From juice cleanses for detoxing to potions for glowing skin, there’s no denying the wellness movement has become a part of our everyday lives. But have you ever wondered whether you can make wellness part of your life on your budget?
We see the amazing organic food bowls on Instagram and people sharing before and afters of the latest shake or cleanse that helped them drop a few dress sizes. Maybe you’ve wondered how much all of that costs and if you can afford it all...
The good news is, there are several ways to improve your health and well-being without spending a fortune on yoga classes, meditation sessions, and detox programs. A few simple lifestyle changes and tapping into resources in your community can put you on the path to wellness — and on virtually any budget.
Here are a few low-cost ways you can indulge in wellness:
Free Yoga Classes
Many cities and towns host free yoga classes for residents, making it the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy a new workout with neighbors and friends. Look for community yoga sessions at area parks so you can enjoy some fresh air while learning some new yoga moves. These are often led by local yoga instructors who advertise their free classes on Facebook and Instagram. Find a few leaders in your area and start following them to keep up with the session schedule!
Meditation at Home
You don’t have to spend money on meditation sessions at a meditation center to enjoy the benefits of meditation. The truth is, you can meditate virtually anywhere — preferably in a quiet location, but there’s even something called ‘walking meditation’ if you want to start a new practice. Try a meditation app that will help you practice breathing and clear your head of ‘mind chatter’ at least once a day. This can be a powerful way to reboot and regroup, especially when you’re dealing with high-stress situations or feeling overwhelmed.
Talk Therapy
Ever felt better after getting together with the girls and just venting? There’s a reason for that. The act of simply talking about what’s on your mind, without judgment and apprehension, can be a powerful way to release negative feelings and deal with a troubling situation. Women, especially, often need an outlet to just be heard. Whether you’re talking to a close friend or a group of girlfriends, get comfortable with simply talking things out to help process your emotions and thoughts — no therapist required.
Journaling
Another way to sort your emotions and express yourself is by journaling. Writing down your thoughts using a pen and paper can be even more powerful than typing on a computer. You can try a structured journaling style where you’re talking about a specific subject each day, or a more freestyle approach where you’re just letting your thoughts flow freely. Whatever you choose, this process can be a form of self-therapy and also help you get some clarity when you’re dealing with stressful times.
Music Therapy
Ever noticed how you feel almost instantly relaxed and happier when you walk into a spa? The music they’re playing has a lot to do with it. Spa-style music includes soothing, instrumental music that doesn’t put you to sleep but can put you in a meditation-like state within minutes. Simply playing a few tracks of inspiring, uplifting, and relaxing music can be enough to change your mood. Try it with headphones on for the full benefit.
Farmers Market Haul
If you’ve always thought organic food was too expensive, head to the farmers market to not only round up some in-season produce, but also get it all at a great price. Farmers markets are the perfect place to pick up organic, homegrown foods from local farms for your weekly haul of healthy eats. From heirloom tomatoes and lettuce to fresh fruit and herbs, shop the farmers market to round up a variety of fresh produce that doesn’t cost a fortune.
At-Home Spa Days
If you’re in need of some pampering, treat yourself to a spa day without leaving home. You can set up your own series of spa services with an at-home facial and body treats for a few hours of bliss. Give yourself a facial massage and then follow up with a moisturizing or pore-natural face mask. Soak in a tub with aromatherapy oils after exfoliating skin from head to toe with natural body scrub. Having your own spa rituals at home can be a great way to treat yourself to some TLC without breaking the budget.
What are some of your favorite ways to indulge in wellness? Share in the comments below!
