The 21 best ways to treat yourself without going broke
Yes, you can treat yourself without spending too much! Here’s a few ways you can get started, most of which don’t need you to splurge a lot of cash.
Benefits of treating yourself
While saving money and investing is key to a great financial future, it also doesn’t mean you should never spend money on yourself and enjoy the journey along the way. Yes, sacrificing to ensure your future self has the lifestyle you want is important. But it should not be at the complete expense of you or your health.
After all, as far as anybody knows, you only live once (“YOLO”), and you should be able to enjoy the finer things in life from time to time.
This is what the concept of “treating yourself” is all about! It’s doing things or buying something that will boost your happiness and improve your overall mood.
Just like anything, it pays to be wary that you aren’t treating yourself too much, where you are overspending and going into debt to satisfy some instant gratification.
Wait, figure out the “why” before spending on yourself
Understanding why you want to spend money on yourself might help to fix any long-term problems. Is it because you’re not enjoying some aspect of life? Is it because you’re trying to impress others?
If you’re spending in order to escape from an uncomfortable feeling, then it’s important to be aware that treating yourself won’t fix the underlying problem. Be brutally honest with yourself and ask yourself why you want to spend money on yourself.
What does it mean to “Treat Yourself?”
Treating yourself is about giving yourself the chance to enjoy small pleasures every now and then. These small “treats” are a good way to boost your mood, feel grateful, reward achievement, and get you through a difficult day. Small pleasures are also a good way to improve your overall mental health and set aside some time for yourself.
Treating yourself might offer benefits including:
- Energy boost. Treating yourself will help you take a break and gain a new perspective on the path you’re heading for. Something as simple as taking a day off and doing something unrelated to work will help increase your energy levels.
- Motivation. You can use treats as a way to motivate you to reach a goal. For example, treating yourself to a nice hot bath and smoothie after a workout may motivate you to workout more often.
- Happiness boost. Treating yourself with a bit of self-compassion will help boost your overall happiness.
- Improves self-esteem. Prioritising yourself every now and then will help boost your self-esteem and give you the confidence to be in control and take better decisions.
21 ways to treat yourself
1. Do a staycation
Why not stay at home and explore the area you live in? You can still make it feel like a holiday, and learn a thing or two about your hometown!
2. Read a good book
When’s the last time you read your favorite book? Find it again and then cozy up for a few hours to read, or perhaps borrow something new from a friend or a local library.
3. Sign-up for a monthly subscription box
These will vary in price, but for $50-$100 per month, you’ll get a new box of goodies right to your door. It could be food, clothes, books, etc. Whatever interests you, take a look online and see what is out there.
4. Take a fitness class
Yoga, kickboxing, cycling, etc. You don’t have to pay every month if you don’t want too, but maybe take a one-off class to get some energy out, learn something new, and maybe find a new hobby.
5. Learn something new
All the information in the world is available at your fingertips on the internet, or even as courses you can take that are not overly expensive.
6. Go to your favorite café or coffee shop
Although many financial gurus like tell us to stop spending on lattes, one every here and there won’t break the bank.
Naturally, set some boundaries so you aren’t spending every day, but maybe once a week or whatever frequency you feel comfortable with.
7. Check out a museum
Many museums and art galleries are free. If you live in the city, check out the closest museum and stay there for a couple of hours. It can be relaxing and a cool way to experience something different.
8. Go to the library
A quiet, book-filled library can be a very calming place to go read without having to spend money. Pick a book and stay for the entire afternoon.
9. Do a movie marathon
Want to catch up on your favorite series? Plan a movie marathon night. Get out your Netflix or Prime subscription and watch all your favorite movies.
Yes, it’s okay to have a monthly subscription to a streaming service.
10. Dine outside
Eating your lunch outside can be relaxing and pleasant. Enjoy a little fresh air and forget about things for a while, maybe even leave your phone behind to make the most of it!
11. Turn up your favorite songs
Put your favorite music on full blast and do a full out dancing session in your room. Nothing better than jamming to your favorite tunes.
12. Buy your favorite food
While dining out or ordering takeout everyday will start to hurt your wallet, it’s okay to dabble from time to time. If you have a good budget in place and can do this in moderation, it’s a great way to treat yourself.
13. Go tramping
Most of us live near some great walks and attractions we might not even be aware of, so take a break and go explore. It’s a great way to explore, get some good exercise, and free your mind of the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Learn more: Department of Conservation places to go
14. Do body “self-care”
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure, moisturise your skin, shave or do whatever feels like a good way to take care of your body. You’ll feel refreshed and self-nourished.
15. Take a bath
Hot baths are a great way to hit the reset button. You might even add some salts and a bath bomb, put on some music and soak for a couple of hours.
The essentials you need for this are not very expensive, but you can relax without going to an expensive spa.
16. Go for a tech-free walk
Explore the city or streets you live in without taking any phones or earphones. Listen to the sound of your surroundings!
17. Call an old friend
It’s easy to lose touch with some friends. Make an effort to call up an old friend or relative and ask how they’re doing. They’ll nearly always appreciate it.
18. Sleep!
Whether it’s giving yourself a morning to sleep in or simply an afternoon nap, sleeping is a great way to take your mind off things and relax. If you can’t sleep at least have a good rest.
19. Get creative
Make a scrapbook, whip out the paintbrushes or go out and take some photos. Working the creative side of the brain can be relaxing while still involving some sort of challenge.
20. Play a board game
Get some of your friends or family together and spend an evening playing board games!
21. Take a day off
Sometimes all we need is a day off. Take a leave day from work and devote it to yourself, doing only things you want to do. You’ll have more energy to go to work the next day (and you’re still getting paid, dependent on your work).
The bottom line - treat yourself
Finding out what’s important to you and what makes you feel at your best can make you a lot more content. So, what are you planning on doing to treat yourself?
