The two month long preamble to the holidays is over. You spent a lot of money on other people last month and this month it may be a bit tight. Here are 10 things you can do for yourself (because you deserve it) that do not cost more than $10:
Mini Foot Rub -- Take a few minutes after your shower or before crawling into bed to give yourself a five minute foot rub. If you do it first thing in the morning it will give you an extra spring in your step, if you do it at night it will be surprisingly relaxing way to end the day. Really get in there and massage the tender spots and do not forget between your toes!
Paint Your Toe Nails -- If you are honest, your toes probably get neglected in January (if not for the whole winter). Pick an awesome color from your stash or make an impromptu stop at the drug store and pick up a funky color you love (you do not need another pink!). Do not worry about the whole pedi treatment, just paint your nails in front of the tube. If you want something really fun, try Lady Bugs. Having painted toes will give you a little boost every morning when you look down at your feet.
Give Yourself a 3 Minute Facial -- One of my favorites are the Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks. They only cost a few bucks, are available in almost any drug store, are easy to use, smell great, and work amazingly well. Buy New Hangers -- Spend $10 on new hangers from your favorite department store (I have found great multi-packs at the dollar store too). I especially love the ones that have a little rubber on the shoulders. Re-hang some of the tops that keep slipping off the hanger when you try to look through your closet (talk about aggravating) or hang some of the stuff that is folded and out of the way so you will actually be able see it the next time you are searching through your wardrobe. Do not underestimate the power of a well organized closet.
Buy a Trashy Novel -- Hit the bargain bin at the book store and pick up a $5 trashy novel. But do not just buy another book and put it on the shelf with all the other books you are supposed to be reading. As soon as you buy it stop at a local park and read the first chapter. Two, if they are short. Then keep that book handy for the next two weeks so you can have a few minutes of carefree, mindless reading whenever you want.
Doodle -- Find some blank paper, or buy a cheap journal and a marker, and doodle. Seriously, it is like meditation with a pen. Do not worry what it looks likes or who will see it or if it makes sense. Spend five or ten minutes doodling and you will be surprised how it frees your mind from its current hang ups. This is one of my favorite habits!
Now that you have taken care of everyone else it is time to take care of yourself and you do not need to spend a fortune to do so. Do not do it all in one weekend, spread it out over the month so you can really saver the self attention.
