When we think of self-care, we’re quick to imagine spending a day getting pampered at the spa. We think of shopping sprees, swiping our credit cards in every luxury shop we could imagine. We hear the mantra, “treat yo-self,” in our heads.
But self-care is so much more than just splurging our hard-earned money on clothes, high-tech gadgets, and trips to Europe or Asia. It’s about really caring for ourselves. It’s about looking after our health—physical and mental. It’s about letting ourselves enjoy small pleasures in life such as a comfy couch or a soft towel. Ultimately, self-care is all about making sure that we maintain a balanced lifestyle and that we’re always happy and content.
Don’t get it wrong, though. Self-care does entail spending some money. It doesn’t always come for free or cheap. But that doesn’t mean they’re a waste of money. Here are five self-care investments that are always worth it.
Your Physical Appearance
Contrary to what a lot of people may believe, caring about how you look doesn’t automatically mean that you’re vain. Just because you’re very religious about your complex skincare routine, that doesn’t mean that you’re a narcissist. In reality, it’s all a part of your self-care. It leads to feeling confident and good about yourself. Now, who wouldn’t want to invest in that?
If you have some missing teeth, then you might feel conscious. This might prevent you from smiling and laughing, for fear of people judging you for how you look. So what do you do? You can consider getting dental implants.
If you have a severe acne problem, then you might feel ashamed of going out and meeting new people. If that’s the case, then you go and visit a facialist.
A Powerful Laptop and Smartphone
A lot of people might believe that technological devices are luxuries that people don’t need at all. After all, why should someone spend hundreds of dollars on something as small as a phone?
But with the growing reliance on the internet for work and our daily needs, these pricey devices won’t just gather dust on your desk at home. You’d be using them a lot to communicate with your loved ones across the country or the world. You’d also be using them to order food or groceries. And, of course, you’d also need them for work.
And what’s great about this particular investment is that it could last you for years.
Therapy
A lot of medical insurance packages that are offered to us don’t cover mental health. This fact could easily make you believe that your mental health troubles don’t need the same attention as, say, a heart attack. Thus, you don’t always reach out to professionals whenever you feel the stress and anxiety getting to us.
But you should always remember that caring for our mental health is a vital part of self-care. Yes, reaching out to mental health professionals can be pricey. But this is a particular investment that will go a long way for you. It ensures that you’d get to overcome your mental health struggles. And it ensures that these struggles stop affecting other aspects of your life, especially relationships and work.
Books, Subscriptions, and Streaming Services
Buying books is never a waste of money. Reading is your gateway to knowledge and inspiring stories. So it’s always good to have some books that you can easily reach for after a long day at work.
Subscriptions to magazines and other publications are good investments as well. Not only do they keep you up to date with the latest news, but they also make sure that you’re always engaged with your interests—whether that’s science, tech, or fashion.
Streaming services are also good investments because there’s nothing better than binging a good TV series while lounging in a very comfortable bed. Watching TV is the best way for you to unwind and take your mind off of your worries.
A Good Bed
Now, a good bed is an investment that a lot of people don’t think of. They might think that it’s just for sleeping so why waste thousands of dollars on it?
But sleeping is actually the best and most crucial part of your daily self-care routine. The key to having a long and restful sleep is a very good bed. So purchase a mattress that feels the best for your back. Buy the softest sheets you can find. And find the comfiest pillows. All of these guarantee that you feel ready every morning when you wake up.
With your busy life, you might think that we don’t need to invest in such things. You don’t have time for them anyway. But, if you invest in them, then you have a constant reminder to rest when you’re tired. Find some form of escapism when we feel overwhelmed. Ask for professional help when you’re struggling to feel happy and good about yourself.
