This is a post that has been a long time coming. If I’m being honest, I can’t tell you how many times I shared something on Instagram and thought to myself, this comes across as being so…privileged. Because let’s be real – most of the wellness trends we see are NOT cheap. From boutique fitness classes to supplements, meal programs, beauty regimens and everything in between – keeping up with all of it can cost a pretty penny.
So I wanted to do a round up of my favorite hacks for making a life of wellness more affordable (because you know I’m all about that #RealLifeWellness).
Before I go on, I also want to be fully transparent about something else: I do get a lot of free stuff for being a blogger. I try to disclose that as much as possible, but I do sometimes forget because it just is a part of this (weird) job of mine. I’m going to make it a point to be more clear about that moving forward, but for now these tips below are ones that I really do utilize myself.
1. ClassPass
ClassPass has been a game changer for me for years. I’ve always utilized it for workout classes, but lately I also take full advantage of their wellness filter that offers things like massages, cryotheraphy, and (my favorite) infrared saunas. You can click here for an entire free MONTH of ClassPass.
2. Make your freezer your BFF
As someone with an ever-changing schedule, I keep my freezer stocked with healthy food/meals at all times so that I a) always have something on hand to throw together a quick meal and b) I avoid any fresh food going to waste. Frozen fruit & vegetables are always a must, but I also freeze things like bread, meat/fish, healthy desserts, pre-cooked grains, etc. Not only are a lot of frozen foods typically cheaper at the grocery store, but you can also cook full meals in bulk ahead of time and freeze them for an even more convenient meal to grab over the next few weeks.
3. Sign up for email newsletters
Even the more pricey wellness brands (foods, supplements, services, etc.) have sales, and I find with online shopping they’ve become more frequent than ever, so I make sure I’m signed up for email newsletters to stay in the know.
4. Use discount codes from your favorite bloggers/influencers
On that same note, bloggers ALWAYS have discount codes for use. Obviously – yes – I am one of them 😉 But I’m really not doing this to plug myself. I use other bloggers’ codes all the time! I personally try to keep mine to a minimum, with my favorite being for ClassPass (see link above) and Sakara Life.
5. Practice “this” or “that”
This has been a huge one in my own life, especially since moving to New York. It will require some willpower, but basically what it looks like is when I have a week that I want to spend money on a particular wellness habit (like SoulCycle, HigherDose, or a facial), I make it a point to cut back on something else (like dining out or shopping for clothes). For example, this is the only way I can justify the weeks that I get my Sakara Life meal programs. I make up for that money spent by not dining out, and it all balances out. The trick is realizing that priorities can vary from week to week (or month to month) and adjusting your budget accordingly.
6. Don’t underestimate the power of the basics
As much as I love me some adaptogens and collagen-infused everything, those things are NOT the only way to be healthy! And same goes for all the fancy-pants recipes you see on Instagram. Some of the healthiest things we can do don’t cost a dime or aren’t crazy expensive, like: drinking more water, getting adequate sleep, getting in a 10-minute afternoon walk, ordering a side salad instead of fries, ordering a glass of wine instead of a daiquiri, etc. You can take all the expensive supplements in the world, but without the basic foundation of wellness habits I doubt they’ll make much of a difference anyway.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @Hungry.Blonde and/or use the hash tag #RealLifeWellness. I’d also love for you to join the HB Tribe Facebook Group where we have more behind-the-scenes chats about having a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
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You might also like:
Can Food Freedom and Health/Fitness Goals Coexist?
How I Lost Weight Practicing Food Freedom
10 Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life
My Story Of Discovering Healthy Living
My Favorite NYC Fitness Classes On ClassPass
How To Afford Living In New York
