Boujee Self-Care on a Budget
Hey loves! I thought we would go a little bit lighter this week with some of my favorite inexpensive self-care hacks. We are heading into a busy time of year and for some of us this can feel overwhelming and stressful. Maintaining your favorite forms of self-care is essential to thriving in this wild ass world. It is not selfish. You are not extra. For my women out there: we are trying to navigate a high-stress lifestyle that we are not genetically designed for. Let’s dive in.
At-Home Hydrafacial
I have been struggling with hormonal acne since my early 20s. Because of this, I love the fresh and clean feeling of a facial, however sometimes the price of a facial doesn’t fit in my monthly budget. So say hello to the at-home hydrafacial. Cleanse your skin and make sure all of your makeup is off. Fill a pot with some water and bring it to a boil. Once it's at a boil, turn the stove off. Wait until the water stops boiling and pour the water into a bowl. Place a towel over the back of your head and neck and allow the steam from the bowl to hit your skin for about two minutes. Be extra mindful during this step as you are dealing with boiling hot water. Next, grab your favorite facial oil (I use a cold-pressed Neem oil) and massage your skin for about five minutes. Wash your face again with cool water and cleanser. Fill a large bowl with ice and filtered water. Hold your breath and dip your face into the ice water (I try to dip my face about nine times for 10 seconds each time). Top it off with your favorite serums and moisturizer and you are ready to go!
DIY Lymphatic Drainage Massage
While I’ve never had a professional lymphatic drainage massage, I have been doing them on myself for about six months now and the benefits are wild. If you are not sure where to start, check out Rebecca Faria on IG @detoxbyrebecca. Rebecca is a certified lymphatic drainage specialist in Beverly Hills and a wealth of knowledge. She’s worked on celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Sophia Richie. If you check out her IG, you will see her first highlight is all about how to do a self-massage. The benefits of a lymphatic drainage massage are reduction of bloating and puffiness, glowing skin, and decreased tension in your body. Check out Rebecca on IG, try your at-home massage (maybe during your hydrafacial), and let me know how it goes :)
Foot Massages
I actually thought of the idea for this blog post during my last foot massage. Foot massages increase your serotonin levels by 28%. No reason why I feel as though my creativity is heightened while I am getting one. For my Philly-area peeps, there is this little spa on Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philly called Lavender Foot Spa with the most relaxing and inexpensive foot massages. Once you arrive, you have the option to choose the scent of your massage (last time I chose ginger). Your massage therapist helps you soak your feet in warm water. While your feet are soaking, they work on your neck and shoulders. Half-way through, you sit in this giant reclining chair with a pillow and blanket while the massage therapist then works on your feet. It is absolutely incredible. They have a few packages to choose from however I believe the 50 minute package for $40 is their best deal. Just please remember to leave a tip <3
The Happy Hour Mocktail
Old Bree used to love a good happy hour filled with a few cocktails after work. Now I prefer to wake up hangover-free and with an extra $50+ in my wallet. Which brings me to our final boujee self-care on a budget: The Happy Hour Mocktail. This beauty is filled with supplements, adaptogens, and an incredible taste to lead your right into your zen. Grab a wine glass (this makes me feel like I am drinking something boozy) and fill it to the top with ice. Pour about two shots of tart cherry juice and a squeeze of two lime wedges. Add your favorite magnesium powder or liquid (I am currently using Cymbiotika’s magnesium which adds a touch of sweetness) and a dropper full of lemon balm (I get mine from Penn Herb in Northern Libs). Top it off with your favorite sparkling water (I’m a Pelligrino fan) and viola! Say hello to your favorite after work bev with zero percent alcohol.
While all of these self-care hacks are fun, self care doesn’t have to be pampering yourself. Self-care can look like taking a nap after work, canceling plans, or listening to music. There aren’t guidelines for self-care. Decide what makes you feel good and do it. As we move through a darker, more high-stress time of the year, please take care of yourself. The more we care for ourselves, the more positive energy we send out into the world and the more inclined others are to care for themselves.
xoxo ~ b
