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Original poster

How do you treat yourself without spending money?

40 replies

MoonMane · 31/08/2021 06:52

I have to tighten my belt. A lot! But I've been getting by these days by treating myself (hence why I now have no money). What do you do for yourself that makes you happy and feels special without forking out for it?

OP posts:

DaphneDeloresMoorhead · 31/08/2021 15:19

Drive, in silence

Polkadots2021 · 31/08/2021 15:35

@MoonMane

I realised about 25 years ago when I was stone cold broke that if I worked out daily I'd look better in all my clothes and my hair/skin would look better so I would therefore not care that I wouldn't have a penny to spend for years on a new piece of clothing or any decent hair/skin products. It worked and it's still my approach

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 31/08/2021 15:37

@DaphneDeloresMoorhead

Drive, in silence

Oh God. Yes.

MooBoom · 31/08/2021 15:37

Make myself a cup of tea and a hot water bottle, maybe a bar of chocolate too. Kind of like a little treat for me without digging into my pocket

TillyTopper · 31/08/2021 15:44

I Tidy a cupboard (or two) or clean something! Feels so good afterwards that you've done it.
Read a good book - walk to the library to get it through a nice space if you can.
Declutter your wardrobe and sell stuff if you don't want it - same for the loft if you have one and are feeling ambitious!
Have you got any unfinished craft projects like knitting, sewing and either complete it or make something else with it.
Search for "crafting with trash" or similar (don't buy the books, just look on pintrest and use stuff you already have.
When it's peaceful enjoy a nice cup or tea or whatever sitting in a comfy chair just looking out the window.

Liverbird77 · 31/08/2021 15:47

A bit sad to some, but I love pottering in the library, having a chat and finding some really good books.

I also like to watch YouTube on my own.

ACreakingGateNeverStops · 31/08/2021 16:31

Admittedly this makes me sound very sad, but it works for me....I go to bed really early (before 9pm) with books/newspaper/magazine. Everyone thinks I'm really tired or feeling unwell (because I usually say that) and it gives me the peace and quiet I crave.
Occasionally someone will ask if I'd like a drink, bring it in and leave
I couldn't have got away with this when my children were very young though.

ACreakingGateNeverStops · 31/08/2021 16:32

@MooBoom

Make myself a cup of tea and a hot water bottle, maybe a bar of chocolate too. Kind of like a little treat for me without digging into my pocket

I love a hot water bottle, especially coupled with a nice, soft snuggly blanket

Threebagsfullxyz · 31/08/2021 16:43

A bit sad to some, but I love pottering in the library, having a chat and finding some really good books.

Doesn't sound sad to me Liverbird I visit charity shops and browse the book shelves and often come away with a few. Charity shops tend to be my main place of spending (other than the supermarket) so I tend to get my fix there.

Watching this thread with interest as I could do with a few more ideas.

Threebagsfullxyz · 31/08/2021 16:45

admittedly this makes me sound very sad, but it works for me....I go to bed really early (before 9pm) with books/newspaper/magazine. Everyone thinks I'm really tired or feeling unwell (because I usually say that) and it gives me the peace and quiet I crave.
Occasionally someone will ask if I'd like a drink, bring it in and leave grin
I couldn't have got away with this when my children were very young though.

Love this suggestion. I would like to do this at least once a week.

Original poster

MoonMane · 01/09/2021 06:55

@Polkadots2021 that's a great tip and really resonates with me!

I love the idea of going to bed early to read and carve out my own space too

OP posts:

SarahBellam · 01/09/2021 07:23

You could do a course via LinkedIn learning or FutureLearn. Many are free and it’s a great way to invest some time in something you’re really interested in. It doesn’t need to be related to work. My DD did one on Intro to neuroscience! You could write short stories or a novel…anything that is an hour or two away from the daily grind is time we’ll spent.

beautifullymad · 01/09/2021 08:18

I collect seed pods, dry them, and plant the seeds the following spring.

I have a garden full of flowers and always have enough to give away.

Seed pods are usually gathered up to burn or compost and if you ask the gardener they always share.

Also gathering seed pods mean the parent plant carries on flowering. It's a win win and it's free, it's God's garden.

Lola001 · 01/09/2021 08:45

When I work from home I wear my most comfortable bottoms ... sounds daft but them and no bra feels like a bit easier work day!

Di11y · 01/09/2021 09:13

I love a walk with hot choc in a flask, and a little pot or marshmallows

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