The Cost of Feeling Good

I love to live by the rule “look good, feel good”. It just works for me. If I’m having a particularly bad day, I force myself to glam up a bit and it often lifts my mood. But I’ve been thinking lately about the cost of feeling good. And I mean feeling good in the broadest sense of the word.

Clothes – of course this is the first one. As I said, we often dress up to try and feel good, but it costs so much to go on a shopping spree that it’s just not doable all the time.
Spa Day – I love massages and calmly sitting in hot water with next to no clothes on. The role of spas is to encourage rest and relaxation but spas aren’t cheap. For a massage, you’re looking about just under £20, if you find a deal. And spa usage afterwards is a fee on top. For drinks and food when making a day of it, which of course you must stay hydrated, that’s even more!
A Night Out – with the sexy outfit, the pre drinks, the taxi, the club entry, the rounds when you’re there, and then the taxi home, a night out just isn’t cheap unless you have really wealthy friends.
Treat Yourself – whether it’s a new toy or nice food, whatever we buy in the moment that makes us feel good at the time, often brings on it’s own cost; be that money-wise or a cost to your health.
Working Out – A gym membership is often the go-to for working out, but they just cost too much money. Then there’s the good attire and appropriate footwear on top…
Vices – I’ve briefly mentioned this but often we feel good by doing something naughty, whether that’s smoking, drinking, one night stands, drugs, gambling…it all comes at a big cost if abused.

So what do I say to all that? I’m supposed to be encouraging you all to feel good, not putting you down, right! Well here it is:

Clothes – to feel good, you don’t have to necessarily buy a new outfit. Rummage through your wardrobe and pick out the clothes that are nice or that you haven’t worn in a while or think are too fancy for an average day – and wear them proudly instead! Turn those heads!

Spa Day – hint that you’ve always wanted to go to the spa and see if a special someone in your life buys it as a gift for you. I’ve bought my mother plenty of spa days, which she greatly appreciated. Also, just save up. Maybe you go just for the spa one day. And another time you go for a massage. Or, and this is the great way around it, invest in a foot bath, foot massager, massage cushion etc. so that you can get your relaxation at home!Once they’re bought, they’re always there for use. Even be cheeky and get a free massage from your family member and then hop into a lovely warm bubble bath.

Night Out – at the end of the day, the night’s out you share should be with good friends. If you just can’t get out, then have a wicked night in with the gang. You can put on a film, have a nice chat and share a bottle of wine (or whatever you preference is). That way it’s more intimate anyway. You can have a laugh, drink as little or as much as you’d like and dance around even, but it’s just cheaper and safer too.

Treat Yourself – treats come in all shapes and sizes and with all kinds of price tags. Treat yourself to a cheaper option. Or simply treat yourself by simply doing something you wouldn’t usually do, or taking yourself on a date with some well needed TLC.

Working Out – I bet you guessed this one, but working out at home is a more cost effective way to stay fit and get those endorphines going. Even if you can’t afford an exercise bike or weight of your own right now, they are a good investment in the long run. Watch an online video to get some inspiration of what to do.

Vices – vices don’t fix problems, if anything, they cause more problems. Therefore, please seek help to reduce the use of such vices, and fill the void with something healthier. When you feel like a smoke, go for a walk. When you need a drink, meet up with a friend (and don’t drink too much). When you want meaningless sex, speak to your family or seek another thrill.

Sadly it does seem to cost us to feel good, which is why a lot of people choose not to. But if you do your research and are serious about feeling good, then find ways to do it on a budget. Always find news way to feel good.

Seek Peace.