Are you in the mood to treat yourself? Perhaps you have a few days off work or need some time to unwind and relax.
When we think about treating ourselves, what often comes to mind is splurging on something fancy or expensive. But if money is tight or you’re simply prioritizing your savings goals, you might want to forgo the expensive purchase.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still treat yourself! There are plenty of ways to have a little me-time, relax, and do something fun without spending a dime.
7 ways to treat yourself for free
1. Plan a spa day at home
If you’re looking for ways to treat yourself at home, why not start with a classic spa day. This can be as simple as a bubble bath or a DIY manicure.
If you have some forgotten spa products sitting around your bathroom shelves, now’s the time to use them.
2. Pretend to be a tourist in your town
When was the last time you explored the town you live in? If you haven’t had the chance to walk around it like a tourist, there could be lots of hidden gems you don’t even know about.
Simply set out on foot and explore everything your town has to offer by setting your own pace.
3. Plan a home movie day
Nothing quite beats going to the movie theater, but if you’re looking to do something similar and to save money, a movie day at home is a good runner-up.
Dim the lights, grab some popcorn if you have it, and put on a few movies. Spend a few minutes listing some of the movies you’ve meant to see and set yourself a little movie schedule at home.
Not sure what to watch? Start working your way through the top 100 IMDb film list or Google some must-see movies in your favorite genre.
4. Plan a picnic
Rather than splashing out on an expensive restaurant or takeout meal, why not try a mini picnic instead. Invite a couple of friends or family members, and ask them each to bring a little something for a picnic in the local park.
5. Play a game you haven’t played in ages
If you don’t usually make time to play games, this could be the perfect opportunity to get back into it. You could pull out a dusty old board game you haven’t touched in ages.
You could even get some friends or family to join in and make a mini-tournament out of it.
6. Take a real day off
When was the last time you took a real day off? Not just a day off from work, but a day off from running errands, cooking, cleaning, and other responsibilities.
If you can’t remember, sometimes the best way to treat yourself is to carve out a day where you only do what you want. Instead of chores and responsibilities, fill that time with stuff that makes you happy and relaxed, whether that’s catching up on some reading, binging Netflix, or some simple pampering.
7. Spend time around animals
Animals have been shown to make people happier, so hanging around with our four-legged friends could be the best way to treat yourself.
If you have pets, spend some quality playtime with them or take them on a walk to a new place. If not, you could offer to walk a friend or family member’s dog or even volunteer at the local animal shelter.
Treating yourself doesn’t have to cost a lot
The great thing about the modern world is there are so many different options to stay entertained, and many of them are free or inexpensive. Treating yourself doesn’t have to be hard or costly, which means you can still have fun without eating into your savings.
There’s a good chance you already have something around your home that you can use to treat yourself. It could be picking up an old hobby, watching a few movies, or visiting friends and family.
If you’re stuck on what to do, write a few ideas down and put them in a hat. Pull one out at random and just go do it. That way, you’ve always got a few ideas already lined up when you’re in the mood for a treat!
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