When you’re exhausted, stressed, and money is tight, it’s easy to lose all the non-essential parts of your routine and find that you’re only leaving the house to go to work and to appointments. This can really affect your sense of structure, which in turn can affect your sleep, your general wellbeing, and your sense of time.
Going out can be difficult on a shoestring. It can often feel like there’s nowhere to go outside your home that doesn’t cost money, but leaving the house is often a vital boost to your mental health. Try these tips to get moving:
- Walk or cycle if you can: Travel expenses are some of the biggest barriers to getting around. When you’re in a position to walk or cycle, it can not only save money, but give you a bit of time to chill out, think, and wander.
- Visit local parks, countryside and green space: There is plenty of free-to-access green space around, whether you’re in the town or the country. If you’re feeling active, it could be time for a walk, run, or bike ride; explore a new place with a friend or with a camera/sketchbook; or if you just want to sit or socialise somewhere that’s not your house, bring a blanket or sit on a bench.
- Exercise outside: Many parks have outdoor free gym spaces, if you’re looking for an alternative to a costly gym membership. Walking and running are free options, and can double as opportunities to socialise. Hill walking, sea swimming and outdoor exercise like pilates or tai chi are all activities you can do yourself, with no special equipment – check online for ideas.
- Explore galleries and museums near you: They’re not just for tourists! Free attractions can offer space to have fun indoors, sit down if you need to, and meet friends without needing to spend.
- Take advantage of your local library: Libraries aren’t just for books! They’re free, warm, welcoming spaces where you can relax, read or surf the internet, and get involved in all sorts of community activities like writing, drawing, and film groups. Check your local council’s website for more information.
- Talk to support services about what’s available: Through services like housing, mental health, or Citizen’s Advice, you may be able to get referred for free or reduced bus and train travel. Many events and clubs provide free community tickets by referral, so you may be able to access those as well. If you’re struggling with your mental health and feel that getting active would help, speak to your GP or mental health professional, and they may be able to connect you to programmes like Healthy Active Minds, which gives free access to Edinburgh Leisure facilities and classes, or refer you for free courses and classes like ours.
Coping with the cost of living
Dealing with the rising cost of living often puts an extra strain on your mental health.
Explore our Cost of Living resources for ideas on how to manage stress and look after your mental health and wellbeing under financial pressure.
