5 Self-Care Strategies for Homebodies on a Budget

As a proud homebody who is also on a budget these days, I’ve learned how to do major self care while staying at home and also being kind to my bank account. There are so many ways you can carve out time, space, and a cozy mood for yourself all while in the comforts of home. Use what you already have on hand or purchase a few simple and budget friendly supplies.

Here are five of my favorite ways to practice self-care at home:

1. Set the Scene with YouTube
   When I started working from home back in 2020 I immediately began searching for ways to make my home work space cozier and calm my pandemic nerves. One of the best ways I’ve found is playing calming YouTube videos on my TV or laptop while I work. I like to switch things up based on my mood and the seasons. Some of my favorites are campfires and nature scenes. There is an endless supply depending on how you are feeling. Try a search for “campfire” or “nature ambiance”. “Hygge” is another great search to set a cozy and comforting scene.

2. Create a Self Care Space
   When you are spending the majority of your time at home, it is super important to surround yourself with things that are delightful for all of your senses. The spaces where you work and relax should offer the ultimate in comfort to keep you feeling cozy and supported. Gather up your favorite things and keep them close by. On my list: crystals, a cute mug filled with coffee, tarot or oracle cards, my journal, a stack of good books, headphones for music or podcast listening, and my wax melter or oil diffuser.

3. Up the Cozy Factor

   Surround yourself with coziness! Comfy clothes like leggings, sweatshirts and fuzzy cardigans are a must. Add fluffy slippers and a super soft blanket and you will feel like you are in heaven whether you are working or curling up with a good book. Grab a super cute wooden bookmark from Kelly’s shop to make reading even more enjoyable!

4. At Home Spa
   There’s no need to head to the salon for self care and spend a fortune when you keep your bathroom stocked with simple essentials! If you are like me and enjoy short and easy nails, all you need are nail clippers, a file, and cuticle oil. Add a few coats of clear polish if you feel like it or just leave them bare. Treat yourself to a mud mask once a week. And never underestimate the power of a soothing body scrub and lotion combo when you are feeling blah. Shower steamers are another favorite treat of mine. I grab most of these supplies at TJ Maxx, Target or Walgreens so they are all super budget friendly. 

5. Get Crafty
   Tapping into your creativity is such a good way to take care of yourself. Art journaling is a fun and low pressure creative outlet, and I bet you have a lot of supplies laying around your house to get you started. All you need is a notebook of any kind, some magazines or other paper bits, glue stick or other adhesive, and any extra supplies you want to include. You can journal with pen or markers, add stickers, buttons, or other ephemera. Have fun with it and allow yourself to create without any expectations for a finished result. Pick whatever speaks to you and stick it to the page. You’ll be amazed at what you can create and feel refreshed and encouraged when you are done! And if you want to level up your crafty supplies, you can check out my soul care creativity set and printable kits.

Remember, you are already surrounded by a lot of the supplies you need to create a cozy and encouraging home space for yourself. You don’t have to break the bank to focus on self-care!

xoxo,

meet the author…

Mandy Ford

Mandy Ford is a happy homebody, licensed illustrator, author, teacher, and all around creative soul. She lives in small town Indiana with her husband and twin boys. You can find her over at www.mandyford.co.

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