The Broke Girl’s Guide to Actual Self-Care

You've heard it before. A friend probably encouraged you; it's been shouted at you through your phone, and every pastel Instagram post has screamed it: "Treat yourself!" 

Honestly, we've really embraced it. Had a rough day at work? Treat yourself. Enjoyed a salad for lunch? Treat yourself. Managed to open two emails without breaking down? Honey, you deserve that Dior.

However, somewhere along the way, "treating yourself" got caught up in the glitzy, pricey world of capitalism. It shifted from genuine self-care to curating a lifestyle. If it's not an $8 matcha in a fancy tumbler or a 17-step skincare routine with crushed pearls, are you really practicing self-care?

Let me be clear: you don't have to spend a single cent to treat yourself right. Unless you want to, of course. However, if your bank account looks like a horror movie and you still want to feel good, this one's for you.

We've made self-care way too complicated. At some point, "take a break" turned  into "book a luxury spa retreat and splurge on a cashmere robe." Self-care has become a whole aesthetic that conveniently costs about three paychecks and a piece of your soul.

The truth is, real self-care, the kind that makes your nervous system say "thank you" instead of "stop it," can often be pretty boring. And guess what? It's usually free and not exactly Instagram-worthy. Think about it: a nap, a stroll, or sipping water before your body starts demanding it. Yet, we've somehow convinced ourselves these simple acts aren't "enough." 

Spoiler alert: they totally are. 

You don't need a fancy bath bomb to feel rejuvenated, nor do you have to share a shopping haul, book a facial, or light a bunch of candles just to give your mind a break. Sometimes, the best way to treat yourself is to take a guilt-free nap. Just lying down and letting your body relax without the chaos of your phone — that's a game changer.

Go outside. I know, I know, but hear me out — the sun is still shining, and it's free! Even just five minutes of fresh air can completely shift your mood. If you're feeling adventurous, try standing barefoot on the grass (grounding, anyone?). Or simply open a window and gaze at a tree like you're the star of an indie film having a moment. That still counts.

Don't feel obligated to attend events you're not interested in; that's self-care, too. Sometimes, treating yourself means staying home in your comfy sweats while your friends deal with loud music and overpriced drinks. You're not being antisocial in doing this either; you're simply choosing your peace and saving some cash.

Watch that comfort show you've seen a million times, don't let anyone tell you it's a waste of time. If rewatching New Girl for the 12th time helps you feel something other than stress and caffeine jitters, go for it. Your brain deserves that cozy familiarity.

Set aside some time for that weird hobby you gave up on, the one that sparked your creativity before you convinced yourself you weren't "good enough" at it. Go ahead and draw poorly, write some fanfiction, or dance badly in your room to those hit songs from 2012. Who cares what others think? Hobbies don't have to be impressive or make money; they just need to help you feel more like yourself.

Stay hydrated like it's a priority. Sure, drinking water isn't the most glamorous thing, but it's super important. Extra points if you sip through a straw and pretend you're at a wellness retreat. I love sipping water on my balcony while watching nature like I'm at a five-star resort. Even more points if you don't let that glass sit half-full on your nightstand for two days. (No judgment if you do, though.)

Treating yourself doesn't always mean splurging on something. Sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is the freedom to relax, to do absolutely nothing, to take a break from the hustle, to collapse on your bed like a Victorian lady fainting from emotion. That's the real indulgence.

There's nothing wrong with treating yourself to something that brings you happiness; retail therapy is totally valid, but thinking that treating yourself always requires spending money? That's where we got lost. It shifts the focus from feeling good to just performing wellness. And honestly, capitalism doesn't need to be involved in your me-time. 

We've gotten to a point where self-care feels like a competition. Who can spend the most? Who can post the most aesthetic nighttime routine? Who can film themselves applying under-eye patches while whispering affirmations into a $200 mic? Meanwhile, some of us just crave five minutes of peace and a snack.

Self-care is incredibly personal. What feels like a treat to one person, other might see as a hassle. For some, self-care could mean soaking in the shower until the hot water runs out. For others, it might be cleaning your room while listening to sad music. Or perhaps it's finally tackling that laundry pile that's been sitting on your chair for weeks. 

Next time you feel the urge to treat yourself, take a moment to reflect. What do you really need right now? Is it a fancy $40 candle? Maybe, but what if it's actually just silence, a deep breath, or just half an hour where no one is asking anything of you?

You deserve comfort that isn't tied to your income and peace that doesn't require a cart total. So go ahead; lie down, shut your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you're nailing self-care—even if your bank balance says $3.28.

Strike Out,

Jessica Harris

Boca Raton

Jessica Harris is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. As a proud introvert, she is described to be quiet but always up for challenges to get her out of her shell.  When not overworking herself with school and work, she's nose deep in a book on her balcony, sobbing over Kdramas or constantly writing in hopes of publishing a book. You can reach her at jessicaharris777@gmail.com.