Whether you’re continuing efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle or embarking on a new wellness journey, don’t let the financial component keep you from reaching your goals. A healthier and happier lifestyle doesn’t have to be an expensive venture! There is a wide range of ways to better your life that won’t break the bank, but here are five of our favorites.
Prepare food ahead of time
Meal prepping isn’t a new concept, but it’s an increasingly popular way to ensure weekly meals maintain health goals as well as budgets. Planning and preparing meals ahead of time decreases the temptation to dine out and overspend on food. It can also help you plan beyond just the week by making portions that can be stored for future use. This strategy requires forward thinking and discipline, but it can encourage habits that will support goals to eat well and keep food costs within budget.
Skip traditional grocery shopping
Grocery pickup service is an option becoming more readily available at a range of retailers nationwide. Not only does this service provide an unparalleled level of convenience, but also is a great way to be more budget-conscious while grocery shopping. It’s not uncommon to walk into a grocery store - list in hand - and still throw add-ons into the cart as you go. Upon reaching the checkout line, the final purchase total often ends up being higher than expected thanks to those sneaky extras that weren’t on your list. Shopping for groceries online allows shoppers to know exactly how much they are spending on each item and what the total is as they go. If you are trying to stick to a strict grocery budget each week, this method of shopping can make it easier to stay in control of your budget.
Work out on your own terms and turf
There’s a lot of hype around choosing the best workout for certain fitness goals, and this tends to drive prices for gym memberships and fitness classes upwards. However, at the end of the day, it doesn’t cost a thing to just move your body. Walking can be an excellent form of exercise and can be done practically anywhere. Swimming, biking, hiking, and running are other great ways to get moving without paying for a pricey membership. Aside from outdoor recreational activities, technology can also bring workout classes to your living room. Browse YouTube for yoga, strength training, dance workouts, and more. Many of these videos make it easy to follow along in the privacy of your own home, and better yet, it doesn’t cost anything.
Do extra research to save a dime
If going to the gym or taking in-person fitness classes is more your style, explore money-saving opportunities that may be available. Find out if your employer offers a reimbursement program to help cover membership costs. Some health insurance providers even offer financial incentives or reimbursement options. Another way to save is to follow local gyms or fitness studios on social media. When the business decides to run membership specials or offer class discounts, social media followers will often be the first to know. Catching a good sale could provide the opportunity to try out a workout or class that you may not be able to afford otherwise. Take the time to do research before you sign up for a new membership and you just might discover some savings opportunities.
Cut back on screen time
Cutting back on screen time is a simple, free way to improve your overall well-being. It’s not uncommon for daily smartphone usage to total upwards of several hours each day. Those hours could be better spent doing something else. Consider a digital detox: reduce the amount of time and energy consumed by electronics each day to make room for more beneficial hobbies or activities that can be beneficial to your health. Disconnecting from technology to promote overall wellness is an underestimated way to facilitate a healthy lifestyle.
As you strive to be more health and budget conscious this year, start with small strategies that promote your well-being. Focus on one of these tips to begin your journey and then add on another one once you’re ready. Carefully calculated adjustments can lead to feeling better and having a little more money to spare in your pocket.
If you found these tips helpful, consider reading our blog for some easy money-saving tips!