, while exercising and getting some sunshine. Pick a park or your favorite nature preserve. A bit of green will do you good, too!

6. Turn Off Your Phone for the Day

When was the last time you turned off your phone for the day? Let your friends and family know in advance that you plan on taking a day away from technology. Turn your phone and laptop off, and leave them in a drawer. Instead, focus on cultivating some peace of mind. Read a book, journal, or take yourself on a fun day trip.

These six ways to nourish your body, mind, and spirit can relieve stress and strengthen your sense of ease. If none of them appeal to you—or only some of them do—use these ideas as a starting point to come up with your own list. Think of what you would do if you had all the time in the world, and take small steps to make that list a reality.

Also in Blog

Body Peace & Personal Empowerment

From the moment we’re born and take our first breath, we’re being socialized or learning what it means to be a member of the culture we were born into. We begin learning through both subtle and overt cues, messages, observations and images what the values and norms of that culture are in that time and place. We learn what is acceptable, desirable, worthy, valuable… and what isn’t.

Yoga for Swimmers: Poses for Strength and Mobility

Micha Shaw, former pro swimmer, walks us through five yoga poses that help athletes who perform repeated movements day in and day out, to not only increase flexibility, mobility and strength, but also bring awareness to movement patterns, enhance performance and stay injury-free.

Amanda Huggins: From Anxiety to Empowerment

Amanda Huggins, anxiety coach and Gaiam influencer, tells the story of how she transformed her anxiety into empowerment and offers journaling prompts to begin the process of understanding your relationship with anxiety.