3 Spring Self-Care Activities That Don’t Break the Bank (Plus One That Can Change Your Life)

Spring is the season of renewal—and what better time to take a deep breath, check in with yourself, and prioritize self-care? Contrary to popular belief, self-care doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, some of the most effective practices for your mental well-being are low-cost, accessible, and deeply nourishing.

Here are three budget-friendly self-care ideas to help you bloom this season—plus a bonus one that could transform your emotional health long-term.

🌿 1. Take a Mindful Nature Walk

Cost: Free

Where: Your local park, neighborhood, or nearby trail

Getting outside for a slow, intentional walk can be incredibly grounding. Notice the fresh smells of spring, the feeling of the sun on your skin, the sound of birds, or new flowers blooming around you. Try leaving your phone behind or keeping it in your pocket to stay present.

Therapeutic benefits:

• Reduces anxiety and rumination

• Regulates the nervous system

• Boosts mood through movement and vitamin D

• Creates moments of calm and clarity

Mindful walking encourages you to reconnect with your body and surroundings, helping you feel more rooted and less overwhelmed.

✍️ 2. Start a Gentle Journaling Practice

Cost: Free or under $5 for a notebook

Where: Anywhere you feel safe and comfortable

You don’t have to be a writer to benefit from journaling. Try setting a timer for 10 minutes and write freely about whatever’s on your mind. Some gentle prompts to get started:

• “Lately I’ve been feeling…”

• “One thing I need more of is…”

• “Spring reminds me that I can…”

Therapeutic benefits:

• Clarifies thoughts and emotions

• Enhances self-awareness

• Provides emotional release

• Encourages mindfulness and reflection

This kind of self-expression can help you sort through inner tension and reconnect with your inner voice.

🎨 3. Do a Simple Creative Activity

Cost: Low (use what you already have—paper, pens, paints, etc.)

Where: At home or outside

Tapping into your creativity is a powerful way to soothe the mind and regulate emotions. You don’t need to be “good” at art—this is about process, not product.

Ideas include:

• Doodling or colouring while listening to music

• Making a collage of spring images from old magazines

• Painting or sketching what spring looks like to you

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Therapeutic benefits:

• Engages the brain in a meditative way

• Provides emotional expression without words

• Boosts self-esteem through creation

• Offers a healthy outlet for stress or overwhelm

💬 4. Explore Therapy as a Form of Self-Care

Cost: Varies (Your Story Counselling offers both full-fee and low-cost therapy options) $30+

Where: In-person in Vaughan/Markham or virtually across Ontario

Link to Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation: Click here

Spring is also a good time to check in with your emotional and mental well-being more deeply.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just want to better understand yourself, therapy offers a safe, nonjudgmental space to grow.

At Your Story Counselling, we match you with a clinician who aligns with your story and goals. Our team includes therapists who speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and who provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support.

Therapeutic benefits:

• Improve emotional regulation and coping skills

• Understand patterns in relationships and behaviour

• Heal past wounds in a safe space

• Gain confidence, clarity, and connection

🌸 Spring Forward with Compassion

Spring self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even small, intentional acts of nurturing yourself can create lasting change. Whether it's a walk in nature, a page in a journal, a messy painting session, or a brave step toward therapy—every choice you make toward your well-being matters.

Let this season be a reminder: you’re allowed to rest, reflect, and receive support.

Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.

Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,

Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.

Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.

Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.

If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.

Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.

Terms and Conditions of Use:

The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com

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