In the age of hustle culture, endless notifications, and never-ending side hustles, carving out space for your mental health has gone from luxury to necessity. But here’s the thing no one tells you—self-care costs money. Whether you’re booking a therapy session, buying herbal teas, signing up for a mindfulness app, or choosing to order THC gummies online for your wind-down routine, the cumulative expenses can sneak up on even the most frugal among us.
Still, the real question isn’t “Should I spend on self-care?” It’s “How can I budget for it in a sustainable way?” Let’s break down the true cost of self-care and how to plan your finances so your well-being doesn’t come at the expense of your wallet—or your peace of mind.
What Counts as Self-Care?
Before we dive into the budget, let’s define the term. Self-care is any activity that supports your emotional, mental, or physical health. That includes:
- Therapy and counseling
- Gym memberships or fitness classes
- Journaling supplies
- Meditation apps or sound therapy tools
- Supplements and functional foods
- Sleep aids (melatonin, teas, or legal THC products)
- Creative hobbies like painting, baking, or crafting
- Mini-getaways or wellness retreats
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and lavender candles—it’s anything that helps you reset, refocus, and take better care of yourself.
The Hidden Price Tags Behind Feeling Better
While some self-care practices cost little to nothing (like going for a walk or doing breathwork), others come with monthly fees or upfront costs. That’s not a bad thing—it just means we need to be intentional about what we spend.
Let’s break it down by category:
1. Mental Health Services
A single therapy session in the UK can cost anywhere from £40 to £120 depending on the provider and location. While the NHS offers mental health services, long wait times and limited availability often push people toward private care.
Budget Tip: Look into sliding-scale therapists or digital platforms offering lower-cost options. Even monthly check-ins can be beneficial.
2. Fitness & Movement
Gym memberships average £30–£50 per month, while boutique classes like yoga or Pilates can cost £10–£25 per session.
Budget Tip: Mix in free YouTube workouts or apps like Nike Training Club. You don’t need a £100 mat or boutique pass to feel good moving.
3. Mindfulness & Sleep
Apps like Calm or Headspace cost about £60 per year. Weighted blankets can go for £40–£100. Supplements or sleep aids vary in price depending on quality and ingredients.
Budget Tip: Use trial versions of apps and consider one-time purchases like a sleep mask or sound machine over recurring subscriptions.
4. Edibles, Teas, and Functional Supplements
Products like herbal teas or adaptogens, those costs may range from £25 to £60 per order depending on quantity and shipping.
Budget Tip: Buy in bulk when possible, and look for brands offering subscription discounts or loyalty points.
5. Creative Tools and Hobby Kits
Pursuits like painting, journaling, or even baking can help you destress—but supplies add up. A decent sketchpad and markers can run you £20+. Baking kits or creative courses can also cost £30–£80.
Budget Tip: Stick to one hobby per quarter to avoid overspending, and make use of free tutorials and community resources.
Self-Care vs Lifestyle Spending: Know the Difference
Image from Unsplash
Let’s be honest—sometimes “self-care” becomes a shopping justification. There’s a thin line between genuine wellness spending and emotional spending disguised as self-love.
Here’s how to know the difference:
- Intentional self-care improves your well-being long-term.
- Impulse buys often provide a short high followed by regret.
- Sustainable self-care fits within your budget and routine.
A £30 mindfulness course that transforms your sleep quality? Worth it. A £30 candle that ends up on your shelf gathering dust? Maybe not.
How Much Should You Actually Budget?
There’s no universal answer, but most financial planners suggest allocating 5–10% of your monthly budget toward personal care—including wellness, grooming, and mental health.
If you earn £2,500/month post-tax:
- 5% = £125/month
- 10% = £250/month
This might cover:
- Two therapy sessions
- A monthly supplement order
- A mindfulness app subscription
- Journaling supplies or a hobby box
The trick is prioritizing—spend where the return on emotional investment is highest.
The Role of Preventive Spending
Some self-care purchases may seem expensive up front but prevent costlier issues down the road.
Consider this:
- Spending £60 on therapy now might help you avoid burnout that leads to lost income.
- Paying £30/month for supplements or sleep aids could improve your focus, reducing mistakes or sick days.
In fact, according to the CDC’s Fast Facts on chronic conditions, chronic diseases account for 90% of America’s $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare spending, and managing or preventing these conditions can significantly reduce both medical expenses and lost productivity.
When you view self-care as prevention—not pampering—it’s easier to justify in your budget.
Smart Tips to Keep Self-Care Affordable
Let’s make your routine more affordable without sacrificing the good stuff:
1. Bundle Purchases
Sites offer bundles or discount codes for bulk orders—reducing your cost per unit.
2. Track & Rotate
Track spending in a free budgeting app and rotate expensive items (e.g., skip a gym class one week and do a hike instead).
3. Leverage Community Options
Look for group meditation meetups, sliding-scale therapy, or community yoga events.
4. Use Free Trials Strategically
Try new services (apps, supplements, digital guides) on a trial basis before committing to full plans.
5. Set a Self-Care Line Item
Include self-care in your monthly budget just like rent or groceries. It signals importance and prevents guilt-driven overspending.
What to Cut—and What to Keep
If your budget is tight, make tough calls. Here’s one method:
- Keep what’s effective and consistent.
- Cut what’s trendy and underused.
- Test what’s new but potentially useful.
If you use an app every day, that’s worth £5/month. If a subscription box sits untouched, cancel or pause it.
Don’t Compare Your Routine to Instagram’s
The most important reminder? You don’t need a £500 morning routine. Self-care isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about what works for you. Some people reset with ocean swims and green juice. Others put on a favorite playlist, and call it a night. Both are valid. What matters is that you feel calmer, more grounded, and better prepared to face your week.
Self-care doesn’t need to break the bank—but it does need to make it into your budget. Whether you’re journaling or meditating, the key is to spend with intention. Because taking care of yourself is a necessity—not a luxury.
