Google defines self-care as “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health”. So why has it become an expectation that to practise self-care, you need to drop hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, to make yourself feel good? Whether it’s skincare, health memberships, mental health and beyond, we’re going to breakdown how you can look after yourself without breaking the bank!

Skin is in

Most people don’t get around the idea that you can get quality skincare at an affordable price. There are many high quality, dermatologist grade skincare options available for reasonable prices just at your local pharmacy. By taking away the trendy brand name, you’re usually knocking off a fair chunk of the price. Next time you’re shopping for your skin, give the local pharmacy a go and we guarantee you’ll save some cash.

State of mind

This self-care tip will definitely not break the bank, it’s completely free! Meditation goes way back and if you haven’t tried it already, we highly recommend jumping out of your comfort zone to give it a go. This kind of self-care runs deep and helps with your mental state, attitude, breathing and overall state of mind. If you’ve never done this before, there are plenty of free online tutorials and apps to help guide you through.

Eat right to feel great

Making healthy changes to your diet can only better your physical and mental health. It might seem like a mission but swapping out for healthier alternatives is easier than you think. Just take a little extra time to prepare your meals in advance and try your best to stick to it. You’ll have more energy throughout the day and feel good for treating your body right. It’s not uncommon for healthier foods to be more on the pricey side, so we recommend heading out to your local famer’s markets for your fresh produce at a fraction of the cost, plus, #SupportLocal!

Let’s get physical

Gym memberships these days can go for upwards of $50 per week, sometimes even $30 a class! While these premium gyms or health studios are full of quality equipment, you can also get great results at home or at a regular franchise gym. If you’re willing to spend on a fancy gym membership, instead, put those dollars towards a couple of personal trainer sessions to get you started, then reel it back in for a more affordable membership at a regular gym. Alternatively, there are many fitness programs out there that you can access on your mobile phone, for as little as $20 per month.

Small adjustments here and there go a long way. If there’s something that you are wanting to do for yourself, remember, you can always use MyPayNow for a payday advance.