How much do you spend on self care and treats every month?

[SadWildebeest]

I'm struggling a bit (a lot) after a bereavement, and know I need to really up my self care and do some nice things for myself. It's all so expensive though. I am fortunate to be in a position where I can afford to do a bit, but wondering what other people are spending nowadays?

So far, I have managed to get a good deal with a yoga studio pass for a month to somewhere really nice. And making a list of extra vitamins I need, as am low in lots of these on blood test and feeling completely washed out.

I also should get my hair done, it has not been cut for over a year and looks a bit rubbish as it's ragged at the ends and lost shape.

Not bought any clothes (apart from pants and socks and tshirts) for years, and no idea what I like anymore, but I need to go clothes shopping at some point.

What things do you do for self care and how much does it cost? Have you adjusted things to save money over the last year?

I get my nails done every 3 weeks. Been going to my nail lady for a decade and it’s more like therapy than anything else. £25 a pop and it’s the best money I spend. I come out with nice nails and feeling like a weight is off my shoulders.

Hair dye every 6 weeks. Cut every 10 weeks. I’ve very short hair and it needs it. £50 and £70 respectively.

Proper sports massage at least once a month. £50. If I cut it out I end up wrecking my lower back or shoulder. Prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

Make up and skin care as needed. £25 per month. I tend to do an at home facial weekly and find it incredibly relaxing.

Clothes are as and when. I love walking and hiking and am happy to spend a small fortune on good waterproofs, socks, boots, trainers. Non exercise clothes are not bought that regularly.

I have the money to spend on what I wish when I wish and I do so.

@updin I know.. 😂 I'm a bit horrified, reading that back

Mind you - I look low maintenance.. I am far from glam, the listed treatments are mainly because I am too lazy to shave my own legs and I barely have a nature eyebrow hair to my name

I thought about this recently as I've been spending on other things whilst pregnant as my go to treat is usually new clothes (maybe 175pm). But my issue is ie often feels like maintenance vs a treat (hair colour, manicure, brow threading). Even a massage can feel health conscious vs relaxing.. I do like a nice meal out with girlfriends or a trip to the cinema alone.

I get my nails done and semi permanent make up every two years & I am a member of a leisure club (gym)

but I colour my own hair and tint my brows and love on a minimal wardrobe

I wax just going to mention that I paid for reiki and mindfulness and that was one of the best treats I have had. I also had reflexology and it was lovely (years ago but I said I’d mention it as that might do the trick in terms of self care for you ) both treatments really were lovely

Oh I hope that really helps, it sounds just lovely!

Have you ever read Wild by Cheryl Strayed?
In it she says her mother once said to her:
"There is a sunrise and a sunset every day and you can choose to be there or not. Put yourself in the way of beauty"

I've found that quote quite life enhancing

Not a massive amount as I'm a sale/bargain hunter
Hair cut once or twice a year which is £80 for a curly cut
Skin and me subscription
I love baths and Olverum bath oil is my luxury! Also candles

I've started this year doing one thing for myself a month which might work for you?
So one month was a hair cut, the next was a chiropodist visit and pedicure, planning a flotation tank session, a sport massage...

65 every 4-5 months on hair
15 every 2-3 months on brows
£5 a week on a nice coffee
I get a facial or massage from time to time. Sever years ago I had them monthly. Now I have them maybe twice a year.

I probably get my hair cut every 6 months. I'm not into getting my nails done, I like them natural, short and just neat which I can mange on my own. I do my own eyebrows and wax my upper lip and chin myself. I do like a facial and massage every month though. Dh bought me a facial sauna machine but I like having 90 minutes peace being pampered, it's my treat to myself. I buy clothes as and when I need them but I do like treats like handmade soap, nice bath products and makeup. I don't buy them every month or even every quarter just when needed.

Oh and I get myself some nice baths bombs from lush maybe every 6 months

Hair cost about £70-100
mini facial and back massage £60

I splurged on a second have digital piano this month for £100 but it's brought me SO MUCH joy already. Haven't played since I was small 😄

I think it depends on what your budget is! Im a single parent living below the breadline, I spend almost nothing on beauty (and it shows 😬) I get a cheap cut and colour every few months which is around £40. If I’m going to treat myself then I save up and buy things for my hobby (ultra running) I don’t buy myself clothes just wear running leggings etc as normal clothes as I can’t afford both. Hoping to treat myself to new running shoes in the next month as current ones have more than 1000 miles in them and my foot pokes out a big hole in the side, it’s not a good look!

I spend just over £50 per month on my gym membership, I also subscribe to Spotify premium. I do my own nails, colour my own hair but do get it cut every 10 weeks (£30). I probably buy an item of clothing once a month and treat myself to decent make up, skincare and shower products (when I need them rather than for the sake of it). Nowadays I am better at carving out time for me, that may be to run, a gym workout, a long walk with the dog or just to potter about guilt free. I will also get outdoors and sketch/paint/draw/doodle when the weather improves. I don’t think it’s so much about cost, but prioritising your needs for self care and making time for this.

I'm about £50 for my shampoo & hair stuff a month.

£60 for a tint and trim every 6 weeks.

I've got loads of make up so don't expect to be buying that anytime soon.. spent a few £££ on dior and Charlotte tilbury stuff in January using gift cards and birthday cash.

Probably about £20 a month (averaged out over a year) on skincare.

Apart from that I'll buy a box of French fancies once a week! 😂

Can I ask about the Botox please - is it on your forehead - how is it? Has it made a big difference and do you still look natural!

Gym (using the equipment plus 6 classes a week) £30 a month

Liberty subscription £20 a month

clothes around £50 a month

vitamins about £5 a month

Hair cut and colour £90 every 6-8 weeks

wine £30 a month

Antidepressants £10 a month

Have a facial they make everyone feel good also spray tans without a doubt make people feel instantly better when done right.

Theres so many treatments you could have I guess it depends what is your thing.

Join a gym like Nuffield that has a pool, doing their aqua classes, yoga & Pilates is great and for all levels of fitness, plus you meet lots of different types of people.

Think about what made you happy in childhood,, art.. Horse riding .. watching certain movies/ series that you’ve forgotten about or reading.

I’m very sorry for your loss I lost myself for many years after losing a special person in my life and she would be so unhappy about that, don’t waste any time getting things in place to make you feel a bit better.

I’d give up a lot before giving up coffee out, regularly, w friends. It’s ridiculously expensive for a small amount of hot drink, but oh my, it is so important to me.

i should spend more on clothes and hair and things - I think it’d make me feel better.

more theatre too!

find things that bring you joy and energy: flowers, nice food, sitting outdoors looking at the view.

Oh and nice shampoo £30 every two months

make up (Victoria Beckham and Charlotte Tilbury) probably around £250 a year in total

Not much. I had a huge binge on make up a year ago which is still lasting. Four Tom Ford lipsticks ouch. And some charlotte Tilbury blusher and lipstick and Estee Lauder foundations and cream. Tend to out off having my hair done as I can't be bothered sitting in the hairdressers.

Things I do regularly or rarely

Hair (highlights & cut) - £150
Deep tissue massage - £50
Nails - £25
Gym - £120/month
Running - free
Hike a mountain - free ish
New book @ coffee shop - £20
Spa day with treatment - £100
Yoga online - free

@JaJaWoo yes - my husband and mother have never noticed.

I basically look like I am well slept, and I can still move my forehead/eyes/smile normally.

I just look more alive.. look up:

Tanyakhanmedicalaesthetics on Instagram

Tanya is a registered nurse and fabulous. You're probably not in NI but if you ever make the leap for Botox, please make sure you go to a medical professional. Tanya would never inject beyond her own advice, and has rejected my own suggestions plenty of times. She basically said "no... that would have a detrimental effect on your face, I'm not doing it" and I love her very much for that.

If this is low maintenance I'm not sure what I'm classed as!

I have a fun hobby which costs about 10 a week and walking, meeting friends for coffee or making art are my other wellbeing activities but are pretty cheap.

I don't consider getting my hair done (3x a year) a treat or self care, it's more a necessity to look smartish for work. It costs a lot and takes ages which I resent, and I haven't found a salon I like yet. I don't have any other beauty or salon treatments.

This is not low maintenance, this is pretty high maintenance I would say.

I'm very scruffy and wear the same clothes for years on end of they're comfy. I get a family member to trim my hair every year or so. No greys yet so don't worry about dying it. Buy a moisturiser from Aldi.

So my self care spends are mostly on hobbies. I budget £75 a month but this year have been better at using the supplies I have instead of buying more.