Pamper Yourself on a Budget

Money is tight for people everywhere. Whether you are adjusting to a decreased income or simply preparing for possibly leaner times ahead, you might find yourself cutting out things you do not consider absolute necessities. If pampering yourself is one area you consider an elective rather than a requirement, think again. Indulging in self-pampering sessions is proven to lower stress, and if you are struggling financially, you might just be more stressed than ever. Too much stress increases your risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal illnesses, immune disorders and more. Fortunately, there are ways to pamper yourself without busting your budget.

Epsom salts are not just for aches and pains. Consider it your newest budget-friendly pampering product. You can get a large bag or box for just a few bucks at drug and discount stores, and Epsom salt contains magnesium, which can actually boost levels of serotonin. Your blood pressure is lowered to a healthier level and your mood is improved, all by taking a bath. Add two cups of Epsom salt to a tub of warm water and soak away the stress. For an even more indulgent bath, add a few drops of lavender essential oil.

There is a delicious way to pamper yourself that is always within your budget. In fact, it is safe to say you do it every day (or night): sleep. Napping is shown to help you de-stress, be healthier and even be more productive. So find a comfy spot, draw the blinds and snuggle down for a siesta.

Taking a vacation to an exotic destination would definitely lower your stress level, but that might not be in your budget right now. You can still escape, however, and all without spending a dime. Book on over (get it?) to your local library and indulge yourself in a stack of purely fun to read books. Unless, that is, you consider reading Plato or Faust as a way to pamper yourself. If so, do!

Enjoy being pampered like a queen (or king!) on a commoner's budget. Most areas have at least one cosmetology school in the vicinity, and these colleges usually offer spa and salon services for pennies on the dollar. Enjoy an indulgent manicure with a paraffin wax dip, a delightful pedicure to treat your tootsies, perhaps even a hot stone massage. Students have oodles of training and are overseen by experienced teachers, so no need to worry about safety or slip-ups.

To pamper yourself well and still stick to your budget, consider what makes you feel good. It should be something you want to do, but do not need to do. For instance, paying bills or cleaning the fridge might give you a sense of accomplishment, but likely will not leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Make a list of activities you enjoy or would like to try. Then brainstorm ways to achieve these goals while staying within your means. Love the theater? Check out high school plays free. Enjoy fine wine? Find a nearby vineyard that offers tastings. What matters is that you are refueling your tank so you can go back out and face the world.

For more ways to pamper yourself on a budget, check out How to Create an at Home Spa Experience. To learn some new ways to save, read Frugal Tips: 50 Ways to Save Money.