It’s a new year, and many of us have resolved to look after our health, get in shape, and feel better. We want to eat whole foods, sleep more, and focus on getting enough exercise. These may sound hard to achieve, especially if you’re on a budget. But if you follow these tips, you can stay true to your wellness and self-care goals in the new year without breaking the bank.
Eating Well
Eating healthy can seem so easy, but when you have a limited amount of time and a small budget, it can be difficult to follow through on your diet goals. To consistently eat healthy during the new year, plan ahead. Spend some time over the weekend to make up healthy meal plans for the week, and make a weekly grocery run. You’ll save time and money by having a plan, and you’ll avoid buying unhealthy foods or overspending at the grocery store. You’ll also avoid overspending on lunch out by packing nutritious meals you’re excited to eat.
Sleeping More
It’s easy to underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. You might think you can get away with a bit less sleep, but giving yourself seven to nine hours of sleep is a major component of good health. Sleeping well helps you maintain your circadian rhythm, focus on tasks, and be far less stressed. It will also give you more energy, and you’ll be able to do more things in less time. To maintain a good bedtime routine, start by lowering the temperature in your room and getting soft sheets that feel great against your skin. Avoid using screens at least one hour before bed, since the blue light can keep you awake. Accomplish this easily by banishing your TV, computer, and phone from the bedroom. Sleeping well doesn’t have to cost you money, and developing a good evening routine, such as going to bed at the same time every night and doing some stretches or breathing exercises before bed, will help you sleep soundly every night.
Staying Active
Is one of your wellness goals for the new year to be more active? Getting enough exercise will make a huge difference in your overall health and wellbeing—you’ll have more energy, lower your blood pressure, and easily maintain a healthy body weight. You don’t need an expensive gym membership to stay active, and you can exercise for free in the comfort of your own home. Follow a fitness routine on YouTube, join an outdoor yoga class with friends, or go for a run in the park. Getting the right pair of shoes will protect your feet and help you boost your wellness journey without spending a lot of money. If you’re looking for affordable men’s running shoes, for example, shop online to find great deals and discounts. You can look through deals sites for extra savings on men's footwear, and you may get some cash back.
Practicing Self-Care
You can treat yourself to a spa day every now and then, but to follow through on your self-care goals for the new year, find an affordable routine you can do at home. If you love baths, buy some candles and essential oils and have your own spa day. Set aside one evening a week to do something you love, whether it’s reading a good book, watching a movie, or relaxing in the backyard with your partner.
If you haven’t done so already, consider embarking on a staycation in the Tampa Bay area. Just because you live here doesn’t mean you’ve experienced everything it has to offer. For example, you could rent a vacation home near one of the many attractions around Tampa Bay and kick back for a few days. Everyone needs a chance to recharge, even if it’s just a few days in someone else’s home.
****
It doesn’t have to be challenging or expensive to keep up your momentum in the new year and meet your health and wellness goals! Follow these tips to eat well, sleep better, and be more active, and see what a difference good health will make in your daily life. The fact that these suggestions are budget-friendly is a nice bonus as well.