The day I realized Target had my number was the day a bubble popped up on the app as I let the store know I was coming to pick up some online purchases: “Place a Starbucks order to be ready when you arrive!”
A near-irresistible offer for me. I deserve that, I’d think as I tapped on my favorite latte, which arrived like magic to my car. While I don’t do a lot of Target pick-ups anymore for a few reasons, I still look back and laugh to see how well they knew a busy, often-stressed mom like me.
There’s nothing wrong with a special cup of your favorite blend (coffee or tea), your favorite snack, or maybe slipping an extra beauty product into your virtual shopping cart with your regular purchases as a treat once in a while.
But this is my confession: last year, I got a little too indulgent.
I hit “add to cart” a few too many times. The truth is, I was feeling heavy and burdened toward the end of the year and fell for this classic marketing ploy: buying something new makes you feel better. And it did…for a short while. Then I’d be back online searching for something new again.
Paul gives Timothy this jewel of wisdom in 1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness with contentment is great gain,” as he warns against a love of money. Money doesn’t meet every need, especially when it comes to our delicate souls.
For 2025, my goal is to eliminate extemporaneous purchases for myself. That meant no “little treats” – no window shopping, no adding extras to cart, no giving in on a particularly hard day to those huge sitewide sales that would be devastating to miss.
But self-care comes in many forms, not just in “brown paper packages tied up with strings”. I’m learning how to think more creatively when it comes to feeding my soul. There are plenty of ways to soak up good things, reset your mood, and/or care for your well-being that don’t involve buying anything.
Here are some ways to practice self-care without spending money:
Move your body.
Movement and breathing are wonderful ways of regulating our bodies and resetting our nervous systems. Lately walks have been my favorite, and when it gets warmer, I hope to get back to running. Getting outside, breathing in fresh air, and soaking up sunlight when you can is mood-altering. There are plenty of workout videos for free online, for whatever you enjoy that gets your heart pumping.
Pamper yourself.
Take a long hot bath or shower. Use lotion or a beauty tool like a gua sha stone or dry brush if you have one. If you’re like me, you have unopened products around like face masks or nail polish that you’ve been saving for a “special day” – make that day today!
Turn on some music.
Create a playlist of favorite songs that make you feel more like you. (I have certain songs that go with specific seasons in my life and just hearing them brings back happy memories.) Turn up your favorite worship music and reflect on the good things God has done for you.
Have a good, long, luxurious time with God.
Maybe pick a special place to spend time with him. Light a candle or sit by a fire or get cozied up in a blanket on the porch. Go for a drive, if you’d like. Read verses that remind you of his love for you, or dig deep into the study of a passage you haven’t before. Pray without a time limit, or simply spend time in his presence.
Engage your creativity.
Take time to do something that creates beauty or sparks inspiration. Maybe it’s cutting up magazines to make a collage, writing a journal entry or poem, doodling, drawing, coloring. Maybe you know how to play an instrument and can learn a new song, or love to bake and can try a new recipe with what you have in the pantry.
Read a book or watch a movie.
We have endless options when it comes to entertainment. Every year I try to re-read a favorite book from when I was growing up, and it brings the same joy it brought my younger self. Or read a book you’ve bought but haven’t started yet. Take advantage of your wonderful, free public library–get books or e-books, borrow movies (many have online movies or shows you can stream), ask a librarian for recommendations.
Be a tourist in your own community.
Look up “free things to do in __________ (your city or town). Attend a free event like a festival or small business open house. Visit a new park or go on a hike. Take a drive. Check out a free museum or landmark.
Have friends over for a potluck or swap.
If you’re already making dinner, maybe double the recipe. Have people bring food. Swap clothes, accessories, books, etc. if you’re itching to try something new. The best part is spending time with people you care about. The planning can be fun too. If none of these sound appealing, maybe just catch up with a friend and have a good conversation.
Declutter.
This might not sound like your idea of a good time. But I’ll tell you, the times I’ve gotten rid of things, I’ve left feeling so productive and free. Use the extra room to re-decorate and make your space your own.
Be fully present in the moment.
Otherwise known as mindfulness. Maybe you aren’t eating out and buying a treat, but eat your lunch without scrolling through your phone or mentally going through your to-do list. Eat your food. Sip your tea. Walk without headphones. Light a candle and just enjoy its scent and flickering light.
Volunteer.
It’s amazing how, in caring for others, we also tend to our own souls. Proverbs 11:25 says, “a generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Dare to look at self-care differently as you spend time working for the good of people in need.
How about you? What creative ideas can you come up with for self-care that doesn’t involve spending money?
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Read more of Jenn’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
