De-stressing in Frugal Fashion

Back when I was working the high-powered corporate job, one of the reasons people spent so much money was to escape, at least temporarily, the various stresses of their lives.  Often a big purchase, include high ticket items would temporarily seem helpful, but then the bills settled in and the stress levels resumed.   While I am no longer at this corporate job, I still see stress as the enemy to the budget.  It’s easy when feeling frazzled to feel the impulse to purchase something or go out to dinner instead of cook.  These days, when I want to relax and wind down, here are the low cost options that I look for:

–A cup of herbal tea — chamomile tea is well known for its relaxation properties.  I also like mint tea (no sugar) and citrus based herbal teas.  In fact, relaxing with a cup of tea has become an evening ritual.

–A hot bath with epsom salts — the epsom salts have an amazing softening quality for the skin.  I find a soak in a hot tub to be particularly nice when the weather is cool outside.

–An essential oil lamp — my favorite oils are lemongrass or lavender.  I find the aromas from these oils make the room seem more relaxing.

--Relaxing music — this is all up to personal taste, but I tend to lean toward classical music, usually something from Bach.

Better yet, combine all of the above, into one relaxing evening with a cup of tea, a soak in a tub, aromatherapy candles, with music in the background, and escape for at least half an hour.  Feel the tension and cortisol dissolve away.

shared at Frugal Friday