Discover affordable wellness products and practices — each $20 or under — that may help you boost your physical, mental, and social well-being for cheap.
You don’t need to spend a lot to look after your health; small purchases can also be beneficial.
Our $20 treasures are wellness tools that cost $20 or less, such as a jump rope, a sleep mask, or a free meditation app. Clever investments like these can support daily well-being without a high price tag or rolling subscription fees.
Below, we round up actionable, science-backed products and tips for healthier living without breaking the bank.
Staying fit doesn’t always mean expensive kit and membership fees.
The pressure to spend big can be hard to ignore when it comes to fitness — the brand-name gym kit, the wearable tech, the right equipment — but the reality is that exercise is one of the most affordable routes to health.
A daily walk or run is free, and thrift stores can be a treasure trove of gym wear and equipment.
But if you’re looking to buy new, inexpensive equipment to improve and maintain your fitness levels, you’ve plenty of choice. Hand weights, jump ropes, and resistance bands are staples in most fitness enthusiasts’ kits.
This cheap exercise equipment can be used at home or out and about, helping ensuring flexibility and regular use.
When it comes to nutrition, finding cheap wellness treasures can be tricky. Thinking holistically is key — what affordable health tools will give you consistent, long-term benefits?
Growing fresh herbs can be a simple and satisfying route to better nutrition. Adding herbs or spices while preparing meals can give them flavor and a nutritional boost.
One 2022 study points out that growing plants indoors can improve blood pressure and academic performance.
Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental components of health. Perhaps the easiest way to hydrate regularly is to keep a reusable water bottle to hand. A good bottle can motivate you to drink water frequently and enjoy it.
Many free hydration apps are also available to remind you to drink regularly and help you track your liquid intake.
Looking after your mental health doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and small purchases can help you relax, focus, and find joy in the everyday.
Free or low cost tools like meditation apps, journaling, or self-help books from the library can support your mental well-being.
Journaling is a popular hobby thanks to its ability to provide focus, clarity, and peace. For many, it offers an opportunity to practice gratitude daily.
Playing games is a fun way to keep your brain active and engaged, creating opportunities to socialize or learn new skills.
Learning a game like chess, a new board game, or a card game can provide a break from screens and engage puzzle-solving skills. Playing with friends and family is an added bonus and sure to generate good conversation and friendly competition!
For many people, having a creative outlet is essential for relieving stress, exploring feelings, and simply having fun.
Whether you’re a practiced pro or a curious newbie, taking some time to enjoy an art or craft activity can profoundly benefit well-being.
Forming a good nighttime routine can help make falling asleep easier. A calming ritual or predictable habits can help the mind and body relax.
Incorporating scent can help with relaxation. Essential oils are popular for calming rituals. One
Try making a DIY sleep spray or dabbing a little diluted essential oil on a pillow or on your pulse points, such as the wrists.
If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, wake frequently, or are easily disturbed by light and movement, a sleep mask could be a great investment.
A 2022 study found that sleep masks can help improve learning and alertness.
A calming evening drink, such as chamomile or valerian root tea, can promote relaxation and improve sleep.
One 2021 study found that valerian root supplementation improved sleep quality, depression, and anxiety in people undergoing hemodialysis.
Another 2021 study found that valerian root helped improve sleep quality in people who had undergone heart surgery.
When investing in budget health tools under $20, it may help to consider the following:
- What are my health goals? When beginning an affordable wellness plan, consider your health goals. Could you benefit from more nutrients in your diet? How about adding weightlifting to your daily routine? Or do you want better sleep, with fewer night wakings? Starting with a specific goal can help guide your purchasing decisions.
- Will I be consistent with it? Once you’ve bought something, using it regularly is essential to enjoying its benefits and getting your money’s worth. Keeping a journal or using an app to track progress can help you stay committed while determining if the product works for you.
- Am I impulse buying? Starting with one product per week can be a good way to pace your spending. Add new tools gradually as you establish habits, or when your needs change. Prioritize quality and consistency over quantity.
- Is it worth the money? Just because a product is under $20 doesn’t mean it’s good value. Looking at customer reviews and researching other options can help you determine if the product is of good enough quality to last and be useful.
An inexpensive wellness routine can start with one $20 treasure, before growing into self-sustaining habits with obvious results.
Many budget-friendly options can be effective, especially when used consistently. For example, a $10 jump rope can offer similar heart health benefits to pricier equipment.
Research before you buy, start with free or low cost options, and choose items you’ll realistically use.
Focus on your top wellness goals and daily routines. Try one new tool at a time and see what fits your lifestyle and needs.
Small, affordable changes can add up to some big wellness gains.
If you’re looking to build a budget wellness routine, start with one $20 treasure today. Keep track of how your health changes as you incorporate them into your daily life.
Affordable wellness practices can complement your health plan, but can’t replace medical care. Speak with a healthcare professional for new, worsening, or chronic conditions or if self-care isn’t enough.