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"I am committed to my financial wellness."
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Welcome to the midweek! In today's newsletter, we're taking a look at:
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Did You Know?
Impulse purchases account for ___% of money spent in online shopping transactions.
Scroll for the answer!
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How Mindful Consumption Is an Act of Self-care
The things we buy can impact us in more than one way. Our purchases and the money we spend can impact:
- Our financial self-care through the money we spend
- Our environmental self-care with the things we bring into our homes
- Our physical and emotional selves
Making a purchase — whether it's large or small — can either make us feel good or bring about feelings of guilt or frustration.
Sometimes, they may initially bring us joy, but that feeling can soon wear off.
And while some purchases are unavoidable — like groceries, personal care items, and so forth — many are wants rather than needs.
Practicing mindful consumption and taking some time to pause before we buy something can have great benefits:
- Spend intentionally: You know exactly where the money that leaves your wallet is going.
- Stick to a stronger budget: Limiting unnecessary purchases helps you save money, so you have more to throw into saving, investing, or paying off debt.
- Focus on what you truly need and what brings you joy: Instead of leaning on impulse purchases or things you may like, you can focus on things that you need and/or love!
- Great for environmental self-care and sustainability — both inside and outside the home: Buying things more mindfully allows you to keep a less cluttered home and is great for the planet!
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Tips To Consume Mindfully
If you're looking to practice more mindful consumption, here are a few places to start:
- Wait 24 hours before buying something: This can help you determine if you want something or if you're just tapping into the rush of adding it to your cart.
- Keep a running hierarchy list of "needs": As you work your budget, this can help you prioritize the purchases you need most.
- Try an every-dollar or zero-based budget: When you know every dollar in your budget has a place, it can help limit overspending just because you have money sitting in your account.
- Consider if a purchase would truly "add" to your home or life: This can mean a purchase benefits you emotionally, practically, physically, or in another way.
- Think of the "why" behind the buy: Are you buying something simply because it's on sale or on impulse? Or does it have a use in your life?
While not every purchase is a "major" one that requires significant thought, taking a few moments to think about how it fits into your life can go a long way!
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Ways to Nourish Your Well-Being Without Breaking the Bank
While retail therapy might provide temporary relief, true self-care goes beyond material indulgence. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable alternatives to nourish your well-being without straining your finances.
Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors, whether it's a stroll in the park or a hike in the wilderness. Connecting with nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
DIY Spa Day: Create a spa-like experience at home with homemade face masks, bubble baths, and soothing music. Pampering yourself doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.
Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. There are many free resources available online, including guided meditation videos and apps.
Journaling: Take time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions through journaling. It's a therapeutic practice that can help you gain clarity and insight into your feelings.
Creative Expression: Engage in creative activities such as painting, writing, or playing music. These outlets can be incredibly fulfilling and serve as a form of self-expression.
Exercise: Regular physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also improves mood and reduces stress. Explore free workout videos online or take advantage of outdoor activities like jogging or cycling.
By prioritizing these budget-friendly self-care practices, you can nourish your well-being without relying on retail therapy, fostering long-term happiness and fulfillment.
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7 Ways To Get Money Without Getting A Job
Food. Bills. Rent. Gas. They dry up every bit of your take-home pay. But, with a few smart moves, you could supplement your income — without doing much extra “work"!
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Thanks to FinanceBuzz for sponsoring Note To Self.
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What Is a Money Diary? How This Practice Can Help You Reflect on Your Finances
When we think of journaling, our minds often go toward our emotions and our day-to-day experiences.
However, when journaling, our personal finances can be a great topic to write about.
A "money diary" is a place where you can detail your personal finances and your thoughts and feelings about them.
This can include:
- Income
- Purchases
- A running balance of your budget
- A tally of savings and debt payoff goals
- Your feelings toward all of the above, and your finances in general
Keeping a money diary is a great way to reflect on your personal finances and keep better track of them.
While finances are a point of stress for many people, keeping a clear picture of yours and jotting down your thoughts about them can make them much less scary!
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Unwind In Nature
In the midst of our hectic lives, finding solace in nature has become a powerful form of self-care. Stepping into the great outdoors offers a myriad of therapeutic benefits that rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
Immersing oneself in nature allows for a much-needed break from the constant demands of modern life. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through a park, a hike in the woods, or simply sitting by a serene lake, the calming effect of natural surroundings can significantly reduce stress levels.
The fresh air and sunlight encountered outdoors contribute to physical well-being, boosting the immune system and improving overall mood. Exposure to natural light regulates circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns and enhancing the quality of rest.
Nature provides a backdrop for mindfulness and reflection. The sights and sounds of the natural world encourage a sense of presence, grounding individuals in the current moment. This mental clarity fosters stress reduction and a more positive outlook on life.
Additionally, outdoor self-care activities, such as gardening or picnicking, offer a sense of accomplishment and joy. The act of connecting with the earth, whether through digging in the soil or simply feeling the grass beneath your feet, promotes a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding environment.
Incorporating outdoor self-care into your routine is a transformative practice, offering a sanctuary of peace and rejuvenation amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. Nature, with its timeless beauty, provides an ever-present invitation to unwind, breathe deeply, and embrace the healing power of the natural world.
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Another Way To Unwind
Most people prefer to smoke cannabis but that isn’t an option if you’re at work or in public.
That’s why we were so excited when we found out about Mood’s new Rapid Onset THC Gummies. They can take effect in as little as 5 minutes without the need for a lighter, lingering smells or any coughing.
Nobody will ever know you’re enjoying some THC.
We recommend you try them out because they offer a 100% money-back guarantee. And for a limited time, you can receive 20% off with code FIRST20.
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Thanks to Mood for sponsoring Note To Self.
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Parting Thoughts:
- Did You Know: 40%! That's nearly half of all online shopping!
- 🏼♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week!
- Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: You're not alone if you've made an impulse purchase before. Practicing mindful consumption and journaling about your purchases is a great way to be more intentional with your money!
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Share the love
Know a fellow self-care lover who would benefit from joining the Note To Self Community? Forward this email or refer them at readnotetoself.com!
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Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at care@readnotetoself.com!
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