Hey friends,

September feels like the perfect time for a little reset.

The kids are back in school, schedules are filling up, summer is officially winding down, and suddenly I’m realizing that somewhere between getting everyone else ready, I’ve forgotten to slow down and take care of me.

But self-care doesn’t have to mean an expensive spa day or spending hundreds of dollars.

Sometimes it’s a $5 candle, a relaxing shower, a good book, or 20 quiet minutes with your favorite drink.

So this month, I’m keeping my self-care simple—and budget-friendly.

Here are some of my favorite self-care ideas that cost $10 or less.

🕯️ 1. A $5–$10 Candle

There is something about lighting a candle at the end of a long day that instantly makes home feel a little more relaxing.

I love choosing scents that make me think of fall—vanilla, pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, or warm woods.

Light it while you’re taking a shower, reading, cleaning, or simply sitting down for a few minutes.

Mom tip: Don’t wait for the house to be perfectly clean to enjoy your candle. Light it anyway!

☕ 2. Make Your Favorite Drink

You don’t always need to leave the house for a coffee-shop moment.

Make your favorite coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or iced drink at home.

Put it in your favorite mug or tumbler, sit down, and actually enjoy it.

No multitasking.

No scrolling.

Just 10 quiet minutes.

Because sometimes 10 minutes of peace feels like luxury.

🧖🏾‍♀️ 3. Turn Your Shower Into a Spa

A long shower can become a mini spa experience without spending much money.

Try adding:

• Your favorite body wash
• A $5 exfoliating scrub
• A face mask
• A fluffy towel
• Your favorite lotion afterward

Put your phone down and let yourself enjoy the moment.

And if you have kids who are constantly knocking on the bathroom door…

Lock it. 😂

💆🏾‍♀️ 4. Give Yourself a Mini At-Home Facial

You don’t need a complicated 10-step skincare routine.

Pick up an affordable face mask or use products you already have at home.

Cleanse your face, apply your mask, moisturize, and take a few minutes to relax.

It’s a small thing, but it can make you feel refreshed.

💅🏾 5. Paint Your Nails

A $5–$10 bottle of nail polish can provide a surprisingly good little mood boost.

Choose a color you’ve been wanting to try and give yourself an at-home manicure.

It doesn’t have to be perfect.

This is about taking time for yourself—not winning a nail competition.

📖 6. Read Something Just for Fun

When was the last time you read something that wasn’t related to work, school, parenting, or getting something done?

September is my reminder to make time for books that I actually want to read.

Grab a library book, reread an old favorite, or download an inexpensive Kindle read.

Then give yourself permission to sit down and enjoy it.

🎧 7. Create a “Mom’s Reset” Playlist

Music can completely change your mood.

Create a playlist filled with songs that make you feel happy, relaxed, motivated, or nostalgic.

Maybe it’s R&B.

Maybe it’s old-school favorites.

Maybe it’s gospel.

Maybe it’s your favorite throwback songs.

Put on your headphones and take a walk, clean the house, or simply sit and listen.

🌸 8. Buy Yourself a $5 Bouquet

You don’t need a huge floral arrangement.

Grab an inexpensive bouquet from the grocery store and put it somewhere you’ll see it throughout the day.

Fresh flowers are one of those little things that can make an ordinary week feel special.

And moms deserve flowers too.

✍🏾 9. Start a September Gratitude List

Grab a notebook you already have—or a cute inexpensive journal—and write down three things you’re grateful for each day.

They don’t have to be big.

Try:

“I had time to drink my coffee.”

“My child made me laugh.”

“I finished something I’ve been putting off.”

“I got 20 minutes to myself.”

“I made it through Monday.” 😂

Sometimes self-care is simply slowing down long enough to notice the good things.

📱 10. Take a Social Media Break

And this one is completely free.

Put your phone on Do Not Disturb.

Step away from social media for an hour—or even an entire evening.

No comparing.

No scrolling.

No checking what everybody else is doing.

Just you and your real life.

❤️ Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

As moms, it’s easy to convince ourselves that self-care requires a lot of time and money.

It doesn’t.

Sometimes self-care looks like $5 nail polish.

Sometimes it’s a quiet cup of coffee.

Sometimes it’s taking a long shower.

Sometimes it’s saying “not today.”

And sometimes it’s simply sitting down for 15 minutes without feeling guilty about it.

This September, I’m challenging myself to stop waiting for the perfect opportunity to take care of myself.

I’m going to find the little moments.

Because I deserve them.

And mama, so do you. ❤️

✨ My September Self-Care Challenge

Choose one small thing each week:

Week 1: Buy yourself something small that makes you smile.
Week 2: Take 20 minutes completely for yourself.
Week 3: Have an at-home spa night.
Week 4: Do something just because YOU enjoy it.

No guilt.

No perfection.

Just a little more you this September.

---

💕 What’s Your Favorite $10-or-Less Self-Care Treat?

I’d love to know!

Tell me in the comments: What’s one inexpensive thing that instantly makes you feel better?

~My Life As A Mom