7 cost-effective ways to boost your wellbeing
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Monday 7th October 2024
Looking after your wellbeing can help to boost your mood and reduce tension, improving both your physical and mental health.
But self-care can be costly. A recent study suggested that Brits spend over £4,600 annually on wellness, including splashing out on beauty treatments and massages.
You’ll be pleased to know you don’t have to break the bank to work on your wellbeing, though. There are plenty of ways to enhance your health and wellbeing on a budget – and we’re sharing just a few tips with you here.
1. Embrace nature
Research shows that spending time in green space can benefit your wellbeing but it’s equally important to find an outdoor activity you genuinely enjoy.
Maybe long scenic walks or heading out for a bike ride in the countryside is your thing. Perhaps you prefer growing veg or tending to your garden. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ – it’s about finding ways to connect with nature that has a positive impact on your life.
2. Connect with others
Building and maintaining meaningful relationships comes with several benefits, such as increasing your sense of belonging, improving your self-confidence and giving you extra emotional support.
Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy dinners or social events either. A catch up over a cuppa or a homemade meal can be a great way to connect with your friends and family.
There are loads of low-cost social activities out there, too, from book clubs to walking groups. See what’s going on in your local community if you’re wanting to make new friends.
3. Try meditation
You can give meditation a go without spending a penny – simply browse online or look for an app that can help you get started.
Meditating can fit nicely into your daily routine. You may choose to start your day off with a meditation session or meditate to relieve stress at the end of the day – whatever works best.
4. Learn a new skill
You don’t need to sign up to a professional course to try a new hobby. Whether you love knitting or you’re a dab hand at DIY, there are loads of new things to have a go at.
Taking on a new challenge will help you keep busy while learning something new – both great ways to boost your self-confidence and enhance your wellbeing.
5. Improve your diet
A healthy, balanced and tasty diet can improve your physical health but also your mood. Have fun researching nutritious recipes that give your body the fuel it needs – Mind has a great page explaining how different types of food can impact our physical and mental health.
You can eat well without splashing too much cash. Set yourself a challenge to create a meal plan for the week, so you can keep your shopping list to a minimum and reduce waste. Other top tips to keep your shopping costs down include opting for frozen veggies and choosing supermarket brands.
6. Give back
Studies suggest that giving is good for us. If you’re looking for a way to support a charity or good cause without donating money, why not donate time instead? Find volunteering opportunities online via the National Council for Voluntary Organisations website, or ask your employer if they partner with any charities or organisations that organise volunteering days.
Volunteering allows you to meet new people, develop new skills and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Release those happiness hormones by giving back.
7. Review your finances
Feeling in control of your finances can help you to stress less about money, so it’s important to stay on top of your financial wellbeing too.
According to Money & Pensions Service, 24 million UK adults don’t feel confident managing their money. It can feel daunting to review your financial situation, but don’t worry – the more you get used to setting and sticking to a budget, the more it will become second nature to you. Setting financial goals, putting a savings plan in place and talking to your close friends or family members about money might also help to improve your wellbeing.
And, of course, taking time out to manage your money shouldn’t cost you a thing. If anything, you’ll identify ways to curb overspending and save money in the long run.
Written by
Stephanie Reid is a financial services expert with over eight years of experience writing money-saving articles at Novuna Personal Finance. She has written hundreds of articles on a variety of topics including interior design, home improvements and weddings - with a keen eye for spotting money-saving opportunities and passing these tips onto readers. As a mum of two, Stephanie knows how important budgeting effectively is for parents and often incorporates family budgeting tips into her guides.
