4 Lovely [Budget-Friendly] Ways to Practice Self-Love
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It doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day to practice self-love… although it is a great day to do it! Cultivating self-love is something that comes with time and practice. It requires you to start habits that may be new to you, and also require you to have sense of self-awareness. Now, you might be asking, what does this have to do with financial wellness?
As someone who speaks regularly on the importance of mental health in connection with financial freedom- I find it important to discuss the mental toughness that comes with it. The only way to build that… resiliency and a whole lotta self-love. Be strong enough to believe in yourself, love your journey and own your story.
This week I’m covering a few ways you can begin your self-love journey that won’t break the bank.
Self-love: “Self–love means that you have an appreciation, affinity, and positive regard for yourself. It’s closely related to self–esteem and self-compassion.”
Betterup.com
1. Find a Mirror!
Not literally, although if it helps you, go for it! Instead what this means is, reflect! Look towards your inner self and think about what you see. Take some time to really sit with yourself and understand your purpose. Find a why. My why is my daughter, and my passion lives on through all of my work because of it. She’s the reason why I started my business, and why it continues to thrive. Some people actually do use a mirror for physical reflection practice while they do this, and if you think that works for you- do it! Some questions to reflect on can include:
- What am I happy with at this exact moment?
- If I could change anything tomorrow, what would I change?
- What does success mean to me?
- What positive words would I use to describe myself?
- What is NOT in my control?
- What is in my control?
- What is my why?
- What is stopping me right now from reaching my goals?
To apply this to a financial-wellness situation, being able to notice where you can and can’t change outcomes is vital to your journey. For example, can you change the fact that you have student loans? No. But you can change how you choose to pay the debt off. You can become goal-oriented with your next check, and begin creating budget lines to pay the loans off faster!
2. Attend free workshops and events
If you are near a major city, did you know there are low-cost and free events happening near you? I’n the past, I’ve had the opportunity to host free events myself for CT residents, and often times these are great events put on by non-profits, coalitions and organizations that want to better your life experience. One of the best tips on increasing your self-love is to surround yourself with positive people. These event spaces are hubs for people wanting to learn and better themselves.
Take a browse on events on eventbrite.com or even your local government websites to do a quick search. These events can range from business networking nights, educational sessions, health-centered discussions, affinity groups and so much more. Take advantage of free resources you have to fill your time!
3. Solo Date / Travel
If you have significant other, this time of year is often pressurized to be spent together. It’s one thing to have a stress-free date or celebrate the holiday with your loved one, but it’s also important to have growth as an individual. Consider taking yourself out, away from spouses or kids, simply for your own passion. Maybe you’ve been wanting to go shopping, try that new coffee shop down the street or even visit that touristy place.
There’s one person in your life that will be with you from the time you are born, until your last day, and that person is you! Be kind to yourself as you would to your spouse, kids, family or friends. Treat yourself to quiet, to a nice meal, or to whatever fuels your soul. Some ideas for some self-love solo time can include:
- Nature Walk
- Coffee Shop
- Bookstore Shopping
- Shopping (Still on Budget!)
- Car Ride w/ your favorite music
- Visiting your favorite place
- Beach Trip
- Visit a Museum
- Cook yourself your favorite meal
- Yoga or Meditation
4. Buy Some $1 Sticky Notes
Again, this could be taken literally or you can use other resources like paper, scraps or your phone. Set positive intentions and quotes on high-traffic areas in your life. Use them as reminders for when you are on auto-pilot moving through the day.
Setting boundaries, goals and intentions for your life are so important to your self-love journey. Use sticky notes as a way to solidify these within your life. This could be financially, educationally, or personally. Some topics to consider:
- Finances
- Mental Health
- Physical Wellness
- Personal Relationships
- Educational Goals
- Positive Affirmations
- Overall Goals
- Quotes from your favorite people
Whether your spending this Valentines Day with someone special, or with your loved ones- know that the top person you should show love to everyday, is yourself! Continue to practice self-love, self-care and wellness in order to transform all aspects of your life.
