Post-Grad Self Care Tips That Won’t Break the Bank
Unfortunately, there’s no road map for post-college life. One minute you’re in your dorm living off ramen noodles and the next you’re in the real world learning how to fend for yourself. Then, of course, the loans kick in! If you’re like me, you may find yourself working several jobs just to make ends meet and by the time you get home, you’re completely exhausted. If you aren’t mindful of your post-grad self-care routine, your body can become run down and you may even become quite ill.
I’ve compiled a short list of self-care tips that are quick and affordable for those times when you’re low on cash and feel you barely have time to breathe, but you still want to feel your best mentally and physically! These are also perfect for freelancers and other work-from-home grads!
Establish an Exercise Routine
A little sweat goes a long way in terms of both your physical appearance and mental state. You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t have the money to join a gym or the extra time to spare.” The great news is, you don’t necessarily have to spend money on a gym membership or tons of time in order to break a sweat.
Many streaming devices offer work out channels with various exercise routines that you can do right in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Consider utilizing the great outdoors and set aside some time each week for a walk through your favorite park or a swim in your community pool. Even the smallest of workouts will release endorphins, a group of hormones that help to bring about feelings of happiness and euphoria.
Utilize Technology
In this day in age, through advancements in technology, we’ve got just about everything we need at our fingertips, so why not take advantage? Utilizing the world wide web to make day to day tasks, such as grocery shopping, will not only make your life easier but will also allow you to spend more time doing stuff that brings you joy.
For groceries, I love using Instacart which delivers from just about any major store near you in as little as 2 hours. Use my link* for $10 off your first order at no extra cost to you! It’s a legit gamechanger.
The best part is, these types of quick transactions don’t stop at buying groceries. There are apps out there to buy and sell clothing if you need to make a quick buck, and even companies that specialize in telemedicine saving you time and money when you want to fill a prescription. Why wait in line at the pharmacy when you can order your birth control online right from your couch?
Write It Down
A gratitude journal is a great method to not only release your feelings but also keep yourself in check. Writing down your achievements, goals and your downfalls allow you to put things into perspective and helps you deal with whatever may be going on in life day to day.
Think of it as a free form of therapy or a moment in your day to reflect. With all the chaos around us, it’s not often we get these times of solitude but keeping a journal will force you to make time. Whether you’re a person who likes structure or more of a
Treat Yourself (Sensibly)
Our generation tends to take the term “treat yourself” to a whole new level. Doing things that make us feel good is part of self-care and should be practiced as often as possible but in a sensible, budget-friendly way.
If you’re someone who enjoys going out to dinner, designate a day once a month to splurge on a meal at your favorite restaurant. If you’re more of a retail therapy kind of person, shop the clearance rack for great deals before looking at the regularly priced items. This way, you’ll look forward to the treat knowing it won’t totally deplete your savings account.
Be Kind to Yourself
Transitioning from college to post-grad life is hard. You’ve gone from one structure to another, and you might be on your own for the first time in your life. You have a big-girl job, or you’re starting your own freelancing business, and you’re still trying to figure it all out.
If you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing, don’t stress. Everyone goes through this kind of rough transition, and it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. When I graduated two years ago, I moved cities within 5 days, started a new job, and moved into a new apartment. It was chaotic, but I remembered to be kind to myself with these tips above. They’ve made all of the difference.
Let’s make 2019 the year for being kinder, thinking things through, and putting ourselves first. What are your best tips for surviving the stress of post-grad life?
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