Stress is the ultimate adversary when it comes to living your best life. When you work hard, play hard, love hard, and take on all the other ups and downs of life hard, self-care is a must. No matter what kind of week comes your way—grueling or relaxed—everything you pour out throughout the day wears you down. It’s so important to take the time to take care of yourself.
But even if you don’t have time to skip off to some exotic resort or indulge in a luxurious spa getaway, you can achieve a little bit of stress relief and serenity at home for less than you might think. So the next time you decide to take that much-deserved break and invest in yourself, here are 5 simple self-care ideas that cost less than $5 each.
1. Exfoliating Gloves
These are game changers when it comes to soft, smooth skin. They fit over your hand just like any glove, but they are made of a coarse, loofah-like material that does wonders to exfoliate your body. Simply slide these on in your next shower, lather up with your favorite soap or body wash, and get to work polishing your skin to glowing perfection.
For an extra treat your skin will love, use these with your go-to sugar or salt scrub for an extra luxurious experience. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even mix up a batch of sugar/salt scrub at home using common household ingredients. The internet offers plenty of great recipes for exactly that purpose, and you’ll have full control over the ingredients, texture, and scents you choose to include.
You can find these great gloves (and similar exfoliating products) at Amazon, Walmart, or even Dollar Tree for less than $5. These also make an inexpensive gift idea. If you do choose to go the Dollar Tree route, it’s possible to snag both a set of gloves and skin scrub for under the $5 mark at Dollar Tree. That’s a big win for glowing skin!
2. Foot Mask
When it comes to keeping my feet soft, healthy, and happy, I need as much help as I can get. As a martial artist, so much of my time is spent training barefoot out on the mats year-round. One of my go-tos for treating my feet to some love is a foot mask. These usually come in a sealed foil pouch to keep the moisturizing ingredients nice and fresh. When you’re ready to use a pair, simply open the package, unfold the plastic, sock-like masks, and slip your feet inside. You’ll notice that the exterior of the mask is perfectly dry, while the interior is slick with moisturizer. I like to slip on an extra pair of comfy socks over the outside of the mask to keep my feet in contact with as much of the moisturizing agent as possible. All you have to do next is just sit back, put your feet up, and relax for 30 minutes with a good book, show, or nap.
Foot masks come in a variety of scents to help soothe the senses, as well as ingredients like tea tree oil and peppermint to freshen and deodorize. You have the option of masks that simply offer deep moisturization. Others include an exfoliating option for softening callous buildup, and these essentially provide a gentle chemical peel for super dry feet.
These are available at both Walmart and Dollar Tree as single sets for under $5. Amazon has limited options for a single unit under $5, but there are plenty of options for purchasing multiple masks. It costs a little more up front (often under $10), but when you do the math, each product costs far less than $5, saving you money in the long run and giving you an extra supply of masks for self-care sessions in the future.
3. Stretching Class
If you’re recovering from a workout, a long week at home or the office, or even just want to treat your body to some healthy movement, consider an in-home stretching class. FitOn is a free app that offers pre-recorded workout classes that you can stream right to your favorite digital device and complete in the comfort of your own home. You can quickly find stretching classes tailored to any of the above scenarios, and the best part is, they’re absolutely free.
FitOn’s classes provide a great option for working out at home or on the go; one of the last classes I streamed was in my hotel room in Indonesia. If you’re not feeling an intense fitness session, there are options for simple stretching classes, walking, dancing, and Tai Chi. These are all great ways to show your mind and body a little love. The trainers keep you motivated throughout with positive energy and a supportive attitude. You will probably be surprised at all of the different kinds of workouts that are offered, and class times range from 5 minutes to an hour or more.
If you discover that you really like the app as a fitness resource, there is an option to upgrade for about $30 a year, way less than a gym membership. This unlocks some extra features that you might find helpful, but even if you don’t opt for a subscription, the free version offers plenty to keep you moving and grooving in all the best ways.
4. Lemon-Infused Water with Decorative Straw
Staying hydrated should be as easy as, well, taking a drink of water. But many of us still struggle to make sure we’re getting enough water throughout the day. This poses a big problem when it comes to overall health since hydration plays such a key role.
Water intake is not just important for your body’s internal function, it also plays a significant part in a number of other important factors in our day-to-day lives. Staying adequately hydrated impacts mood, memory, cognitive function, and sleep quality, to name a few. You’ll notice that it makes a big difference in your activity levels, too, not to mention that hydration contributes to joint health. Hydration levels even support healthier skin, hair, and nails, making it your secret weapon for a glamorous and glowing look.
So if drinking water can make such a powerful impact on the way we look and feel, any simple way that elevates the experience is a huge step towards taking care of our bodies inside and out. One idea is pouring a generous serving of water into your favorite glass and adding a fresh lemon wedge. To top things off, you can treat yourself to a cute or classy drinking straw. I suggest using reusable straws or biodegradable options to show the planet some love too.
If you want a few more ideas for mixing things up, other fruits or nutrient boosters, like cucumber or ginger, are an option. You can also shop for fun drink stirrers as an alternative to straws for an extra pop of fun.
5. Jojoba Oil Hair Mask
I am a big fan of jojoba oil for a lot of reasons. It mimics our body’s natural oil (sebum), which makes it a good option for re-moisturizing dry areas. It even has anti-inflammatory properties. You can purchase it in its pure form, like most oils, or you can opt for products that contain the oil as a moisturizing agent. I always keep a bottle of the pure oil on hand, so it’s my go-to for a hair mask when my scalp is feeling dry or my hair is coarse and brittle. The pure oil costs more for larger quantities, but you can occasionally find smaller samples for under $5.
Like most oils, a little bit can go a very long way, so I start with a small amount in my palm. I then apply it to my head, starting at the scalp, and gliding my comb through to help disperse it to the ends. When it’s evenly dispersed and I feel like my hair is as saturated as I want it, I tie it up out of the way and wait. You could throw on a hair bonnet and leave it on overnight, but I usually apply it 3-4 hours before bed, then wash it out in the shower.
On days when my hair could use a small shine boost, I will take a couple of drops on my palms, rub them together, and then brush my hands through the lengths of my hair. You’ll want to start with a very light coat, as too much will make your hair appear heavy and wet.
If you would rather try a formulated hair mask with jojoba (or another moisturizer) as an add-in before committing to the pure oil, there are plenty of great hair mask options at Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Amazon for under $5. They work essentially the same way; you work them into your hair and let it sit for a period of time before washing it out.
Jojoba oil definitely makes a great hair mask, but it works as an effective moisturizer for your nails, face, and anywhere else you have dry skin. It can even be used as a carrier oil if you want to add in a little essential oil of your choosing for an aromatherapy boost.
Set an Appointment with Yourself
So it’s time to ask, when was the last time you did something nice for yourself? Life throws a lot at us, and I’ve no doubt that you’re rising to the occasion at every turn, but remember to take time for self-care. You deserve it, and more importantly, you need it to rest and rejuvenate so that you can be at your best for yourself and everyone you love.
Each of these options gives you a simple and low-cost idea for investing a bit of care in yourself. You can mix and match these options as you please or even incorporate them all into the ultimate, budget-friendly spa day. Whatever option you choose, embrace the experience and be kind to yourself.
What are some other ideas you’ve used for cost-friendly self-care? Let me know in the comments.
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