10 Easy And Inexpensive Ways To Treat Yourself

Anupama Mathew
4 min readMar 22, 2022

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Who says treating yourself has to be expensive?!

Image created by Anupama Mathew (author)

What if you treated yourself instead of waiting for others to do it? It’s like you get to choose your own gift. You are free to pick whatever you love, whatever you want.

It’s perfectly okay to treat yourself. Self-love and self-care can make you feel happy and satisfied with life.

As the American drag queen, RuPaul, says,

“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”

And as the American television personality, Dr. Phil, says,

“You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”

Treating yourself does not have to mean a shopping spree or a 7-course meal at the finest restaurants. You can treat yourself without breaking your bank, and I’ll tell you how.

1. Put a spin on walks:

The next time you want to treat yourself, go for a walk. But don’t just walk around mindlessly. Breathe in your surroundings — the sights, the scents, and the sounds. Look at the little shops you pass by and the people walking by. If you feel curious, drop in to see what’s in store (pun intended). If you are feeling social, greet the passersby. Let the refreshing vibes take over.

2. Take a break with a nap:

Naps are hands down one of the best ways to do a quick recharge. Most of us don’t get the sleep that we so desperately need because of the pace of our lives. So, step back from this pace and get some rest. A 20–30 minutes nap can do wonders for your body and mind. It is a remarkable cure for weariness. It can help improve your mood and make you more productive.

3. Enjoy a relaxing bath:

Who doesn’t love a long, soothing bath? Immerse yourself in the gentle water and let it lull your mind. Draw a hot bath if you want to work off the extra stress on your muscles. Create a spa-like experience by adding some bath salts, bubble baths, and essential oils to your tub. This creates a pleasant experience, all the while detoxifying your body.

4. Go window shopping:

Whoever thinks window shopping isn’t fun is doing it wrong. It is free and fun, rolled into a single activity. If you love fashion, visit your nearby fashion stores. Admire (or criticize — both work fine!) the latest trends. If fashion is not your thing, go where you can find your favorite items. This way, you get to keep up with what’s new and have fun doing it.

5. Enjoy the beach or the park:

It doesn’t matter what kind of a day you had, you don’t need an excuse to have some fun at the beach or the park. Take a walk or chill under the bright sun. Spending an hour can help you get your daily dose of Vitamin D. The breath of fresh air will also help boost your happiness and improve your well-being. P.S. Don’t forget to pack your sunblock to protect your skin.

6. Watch your favorite Movie:

Do you have a go-to movie that makes you laugh or thrilled? For me, it is a Jason Bourne movie or a chick flick, depending on my mood. Pick a movie of your choice and watch it. It’s a perfect little way to destress yourself. Believe it or not, movies are a form of therapy. It can boost your energy levels and even motivate you to take control of your life as a hero.

7. Get dressed and feel good:

If you are like me, you’ll love this. There’s something about dressing up that makes you feel happier. Put on your best clothes and click a few selfies (selfies are optional, of course). When you look good, you feel hella good! Getting dressed helps shift your mindset and makes you feel more productive. It also makes you feel ready to take on the whole world.

8. Pass time with animals:

Hang out with your pet or the animals at your local shelter. Their adorable faces and cheerfulness will put a big smile on your face. You can play and cuddle with them for guaranteed fun. Animals have a superpower that can decrease your loneliness and increase your happiness. Spending time with them can even help you be more social and battle any emotional pain.

9. Spend time sightseeing:

You don’t have to go to exotic places for sightseeing. Go to the famous tourist spots in your city. Revel in the beauty and charm of your hometown. This helps you have peace of mind and gets your creative juices flowing. Take this time to get in touch with your local culture with a fresh pair of eyes. This lets you disconnect from your virtual world and make new memories.

10. Surprise yourself:

Can’t decide what cuisine you would like to eat? Write down your favorite cuisines on paper and pick one at random. Or generate a spin-a-wheel using your phone to choose a cuisine at random. This is something my family does, and we love it. It’s a way to let your mind take a backseat and let the wheel do the work for you. Now, that’s how you treat yourself!

There’s no good reason on earth why we can’t hype ourselves up. Be your own cheerleader and pamper yourself like you are a superstar. Treating yourself can lift you up when you need it or deserve it. And, NO, it isn’t a waste of time if your mind feels a thousand times lighter and happier. So, go ahead and treat yourself with no shame and no regrets.

Yayyy! You made it to the end of my article. Thank you for taking the time to read it. If you enjoyed the article, feel free to clap, comment, or follow me. I would be super happy if I hit the trifecta ;P

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Anupama Mathew

I’m a content creator and social media manager exploring everyday life themes through words and graphics. You can see my work at anupamamathew.framer.website