DIY Self-Care Projects That Can Save You Money
Today is probably not a spa day for you. That’s the kind of indulgence that doesn’t seem important anymore. There’s just no time, and pampering yourself is not a priority. But counterintuitively, this is when moms need it the most. Repeat this with me: You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
Feeling too guilty to take time for some self-care? We get it. It’s been a while since the focus was on you, and it’s hard to move yourself up on the priority list. But there are plenty of reasons to try these DIY self-care projects that can save you money. For example:
- The ingredients are all-natural and already in your kitchen.
- You can include the kids.
- It scratches that creative itch.
- You’ll save money.
- It encourages self-care.
That last reason is the most important because the real benefit of a homemade beauty treatment is that you’ll take more time to use it. One baby step at a time, right? These ideas will get you started.
Body Scrubs
If a relaxing bath is still a far-off dream, you can use this in the shower. You’ll find all kinds of recipes online: A vigorous coffee scrub will wake up the most sleep-deprived mom, while an aromatherapy scrub can calm you before bed. You can use a coconut scrub for full-body freshness or to remove makeup, cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate. Many scrubs are sugar-based for a taste of sweetness when you need it. Store your scrub in a mason jar, and add a ribbon for instant bathroom elegance.
Foot Soaks
If you haven’t looked closely at your feet lately, we’ll tell you: They need help. They’re dry, cracked, and tired. A homemade foot soak doesn’t take more than a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, or olive) and Epsom salts. From there, you can embellish with essential oils (peppermint, rosemary, lavender, or lemon) or pretty much anything else you please: vinegar, honey, coconut milk, cinnamon powder, dried flowers, or even some festive shimmer. If you can’t find a basin—or if you’ve permanently delegated it for kids with the flu—you can always treat your feet in an old crockpot.
Lip Care
Why keep buying Chapstick that you just lose in the car? It’s easy to make your own balm, and you can save money with this DIY self-care project. Find some free formulas online—most don’t require more than beeswax, shea butter, and a carrier oil. You can level it up by crafting some lip gloss, which has all the benefits of a balm with the bonus of shimmer and shine. Making it is easy, and you can add whatever color and scent you choose. But lip gloss looks even better after you’ve used a homemade lip scrub. Whip one up with coconut oil, sugar, and honey. It smooths, nourishes, and gives you a glow. If nothing else, it’s a more refined way to exfoliate your lips than with your toothbrush. Sound familiar? Then you need this more than anyone.
