Wellness Habits You Can Start Today – At No (or Little) Cost
By Florence Freeman and Ashitha Nagesh, BBC News
Wellness has become a buzzword, often associated with hefty price tags: luxury spa days, five-star floating sound baths, and retreats costing thousands. But what about those of us with limited budgets?
Here are some ways to pursue a healthy body, mind, and soul without breaking the bank, as shared by health experts, entrepreneurs, and influencers.
Head to Wellness Meet-Ups
The high cost of studio memberships has led to a rise in free or affordable wellness gatherings organized by local groups on social media and platforms like Meetup.
Yoga teacher Anastasiia Mirraslavska hosts Sunday Reset in London, a meetup that combines yoga and meditation in city parks and online sessions over Zoom. Some sessions are paid (around £10), while others are free.
Erica Correa, a model from Liverpool, started Soft Sunday, a regular meetup focused on curated wellness experiences, from pilates classes to beauty treatments. She emphasizes that wellness is more about intentional choices than expense.
Start Gardening (Even If You Don’t Have a Garden)
Gardening is known to boost physical and mental well-being, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Research by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) found that daily gardeners report higher well-being and lower stress levels.
Many councils offer allotments for rent, and community gardens are another option. The Good to Grow map and RHS website list local community gardens where you can volunteer, access tools, and learn new skills.
Thrive, a charity using gardening to support health and well-being, highlights that community gardens provide social connections and opportunities for cognitive, physical, social, psychological, and emotional benefits.
Take Up an ‘Old-Fashioned’ Hobby
From birdwatching to crocheting, traditional hobbies are experiencing a resurgence as accessible and affordable ways to improve well-being.
Birdwatching, for instance, requires little more than a trip to a local park, while crocheting can be done with inexpensive supplies and offers a relaxing, creative outlet.
