Does self-care feel like a luxury you can’t afford? Looking for cheap and easy self-care ideas?
Is it hard for you to put yourself first?
I see you over there.
You’re busy running errands, grocery shopping, picking up the kids, packing lunches, cooking dinner, and not to mention working full-time. If you have a second to spare, you pour yourself a glass of wine while you fold laundry and call it “me time.”
You’re taking care of everyone else, but you. You deserve more. You deserve self-care.
What is self-care anyway?
Self-care is the practice of taking time for yourself and no one else. It’s carving out time to focus on you. It sounds selfish and that’s because it should be. However, we shouldn’t feel guilty about this time.
If you don’t make time for yourself, it’s only a matter of time before you burn out. You won’t be able to spend time with your family and friends you love so much. You’ll be too exhausted and overwhelmed.
But, quality is better than quantity. If you’re exhausted and burned out when you’re spending time with family and friends the entire time, is it worth it?
I know what you’re thinking, “I can’t afford to go to the spa. I work full-time and I’m paying off my student loans” or “I feel too guilty to do anything for myself. My family needs me.” I HEAR you.
Don’t worry! You can practice self-care in the comfort of your own home without spending loads of cash. In fact, many of these cheap self-care ideas that feel luxurious include ingredients you already have at home. Saving you more self-care time and money.
Try these 12 Easy and Cheap Self-Care Ideas That Feel Luxurious at home:
#1. Sip and Snuggle with a Warm Drink
There’s something magical about holding a warm beverage in your hand in comfy clothes.
Make yourself a cup of your favorite warm drink like green tea, hot cocoa, or a cup of coffee. Put on your robe or favorite cozy outfit and chill.
Grab a magazine or the paper, and just sit there, sipping and enjoying.
This is also the perfect self-care idea to break up the busy workday. You can hygge right in your home office or even at your desk with a blanket.
#2. Take a Walk Without Your Phone
Enjoy no technology or turn your phone on airplane mode and listen to your favorite music.
When was the last time you weren’t on the phone, watching your dog or pushing a stroller on your walk?
Take a short walk around the block or take a leisurely stroll through your favorite park, lake, or favorite street.
Walking relieves stress, improves your mood, and clears your mind. This simple and free self-care idea also doubles as a mini digital detox.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 12 Easy Ways to Spring Clean Your Mind
#3. Make Yourself A Delicious Smoothie
Self-care also means taking care of your body and health. So, give yourself some love with this nourish and yummy smoothie!
Did I mention this smoothie is super easy to make and good for you?
The ingredients are rich in biotin aiding in the healthy growth of hair, skin & nails.
- 1 ripe banana
- 6-8 ripe strawberries
- 1/3 cup of almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk
- 5 raw walnuts
For an extra treat, throw in a few dark chocolate chips and sip through a straw.
Don’t stress if you don’t have all of these ingredients, but mix fruits (frozen or fresh) with your favorite milk adding in nuts or seeds for extra goodness.
#4. Watch Your Favorite Movie or TV Show
Grab a snack and a glass of wine, cozy up on the couch and indulge in your favorite movie or TV show.
So what if your TV show is a guilty pleasure? You shouldn’t feel guilty about watching it! Like, not at all. Especially if your little ones or your partner usually monopolize the TV-watching time in your home.
Our brain needs time to turn off and be entertained. And watching TV does this! This is a great self-care tip for parents, who rarely get to watch anything just for them.
Find your favorite old-school movie or a great comedy on Netflix.
#5. Bake or Buy Yourself a Treat
When was the last time you made cookies for yourself? Or when was the last time you baked for fun? Yup, not for your kid’s school or party, but for you.
Put on your favorite playlist, find an easy recipe online, and bake for yourself!
Grab your ingredients and make YOUR favorite type of cookies, cake, or baked goods while you’re at it.
And, I won’t tell anyone if you lick the bowl.
Don’t worry if you’re so not a baker, jump in the car and go to a local bakery and splurge on your favorite treat. Self-care calories do not count!
#6. Rejuvenate Your Skin With A Sheet Mask
Ok, the name sounds super weird, but sheet masks are inexpensive (~$3) and have amazing results.
I did one every day during the month leading up to my wedding and my skin had never looked better.
My dear friend from Korea, Sunny, recommends them because they are very popular at home and she’s been doing them for years. I took her advice because she has AMAZING skin all year round.
I asked her what her secret was and she “sheet masks.” I looked at her blankly, but we walked over to the nearest drugstore and she showed me where to get them.
Sheet masks can be found in the beauty section of drug stores, major retailers, and online. There are all different kinds, but I have dry skin so I always go for a moisturizing one. There are sheet masks for wrinkles, acne, and oily skin too.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Have a Self-Care Retreat at Home
To use:
- Open the packaging and leave and cover your face. There are holes for your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Leave it on for the recommended length on the packaging. It’s usually 10 minutes to a half-hour.
- Remove and rinse your face.
- That’s it. You’re done and your skin is glowing!
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 8 Happy & Healthy Ways to Spring Clean Your Life
#7. Create a Luxurious Bath Experience
There are so many ways to create an at-home spa experience. From lighting candles, and essential oils to adding just a few flower petals to the water.
Bath bombs are also a great way to take your bath to the next level. Drop and instant bubbles!
You can find them at your drugstore for $3-10 or online.
To use:
- Place the bath bomb in the tub with you and let it fizz, creating a relaxing aroma for your bath.
- If you aren’t into bath bombs, amp up your experience by putting 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choice in the tub with you.
- Light a candle, grab a cup of tea or glass of wine, and put on some relaxing music, or sit in the absolute silence (my personal favorite!)
#8. Visit a Museum or Gallery Alone
If you’d like to practice self-care outside of the home, check out that museum you’ve been eyeing or take in your favorite area attraction solo.
Enjoy the quiet. You’ll notice things you’ve never noticed before with friends or family by your side.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Why You Need to Schedule Mommy Alone Time
If trying new things feels more luxurious, rent the guided tour headphones to feel like you’re on a private tour or actually do the guided tour this time to gain new insight.
Plus, I guarantee that at least one day or night per week your local museum is open to the public for free or for super cheap. In some cities, museums are free all the time or with your library card.
#9. Give Yourself A Manicure or Pedicure
Go to your local drugstore and pick out a fun new color. (Even the higher end ones are less than 10 dollars!)
For a moisturizing cuticle treatment, apply coconut oil. To make it last longer, add a topcoat. If it chips, you’ll have the polish on hand, ready for easy touch-ups.
Apply moisturizing lotion on your hands or feet and lay down and relax while it’s drying.
For an even more luxurious experience put on an eye mask or cover your eyes. It’s perfectly ok to doze off! Remember: this is YOUR time.
Or even give some of these amazing DIY self-care recipes to take your self-care to the next level!
#10. Color in a Coloring Book
Yep, you read that right. Adults can color too and if you haven’t tried it, you really should!
Buy yourself an adult coloring book (under $10) or print out coloring pages online. Most dollar stores also have them and coloring pencils for super cheap.
Got kids? I’m sure they won’t even notice if you take a page out of one of their coloring books.
Coloring is calming and allows you to express your creativity.
#11. Try an At-Home Foot Soak
You know that amazing feeling when you get to soak your feet pre-pedicure? You don’t need to go to the salon to have the same experience.
Find a water basin and fill with warm water. Add ½ cup of Epsom salt or fine sea salt. Optional: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Let feet soak for ten minutes. Remove one foot at a time and exfoliate each foot by using a warm washcloth to wipe away dead skin.
Afterward, rinse your feet with clean water in the bathtub. Moisturize with your favorite lotion.
#12. Apply a Moisturizing Hair Mask
A hair mask is one of my absolute favorite ways to indulge on a budget because it’s so easy AND effective.
You can pick up a hair mask in the beauty section of your local drug store or online.
Simply follow the directions on the packaging. A hair cap is included in the package. You can either leave it on for an hour or two during the day or for a more intense treatment, leave it on overnight and rinse it out in the morning.
I like to put on a hair mask while I’m doing work or cleaning because I completely forget I’m wearing it and then after I rinse it out, my hair looks and feels fantastic.
Schedule Time for Your Self-Care Challenge
Who doesn’t love a good challenge?
Your mission is to set aside self-care time this week. And every week. Starting right now. Not next week, this summer, or when you get a new job. Right now!
Pick a time and put it on your calendar just as you would any other event in your calendar. Make sure to mark it as “happens weekly.”
Maybe you can only carve out a half-hour, but any amount of time is better than no time at all. You can schedule it as “Me time: do not cancel” (with your favorite emoji after it of course) or “Me time: you deserve this” in your calendar.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: Ways To Spend A Mental Health Day
Free Printable Self-Love Quotes
Self-love is important, so here are 10 printable self-love quotes for you.
This download comes with high-resolution, graphic quotes that are ready to print and post in your home or office.
If you have an hour, take a complete hour to yourself with one of the self-care ideas from above.
If you have an entire day, fantastic! Soak it in and don’t feel guilty. (My personal struggle with time off.) Self-care is a practice, not a quick fix. We need to practice self-care consistently in order for it to make a difference.
Without self-care time, we are worn down, exhausted, and can’t be the best boss babe, partner, mom, dog mom, or friend we can be.
Now that you have cheap and easy self-care ideas, there’s no excuse! Your self-care is affordable and a must! And even free.
No one else can provide self-care but you.
You can put yourself first! I know you're busy and tired, but you deserve a little love and self-care. Here are 12 cheap and easy self-care ideas you can do today by @AmyTop8 #selfcare #selflove #selfcaresunday #selfcaresaturday
What affordable self-care idea will you do?
More About Guest Contributor
Last Updated on May 28, 2023
Alexandria says
Sweets and a spa day is all I need!
Amy says
Aren’t they the best? 🙂
Katie McCarthy says
Being without my phone after work is my absolute FAVORITE thing. It was hard at first but now I just come home, plug my phone in and enjoy my evening. Probably some of the most underrated self care there is right now!
Amy says
Hi Katie!
Love that! I’ve tried to do that as well this year and not look at my phone after 9. I find that I’ve been able to sleep better too:)
Lisa says
I so need to get back to an intentional time without my cell phone nearby. It is super gorgeous out today, I am heading out to sit on the patio and color, it’s been way too long since I took a break for me.
Amy says
What a great idea, Lisa. Now that it’s summer weather here in Chicago I’ve been walking my dogs sans phone and it’s been wonderful to take in the fresh air after being cooped up. A patio sounds delightful!
Kate says
Once again, I just love your blog and reading your posts! Loving the ‘skip ahead’ option too 🙂 This was a great reminder of the little things that I never can think of when I’m craving some self-love! Definitely going to note them down …. and Pin your quotes of wisdom hehe
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Kate,
Awe, thanks so much for the blog love. Haha, sometimes I know you just want to get to what you’re looking for.
Happy taking time for self-love and care.
Dana says
Thank you for this post, I love your ideas! It’s easy to forget that self care doesn’t need to cost much money or time. I’m definitely going to try these tips–starting with the luxurious bath 🙂
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Dana,
You are so welcome, glad you’re enjoying these affordable self-care ideas. Hello bath time, it’s the simplest and easiest. And added bonus it forces you to unplug for some much needed me time.
Maddy says
I LOVE going out without my phone. It seems so weird at first, but it is honestly so liberating to be disconnected!
Amy says
Definitely! It feels so good to be free! 🙂 I also had a chance to check out your most recent post. I loved it!
Sreya Gupta says
Going without the phone seems difficult. I can’t live a minute without my phone. It makes me feel like a caveman. But, I have heard my mom saying so many times to go out without the phone and talk to people. I guess I have to try it now.
Amy says
It’s definitely challenging but it’s really nice to take in the fresh air and be present outdoors. I typically notice something I’ve never seen before without my phone:)
Moni says
Go to a sport, to yoga class etc. Moving is very important to treat yourself good!
Amy says
Love this idea too! Yoga is my go-to. What’s yours?
DD's blog says
Your ideas are great. The most I liked the ideas under No. 3, 4 and 7. 🙂
Amy says
Thank you DD! I hope you can give them a try. Do you have a link to any of your favorite smoothies? I’m always trying to find new go-to favorites!
TheHappyFoodKitchen says
I never make time for myself as I’m always running around helping my family or working. But this has shown it doesn’t take long to do something which can make a big difference.
Amy says
Hi! I definitely feel you, but self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming like you said. I hope you can do something for you this week! 🙂
Kasia Olszewski says
Smoothies are my go-to to help me slay the day. I also love the coloring idea because it helps with soooo much stress!
Amy says
Hi Kasia, aren’t smoothies the best? I like how you can mix them up and do a different one each day of the week.
Kamapala Chukwuka says
Yes to every one of these tips especially watching your favourite movie and a soak in the bath. This works a treat every time I need that self-love. Thanks for this beautifully written post x
Amy says
There’s something so nostalgic and relaxing about watching your favorite movie:) So glad you enjoyed the post!
tachira wiltshire says
I am all for cheap and simple diy treats. After all, I am a mama on a budget. This post truly made me smile. I have two colouring books 🙂 Never too old to take a break and do something creative . I also love the fact that you introduced me to some new beauty products. I am a bit of a beauty junkie. Every Sunday I whip up a mud mask. give myself a pedi and try to rest up a bit. I love this article! I think I said that already. Yayy for self-care for the cheap.
Amy says
Wow, I love your ideas. I’ll definitely have to check out the mud mask. I definitely tried to keep them budget-friendly because spas are amazing but can get pricey! I’ll definitely be checking out your affirmations post!
Elizabeth O says
These are great tips for self care. It is so easy to forget to pamper ourselves. I really like the idea of taking a walk without your phone!
Amy says
So glad you liked the ideas! I hope you can have a relaxing walk this weekend:)
Nayna Kanabar says
I love all your beautiful ideas , if only we could all take heed of this advise and follow it.
Amy says
Yes, it can definitely been easier said than done but I think if you schedule the time in your calendar and prioritize it we can all make it happen! 🙂
Aine says
Such handy little tips to take some time for yourself, think so many people work constantly on the edge of burnout without even knowing it
Amy says
Exactly! It’s hard to slow down sometimes when we get busy but we are just asking for burn out if we don’t.
Ana Ojha says
These are some wonderful self-care ideas! My favorites are making a smoothie for myself and binging Netflix!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Ana,
Woot woot, so glad you’re liking this list of cheap, yet awesome self-care ideas. Hello snack time!
Amy says
Thank you! Any good Netflix shows you’ve been loving lately?
Nadalie Bardo says
I honestly think that Netflix is my idea of self-care. I always find something new to watch.
Kendall Swenson says
I will be doing many of these things… especially a bath bomb because it’s been a minute since I have relaxed! But today I will go for a walk WITHOUT my phone. Thanks for these reminders and tips!
Amy says
Thanks Kendall! Yes, walking without a phone in hand is definitely a challenge for all of us, but it’s a much needed break. Listening to nature or if you’re in a city like me, I love taking in new sights. I usually notice something I’ve never seen before! I hope you can find some time to relax this weekend:)
Regina Lewis says
I’m a sip and snuggle kind of gal. That teapot is gorgeous! I hadn’t even heard of the FitBit necklace – wow!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Regina,
OMG isn’t it? I have such a weakness for anything tea and coffee related. Hello simple pleasures.
Amy says
I am too:) Especially on a rainy day! Makes the gloominess seem like it was meant to be!
Heather LeGuilloux says
There is so much goodness in this post! I especially like the idea of taking a walk without your phone. I know I need a digital detox from time-to-time and feel so much better afterwards.
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Heather,
Ohhh yes indeed! Amy provided us with such a fantastic list of self-care ideas! And so adorable too.
Love the idea of a digital detox, sometimes the best self-care is disconnecting.
Amy says
Definitely! It’s challenging but very refreshing and freeing 🙂