How to Practice Self-Care When You’re Broke

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be expensive

I love discovering new ways to practice self-care, but I don’t have money for expensive spa days, and I don’t care for self-care that requires more work than care – like lighting a bunch of scented candles, having an extensive performative morning routine, spending hours in a tub with a face mask.

I like self-care that’s accessible, affordable, and effective, so I’m sharing with you all some of my favorite ways to take care of myself on a budget.

If you’re broke and beautiful, read on!

Breathe

This is probably one of the easiest self-care tips ever, so you have nothing to lose but time by giving it a go. And as someone that struggles with depression, anxiety, and a shit load of stress, I can honestly say it works for me—most of the time.

According to Harvard Medical School, deep breathing slows the heart rate, lowers and stabilizes blood pressure, and helps you relax. And who doesn’t want to relax?

Here are some breathing exercises you can practice.

Note: You can add a little razzle-dazzle to your breathing with some essential oils if you have the coin to spend. I like lavender and citrus scents.

Be Intentional About Basic Daily Routines

As I mentioned, I’m not a fan of over-the-top daily routines. I like to keep it simple, so it’s easy to maintain, but over time, I realized they mean nothing if I was on auto-pilot.

Whether your routine is a five-step process or as simple as brushing your teeth and washing your face, be intentional about every step. Keep the phone out of your hand, shut out whatever noise in your head, and focus on the moment. The same everyday stuff will feel so much better when you make it about taking care of yourself.

Remove Toxic People From Your Life

Easier said than done, right? Especially if you depend on them for your livelihood or interact with them day-to-day at work or school.

But setting healthy boundaries where possible is an excellent way to reduce your interactions with negative people if cutting them off isn’t an option.

But if it is, then do it. Like, right now. I mean, stop reading this and cut them out of your life. Then come back here when you’re done.

Unfollowing celebrities or accounts that make you feel bad, or spend money you don’t have, also counts.

Cook Something

This might not sound like self-care if you hate cooking, but if you’re one of the young, broke, and beautiful, there’s a good chance you have no business dining out or ordering in. So take your behind in the kitchen and cook up a random Pinterest version of your favorite order at the Thai restaurant you frequent. You’ll gain the satisfaction of having made something for yourself, and that feels like self-care. To me, at least.

I’m sure your bank account will be happier too!

Put Down the Phone

Sunday’s suck. Not because I have to work on Monday, but every Sunday, Apple reminds me I spend way too much time on my phone. I won’t even dare to tell you what my average screen time is; I’ll just say I lost a lot of hours of my life by scrolling endlessly on TikTok.

Don’t be like me. Put down your phone. Do that one thing you always said you wanted to do but don’t have the time to do.

You have the time. You’re just wasting it on your phone.

You’re probably reading this from your phone too.