If you’ve been struggling to keep up with school, extracurriculars, and work, you’re not alone. Runaway inflation is adding even more pressure to budgets, making it hard to justify (or enjoy) a pricy outing. Fortunately, you can still find budget friendly ways to relax, providing some relief from the never-ending stress.
Escapism, Sweet Escapism
If you love to get lost in a different world for a few hours, you’re not alone. But Netflix’s ever-increasing prices aren’t always budget friendly. Books and video games are getting more expensive, too, making escapism all the more expensive. Fortunately, there are options to drastically decrease your total bill.
If you’re a UofT student, Media Commons offers several streaming sites. Audio Cine Films provides access to Hollywood hits (they already have No Time To Die, Encanto, and Black Widow), while Criterion on Demand gives you wider access to past high-quality films (they also have the entire Harry Potter and Austin Powers franchises). If you prefer to read, enrolment at UofT qualifies you for a Toronto Public Library card which you can then use to borrow physical or digital books. Is gaming your cup of tea? Steam key bundles can let you try out new titles for low prices (just be sure to use reputable sites).
Spa Day on a Budget
Rather than spending a pretty penny at a spa (or Sephora), you can put together a fun spa day on a budget. Looking for a face mask? Nature Republic sells high-quality sheet face masks for $3.50 (there’s a couple of brick and mortar locations near campus so you won’t have to worry about shipping). To make it extra refreshing, pop it in the fridge before use.
Hair masks and body scrubs can help to elevate your spa day experience. Although you can purchase these pre-made, they can be expensive. To minimize costs, look into DIY recipes.
Want those fancy spa vibes? To recreate the smell, you can pick up a cheap candle from a dollar store. Alternatively, pick up a couple of eucalyptus branches for a few dollars and leave them in your shower—the steam will smell amazing. Don’t forget to pop on a spa or classical music playlist and dim your lights!
Move your Body
As cliche as it is, getting some movement in can really help you to destress. Although workout classes can be expensive, there are lots of budget-friendly ways to get some movement in. Personally, I love walking around and exploring the city—you can always discover lots of cozy local businesses.
Reconnecting with Friends
It’s been easy to stop chatting with friends during the pandemic, but reaching out and reconnecting can be a great way to relax. If you’re uncomfortable with meeting in real life, you can always text, video call, play online games together, or set up a Netflix screening party. No matter how you connect, it’ll be a welcomed break from stress.