6 No-Nonsense Self-Care Strategies That Don’t Cost a Thing

This might be an unpopular opinion, but a massage is not what I need when I’m overwhelmed. My stress levels have been so high that, even if I had the time or money for a spa, I would not be able to relax. Everything needing to be done would still be there waiting for me after my appointment. Splurging on spa services is just not a practical idea for people with tight budgets, limited childcare availability, and high stress levels. My new theory is that true self-care involves setting routines and boundaries, simplifying life, and having a strong support system. When stressed, our needs often fall to our last priority, or don’t make the list at all. We may be the breadwinner of the family, the keeper of the hearth, or the peacekeeper among relatives. In cases like these, we morph into Sisyphus, rolling the proverbial boulder uphill — except we’re trading the boulder for an infinite list of tasks.