7 cost-effective ways to boost your wellbeing

Written by

Stephanie Reid

Stephanie Reid is a financial services expert with over eight years of experience writing money-saving articles at Novuna Personal Finance. She has written hundreds of articles on a variety of topics including interior design, home improvements and weddings - with a keen eye for spotting money-saving opportunities and passing these tips onto readers. As a mum of two, Stephanie knows how important budgeting effectively is for parents and often incorporates family budgeting tips into her guides.

Tuesday 26th September 2023

Prioritising our wellbeing helps us all to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. But self-care can sometimes be costly. According to The Body Shop, Brits spend £3 billion on self-care each and every month. With finances squeezed, splashing out on self-care routines might be one of the first things to go. That doesn’t mean you should abandon working on your wellbeing altogether, though, and there are plenty of brilliant ways you can enhance your health and wellbeing on a budget.

To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing some of the best ways to boost your wellbeing without breaking the bank.

1. Go for a woodland walk

Research shows that spending time in a natural environment can benefit your mental and physical wellbeing, so why not head out for a long scenic walk? Find a local green space and get out and about in nature.

You could also head out on a bike ride through the countryside with your family and friends if you want to take part in a physical activity too.

2. Keep talking

Connecting with those closest to us is a great way to boost wellbeing. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships comes with several benefits, such as increasing your sense of belonging, improving your self-confidence and giving you extra emotional support.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy dinners or social events either. A phone call or in-person catch up over a cuppa can make all the difference.

3. Improve your sleep routine

A good night’s sleep can really make a difference to your mood and your energy levels. Perfect your sleep routine to ensure you get those all-important seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Go to bed at roughly the same time every night and stick to your bedtime regime (such as avoiding blue light for an hour before bed, reading a book or having a bath).

Your environment makes a big difference to your quality of sleep too. De-clutter your bedroom, invest in some soothing scents such as a lavender reed diffuser, try to keep the temperature between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, and create a quiet and cosy atmosphere to help you drift off.

4. Try meditation

Meditation has a myriad of benefits, from reducing stress to alleviating anxiety. There are plenty of guided meditation sessions online or apps that can help you to get started.

Meditating won’t take up too much time, either, and can fit nicely into your daily routine. You may choose to start your day off with a meditation session or meditate to relieve stress at the end of the day – whatever works best.

If meditation isn’t quite for you, mindfulness might help you to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing too. Simply paying more attention to the here and now can help you to enjoy life more – and it won’t cost you a penny.

5. Learn a new skill

You don’t need to sign up to a professional course to try a new hobby. Whether you love cooking or you’re a dab hand at DIY, there are loads of new things to have a go at. Pick a new recipe at random for a teatime challenge or set your sights on a new home improvement project that you can predominantly do yourself.

This will help you keep busy while learning something new – both great ways to boost your self-confidence and enhance your wellbeing.

6. Prioritise yourself

Treating yourself from time to time is important, but you don’t have to spend a fortune. Taking some time out to relax and enjoy creature comforts can help to boost your wellbeing. For example, browse through old photographs, dip into your favourite book or listen to songs that bring back great memories. A DIY self-care kit is a great way to relax and focus on yourself for a little while.

You may also find it beneficial to enjoy a ‘digital detox’, taking some time away from all-things digital. This can help you to rebalance and recharge.

7. Help others

Studies suggest that giving is good for us. If you’re looking for a way to support a charity or good cause without donating money, why not donate time instead? Volunteering allows you to meet new people, develop new skills and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Release those happiness hormones by giving back.