Wellness on a budget

You only have to look at any Instagram account, blog, or magazine to be molested by the word #WELLNESS and all it’s associated hashtags. And don’t get me wrong, I am #well into it. I mean, looking after yourself should really be your top priority – the promise of youthful skin,zen like calm, increased time, more energy, a great body, and regular poo is enough to make me want to go out and get myself #wellnified. But lets face the truth here - it’s not a cheap pastime. Yes yes, I know what you’re thinking, can you put a price on good health and #wellness? And the answer is certainly not, no, literally at all costs, you should seek the promised land, but unfortunately being in that nirvana like state of #wellness doesn’t stop the mortgage payments, nor keep the kids clothed nor get the car on the road for another year.

Always one to err towards optimism though, I dear reader, have come up with a simple list of creative ways to achieve #wellness but not at the expense of a roof over your head. These simple yet effective changes will not only help you on your #wellness journey, but will also increase your personal #wellth

*NAPPING

Sleep is so good for us. It allows our bodies to rest and recuperate after that particularly vigourous yoga session, or taxing day in the office. 7-8 hours is the recommendation, but lets face it, in the pursuit of #wellness, who has the time for it? I mean between your #bodybrushing, #herbaltea and #essentialoil massage at night, and morning sunrise #meditation, it’s hard to fit that amount of solid sleep in. ENTER the NAP. Not only is the nap a cost-free activity, but it can also rejuvenate you after a long day, giving you energy to pursue your evening #wellness rituals. I find that anything between 20-220 minutes is just enough to give me the energy to go on, and supplement my nightly rest. Like with many #wellness habits there are always more flow on effects with something that is good for you. You can’t shop while you are napping, saving you money, and you also can’t eat the almond Magnum in the freezer when you’re napping, helping you on your #iquitsugar journey.

*RECONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

In this rat race world, where for a lot of people the majority of their interactions with others is over social media and text message, we are loosing the nurturing, beautiful art of human connection. That wonderful feeling that you get when you physically look, and smile and chat with a friend or family member can release those feel good #endorphins and keep you on a buzz for days. But not only that, once you have reconnected, you can invite yourself around for dinner saving yourself money on groceries. Brilliant. Sometimes, if there are leftovers, you can even get a doggy bag, and save on lunch the next day. Looks like you’ve worked out where the cash for your next #pilates class has come from! ADDED BENEFIT - doesn’t your Aunty have that little beach shack down the coast? If you really connect, you can probably hit her up to have it for a week, saving on your #holidaybudget, and of course allowing you the #wellness practice of #connectingwithnature every day as you walk free of charge from the back porch to the beach.

*RECYCLED CLOTHES

We live in a world of consumerism and waste. Clothes go out of fashion and we chuck them out and buy new ones. Part of your #wellness journey is learning to recycle and lessen the strain that we exert on #mothernature. Enter Grandma’s wardrobe. That old fox used to don the glad rags and go out to dances every weekend, and boy did she have the accessories to match. Whilst you are #reconnecting with granny, have a look in the cupboard for the absolute jewels of outfits she may be harbouring. They are a generation that despises waste, so I daresay she has it all there, and chances are, she can’t even remember. I’m sure it will bring her much joy (helping her on her own personal #wellness journey) to see her wardrobe glories see the light of day again, and lets face it, her bunions aren’t going to fit into those kitten heels again anyway. The retro look is really trending down at your local #fermenting class. And you can make much better fashion choices riffling through her wardrobe when she’s there to help, rather than when you are stricken with sadness emptying her house after she’s passed.

*OLD SHOES

While we are looking in the cupboard, lets check out those old boots that you love with a broken heel. Why throw them out and get a new pair, when there are cobblers still about that can repair them at a far less cost to you. We are supporting the #community and #localbusiness, and furthering our #recycling. Mainly though, you will impress all your #wellness friends with the information that you have a cobbler. It’s a very fun word to say. Cobbler

*THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

Walking is so good for #wellness. Gets the blood pumping through your veins, helps to somewhat negate that sedentary desk job, gets you out in the sunshine and tops up your #VitaminD, pumps fresh air into your lungs, and tones those lovely legs. It’s also a lot cheaper than petrol and new tyres, and can stop those costly taxi bills piling up. Just picked up your boots from your cobbler? Strap em on and get walking to your now affordable #reiki massage.

*FRIDGE/CUPBOARD CHALLENGE

Didn’t make it to the local #foragersmarket in your lunch break? Never fear #wellnesswarriors one thing that we don’t like is #waste so set yourself the fun challenge of making your dinner from what’s in the kitchen already. Not only is this cost neutral, but it stems your #creativity which is freely flowing through your body as a result of all that #meditation. Be bold, be adventurous, and don’t be too judgemental of used by dates, they are a guide only, and if Peter Andre can still get you pumping your legs in a spin class, then I’m sure that that ‘classic’ can of tomatoes from the early 2000s is still good for a stew.

*NIGHT OUT

Lets face it, #Wellness is important, but every now and then, you have to let the #dreadlocks down. And anyway, your outdoor training group is having their awards night so why not go out and enjoy? HOT TIP: if you’ve had one two many #lowcalorie vodka sodas, and can’t manage the walk home, order a home delivery pizza, but get a lift with the driver from the restaurant. Not only will you #connect with a local community member, and save the environment with a #carpool but it means that for a taxi fare, you are actually getting your #tofu and #kale pizza free of charge, and keeping a hangover at bay so you’re ready to attend your flower arranging workshop the next morning fresh as a daisy.

#Wellness needn’t be costly exercise.