How Mums Can Relax on a Tight Family Budget

Mums are notorious for putting everyone’s needs and wants before theirs. Full-time mums, mums who work remotely from home, and those who need to leave the house to work are constantly juggling busy schedules. But just because you’re busy as a mum doesn’t mean the rest of life slows down to give you a break. This is exactly why it’s so important to know when it’s time to take a breather.

With money being tight for many, the idea of splurging on yourself probably isn’t top of the list. At the same time, you need to find ways to relax, look after yourself, and indulge in small treats. We’ve got you covered with some great ways that mums can relax on a tight family budget. You can still spend money on yourself without sacrificing the budget.

Treat Yourself to a Spa-Like Sensory Bath Experience

Enjoying a day at the spa might be relaxing, but it’s definitely not budget friendly. The good news is that you can emulate many spa-like experiences in the comfort of your home, for a fraction of the cost. One of the easiest ways to create a relaxing environment at home is to treat yourself to a spa-like sensory bath experience.

You’ll want to pick up some inexpensive but fragrant bath salts, bubble bath, bath oils, or a bath bomb. Choose aromatherapy scents meant to relax your mind and body. These can include lavender, peppermint, lemon, jasmine, rose, sage, frankincense, and sandalwood.

Most people assume burning a scented candle is a must for a spa-like experience, but that’s not always the case. You can use an essential oil diffuser instead, which doesn’t pose a fire risk. There are also flameless candles that are battery-operated. They provide soft mood lighting, but again, without the fire risk.

Appealing to more than your sense of smell is wise. You will also want to play soft music or nature sounds. Choose whatever is most calming to you. There are nature sound machines you can purchase, or you can use a free app that offers the same soothing sounds.

Create a Cosy Corner in Your Home

Another great way to relax on a tight budget is to carve out a cosy corner or nook in your home. This can be your retreat where you get to kick back and tune out everything and everyone. You can even make it a rule that when mum is in her quiet corner, she is not to be disturbed.

Your cosy corner is ideal for reading the latest bestseller or your favourite magazine. Whether it’s a physical copy or digital, you can completely immerse yourself while being cosy and comfortable.

Perhaps gaming on your mobile device appeals to you more. If you enjoy the thrills of Vegas and still want that feeling on a shoestring budget, you can save money the same way — by using small perks, whether that’s a StarVegas promotional code or even 100% free-to-play social casino games. You can also check out other popular free games in your phone’s app store.

Some mums may prefer to catch up on their favourite streaming series or movies or even watch YouTube videos. Again, you can curl up with your mobile device and not be disturbed. There is no need to spend a fortune to enjoy me-time and reset your stress levels.

Warm Your Soul with Fragrant Teas and Flavourful Specialty Coffees

Visiting an expensive coffee shop for a daily pick-me-up may not be in the budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t act like a barista yourself. After a relaxing bath and time spent in your cosy corner, there’s nothing better than enjoying your favourite cup of tea or coffee.

When shopping for teas and coffee, look for blends that use the words calming, fragrant, soothing, relaxing, and energising. These aren’t necessarily meant to be your everyday hot beverage; rather, they are a special treat when you’re enjoying me-time.

Free Exercise Videos Easily Replace a Gym Membership

Exercise is a proven way to fight stress and anxiety. When you work out, your body produces endorphins — the feel-good hormones. The result is an instant mood booster and pick-me-up. Joining a gym is a great way to work out, but it may not be possible with a tight family budget.

The average monthly gym membership fee in the UK is £47.24. That works out to more than £565 per year. It’s not just the cost; visiting the gym regularly can also be inconvenient. The operating hours need to work with your schedule as a mum, which isn’t always the case.

A budget-friendly solution is to use free workout videos online. YouTube is filled with free workouts and channels you can follow. You can even look for specific workouts for busy mums, working out at home, beginner workouts, and more. Many don’t require specific gym equipment, so there’s no need to spend money.

Test Your Skills at Crafting

Did you know that hobbies can be incredibly relaxing? They act as an escape, allowing you to tap into your inner creativity. Crafting can reduce anxiety, stress, help you stay present in the moment, feel like meditation, and even improve your cognitive and problem-solving skills. Another great aspect of crafting is that it doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby.

Finding stores that sell inexpensive craft items is possible, plus you can use items you find in nature. It’s all about getting creative with your surroundings, tools, supplies, and project ideas.

Some fun crafting hobbies include:

• Scrapbooking
• Knitting
• Embroidery
• Sewing
• Painting
• Crochet
• Origami
• Beading
• Drawing

There’s no need to stop at one hobby either. You may want to try a few of these to figure out which appeal to your interests the most.

A Budget Doesn’t Have to Impede Relaxation for Mums

Sticking to a tight budget is something families across the UK have contended with over the past several years. Prices continually go up, and it can feel like wages aren’t keeping pace. For families, this means being budget conscious anywhere they can. Even so, mums don’t need to sacrifice relaxation time and little indulgences. Tips such as the ones discussed here are budget-friendly, but they provide maximum results.