Budget-Friendly Summer Wellness: Simple Ways I’m Caring for Myself Without Spending Much

Let’s be honest; summer can either feel like a breath of fresh air or one more thing to plan, organize, and hustle through. Between work, life, and trying to maintain some semblance of functionality, Wellness often ends up sounding expensive, time-consuming, or just… not realistic.

But here’s the truth: Wellness doesn't need to be complicated, curated, or costly. Sometimes, the most soul-refreshing moments are the simplest ones. Here are a few ways I’m keeping wellness front and center this summer, for free or at a very low cost.

🥤 My Favorite Summer Wind-Down: Music + Movement + Dishes?

After a long day, give me a cold drink, my headphones, and my favourite playlist — and I’m good. There’s something oddly soothing about doing the dishes or tidying up with music blasting in my ears. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. It’s a little slice of "me time" in the middle of the everyday mess.

🎷 Festivals, Food Trucks, and Market Wandering

My city comes alive in the summer. I’m talking about free festivals, food truck gatherings, and local markets that don’t cost a thing to stroll through. Even if we don’t buy anything, walking around, snapping a few pics, and window-shopping at second-hand stores feels like an adventure. Sometimes, the best self-care is just getting outside and feeling like part of something bigger.

🌞 Sun Salutations in Stillness

If I don’t have time to work out, I always start the day with a few rounds of Sun Salutations. No gear, no pressure — just me, my mat, and the stillness of the early morning before the city wakes up. It grounds me, centers my body, and it’s completely free. A little movement in the morning makes a big difference throughout the day.

🍻 Summer Friends & the Magic of Terrasse St-Ambroise

There’s this little place I love — we go a few times a month to meet up with a circle of “summer friends.” It’s casual, family- and dog-friendly, and feels like an oasis in the middle of the week. Whether we plan it or just show up, there’s something healing about being around people who get it — and who are also just here to chill.

🌅 Structure + Spontaneity = Sanity

I work with a set schedule most days — 7:00 to 4:00 in work mode. But after 4:00? That’s where the magic happens. Sometimes, there’s a plan; sometimes, there’s just a walk and some laughter. I’ve learned that planning for spontaneity keeps me grounded while still giving me room to breathe.

😴 Wellness Rule #1: Rest Is Not a Luxury

When someone asks me for a wellness tip, I don’t say, “Drink more water” or “Try this smoothie.” I say: rest as much as possible. Seriously. Prioritize sleep. Move a little every day. Don’t underestimate the healing power of an early bedtime or a quiet night in. Sleep is not laziness — it’s survival.

Final Thought

You don’t need a retreat or a self-care kit to feel good this summer. You need a few quiet moments, a place that makes you feel human, and permission to not do everything. Your peace doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be yours.

-Fabi