If you’re a mom, wife, or really any woman in general, you will at some point of your busy week need to stop and take a break.  I feel that sometimes we overwhelm ourselves with endless to-do lists and work schedules. Pouring our hearts out for our children and husbands can be mentally and physically exhausting. I am a highly sensitive person and get overwhelmed easily.  I absolutely have to have a time out or I go into “crazy, sleep deprived mom mode.”    Though going to a nice sit down restaurant, getting a full body massage, and being pampered sounds like heaven, it’s impractical to be able to do all that every week, that is why I created this list of frugal ways you can take a breather and relax without breaking the bank.  These are some of the things I use to be able to collect myself and find balance.  I hope you can use these, too!

Take a bubble bath

Nothing is more relaxing than a nice hot bubble bath after a long day and no one is more deserving of it than you!  So when the kids go to bed or daddy takes over, run a nice hot bubble bath with your favorite soap, candles, and Epsom salt.  Add in lavender and peppermint essential oil for a tranquil spa experience.  It really takes a load off. I even read or watch a movie or my shows while I’m soaking.  If you don’t have a bathtub, then just take an extra long, hot shower and take time to paint your nails, and give yourself a facial! You’ll be feeling refreshed and reset in no time!

Do a YouTube work-out

At one time you most likely had a gym membership or took time daily to exercise.  I think we both know that after having babies it can be hard to make time for ourselves in this area.  Not to mention the extra spending when it comes to a membership and gas to go to and from the gym.  I’m a wimp and can’t keep up with the video series I bought pre-babies, so I just use YouTube to find easy work out or Zumba videos I can keep up with. It’s so important that we take care of our bodies.  Studies have shown that exercise even reduces stress and anxiety!  This is a free way you can work out in the comfort of your own home.  So next time you’re feeling down and out, just pull up YouTube  and work that search engine!

Wake up early and enjoy a cup of coffee with a devotional

One of my favorite feelings is waking up to a nice hot cup of coffee, reading my devotional, and just spending time in prayer with the Lord.  This is a great and beneficial way to start your day. To wake up and prepare yourself for the day ahead before the kiddos wake up sets you up for success.  It can be a sacrifice at first and takes discipline, but it will pay off.  And don’t worry if you’re not into devotionals, just read your favorite book, do some yoga, or stalk people on Instagram.  Whatever floats your boat, right?

Go on a short walk

This one goes along with the YouTube idea.  Sometimes it’s nice to get out of the house and go on a brisk walk.  You really need fresh air and change in scenery sometimes.  A quick 30 minute walk is a sure way to hit that “reset” button and go on with your day more peacefully.  Leave the babies with dad or strap them up in the stroller and be on your way!

Call your best friend

Times can get lonely and hard for anyone.  We all need council sometimes, so why not call a close friend or family member?  We tend to forget that there are people around us that genuinely care and want to share our burdens.  There are so many wonderful people in my church that I know I can call at any time and they wouldn’t hesitate to listen.  If it’s just simple small talk or having a general conversation about your day, it helps to be around or talk to other adults.  I encourage you to make that call or set up that lunch date and enjoy yourself!

Rent a movie

I used to go the movies on a weekly basis when I was a teenager.  It was like a ritual, I’ve just always been a movie lover.  Now, one of my favorite things to do with my hubby is curling up in a blanket, eating homemade cookies and watching a good ole movie or show together.  If you don’t have Hulu, Netflix, or own a ton of movies this can be a little more challenging.  Luckily if you have a RedBox around you, they’re around $1.50 to rent a movie and you can even use coupon codes to unlock great deals!

All of these ideas are super simple, convenient, and frugal ways to take time out of your busy day to make time for yourself.  Know that you are so valuable and important. You must make it a priority to take care of your physical and mental well-being.  Plus, now that you’ve read this blog you can see the simple ways to treat yourself and practice self-care daily without feeling like you’re broke.   Thank you for taking your time to read this post, I greatly value it.  Please let me know in the comments what you think about any of these ideas, why or why not they work for you, or share what you do to practice self-care daily.

-From Love, Christa.