Do You Have a Rest and Relaxation Budget?
So you’ve just made quite a sum. What do you do with it? A few months ago, it would’ve gone straight to the bank. As I become more aware of the value of money, I’ve started becoming more miserly with my funds, diverting as much as I can for some unforeseen future.
Of course, there’s a reason why such an approach works. But as a friend recently said, it’s easy to let a Scrooge-like outlook on finances control your life. Why not set aside funds for some well-deserved rest and relaxation?
Once I finish this post, I’ll be heading over to a local spa for a massage. I understand that spa services can be expensive, but it’s a matter of selecting a service that gives you the most bang-for-your-buck. In my case, it’s a foot massage. Despite the name, the routine doesn’t exclusively focus on your feet, diverting some time to your hands, shoulders, and back, for a relatively affordable price.
Of course, nothing beats a full-body massage and a week-long vacation. The cost of these mean that you can’t have them on a regular basis, but that’s just the point. With proper control over your finances, you can save up a significant figure, which you can then use to pay for these major R&R activities. Not as often as the rich and famous do, but some is better than nothing right?
To be clear, rest and relaxation shouldn’t dominate your entire financial planning process. And it definitely shouldn’t make your commitment to deadlines suffer. The point is that, as you work hard to build something for yourself, you should consider diverting some of what you earn to pampering yourself. In the long run, it will do wonders for your freelance career, as you give your own creativity the space it needs to flourish, and your body the indulgence it so desperately needs from time to time.
As soon as my foot massage is done, I’ll head home, change into my house clothes, and sleep fitfully. I’ll definitely be more productive tomorrow, thanks to my rested and relaxed state.
Tags: R&R, Rest and RelaxationRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Living as a Freelancer
2 opinions for Do You Have a Rest and Relaxation Budget?
Valencia
Oct 10, 2008 at 4:49 am
Great advice! With the world’s money situation, I think a lot of people are tucking their money aside and forgoing a few indulgences. I believe in frugality. But, we also need an occasional treat. That way, we’re not working just to pay bills and create a savings.
Rico
Oct 12, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Interestingly, freelancers can also fall into the same trap as their corporate counterparts, the work-just-for-the-next-paycheck mode. Where did you go for your last vacation? :)
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