Self-Care Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

In the midst of today's economic challenges, it's understandable that when things get tough, taking care of ourselves often slips to the VERY bottom of the priority list.

Everyone, and everything else comes first, I get it.

But I want to remind you of two important things - when life/financial/relationship/work stress is high:

1. We're on a fast track to burnout (if we stop focusing on our own needs)
2. Self-care doesn't have to be expensive!

Of course, day-spa's and weekend retreats, and nights out with the girls are amazing! But in truth, THE BEST self-care looks like:
 
Setting strong & healthy boundaries around your energy and time!
 
Boundaries are literally the decision you make to put yourself first, even when life is crazy. It's where I say: 

"This is the energy I will allow in/or the energy output I have capacity for right now"

And if you have a tendency to be a people pleaser, have a hyper focus on external validation, or someone who NEVER puts themselves first...

I've got a little "Boundaries Bingo Card" ready for you!

​Snapshot that bingo card and this week I would love to inspire you to choose one bubble. Make that one non-expensive thing your self-care focus for this week.

And perhaps we need to take a page out of the Baby Boomer's book on the ​ART OF SAYING NO!

Image & research credit: Thriving Centre of Psychology

These stats are crazy right? 65% of women have trouble saying No! 

Why is it so hard to set boundaries and just say no?

​As the research above states it comes down to a feeling of GUILT + OBLIGATION.

It's high time to flip the switch on that.

"If you’re feeling boxed into doing things you don’t want to do, don’t continue the cycle. Now more than ever is the time to prioritize your mental health and your happiness. At the end of the day, that’s what is most important!" - Thriving Centre of Psychology

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Recently coming off a 7 week summer school break for my son here in Singapore (with a lack of  affordable school holiday programs) I was chatting to another Mum about how we've coped.
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She said "Wow, you've got strong boundaries!" I said yes absolutely. I've hit burnout enough times(!) to learn what I need to operate at my best, and now I honour that.

These are some of the self-care habits that I stick to. 
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Self-Care habits (without the price expensive tag):

• ​Taking a long bath/shower with a home facial and shaving your legs
• Not skipping breakfast, or sitting to drink your coffee while it's hot in peace
• Asking someone to look after your kids/pets while you take a breather (walk, gym class, etc)
• Not booking back-to-back big days when your energy is already spent
• Scheduling those health appts that have been on the bottom of the list forever
• Not answering someones call when you don't have the energy or time
• Saying 'No' to people, places and things that aren't in alignment with what you want

Remember, you're worth every effort you invest in yourself. 

Life is always going to be busy, and I know you probably don't have the time, energy,  or resources right now for self-care. 

But if you don't put yourself on the priority list now... who else will? 

Any comments or questions, please reach out.

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About the Author: Janel Briggs is a NLP and Timeline Therapy Practitioner on a mission to support women across Australia and Singapore in healing their professional anxieties, insecurities and imposter syndrome to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. The goal is to level up your life and career by learning how to to live fearless and anxiety free! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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