Have you ever thought “I’ll be healthy if I can only afford it”? Health belongs to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Although challenging, it is possible to live a healthy life on a low salary. Consider this your free crash course. No matter how much your salary is, here are six simple tips for living healthy.
1. Find free food
If your grocery bill seems higher these days, you don’t think it will. Since 2019, the price of many low-wage staples such as eggs has increased by more than 40%.
Here are some ideas for other ways to provide healthy foods to keep more green foods in your wallet and diet:
- Foraging: Chances are, plenty of edible greens, such as dandelions, are growing wild near you. Be careful where pesticides are used and sprayed.
- gardening: This hobby may be expensive, or it may be free. Make compost for nutrient-rich soil that doesn’t require fertilizer, and save seeds from organic produce (rather than hybrid varieties) to produce “crops” like beans that can thrive even in urban yards.
- Farmers Markets and Exchanges: While some farmers markets are highly commercialized, you can still find bargains at others. If you and a friend both garden, grow different fruits and vegetables and share.
- sample: Free samples aren’t just for Costco shoppers. There are various online clubs you can join that allow you to try healthy foods for free.
2. Accumulate free health resources
In the United States, medical care is very expensive. As a result, many people avoid seeking treatment except in emergencies, cutting them off from the source of health-related information—their doctors.
However, no one can stop you from using free resources to better manage your health. Can’t afford therapy or even an app? Licensed professionals such as Doc Snipes and Tim Fletcher provide helpful mental health education through YouTube. You can also read the latest peer-reviewed research and use it to guide your health choices at:
3. Perfect your budget
Sit down and review the last three months of bank statements and classify each expense as fixed or variable. Fixed costs include rent and car insurance, while variable costs include gas, meals out, groceries and car repairs.
Don’t invalidate yourself – chances are every penny was spent on expenses you can’t easily eliminate, like new tires. However, you might be surprised by the expenses you find overlooked. Sixty-five percent of Millennials forget to cancel their free trial, thereby paying a monthly fee for a service they don’t use. Once you kill those money vampires, maybe you can afford a gym membership!
4. Cover yourself
You need insurance to protect yourself. However, you may be paying too much. Buying car insurance once a year with quotes from multiple providers can often save you money, especially if you have a good driving record. Use your savings to protect your health.
Health insurance is a little tricky, but you or your child may qualify for Medicaid or low-cost coverage—visit Healthcare.gov. Have Medicare and a disability? Many grants can cover the cost of a gym membership and provide a small monthly stipend to purchase healthy food and over-the-counter medical supplies. Please do your homework during the open enrollment period from October 15th to December 7th.
5. Explore free sports and healthy entertainment
Walking, jogging and light stretching do not require a gym membership. These types of activities can also help you get from point A to point B without burning a drop of gas, so your wallet and the planet will thank you for strolling to the corner store.
If you’re itching to take a group exercise class but can’t afford a gym membership, turn to YouTube. Many fitness influencers offer versions of their videos to build their customer base, letting you listen to everything from relaxing yin yoga to sweaty HIIT for free. Some fitness apps also offer limited free content without upgrading to a paid version.
How was the entertainment for you and your family? Your local playground is a great place to develop your children’s fitness while getting in some quick outdoor exercise for free. In addition to visiting the following healthy and low-cost or even free entertainment venues, you can also visit:
- Family Days at Local Museums, Planetariums and Science Centers
- Summer or weekend study camps
- Concerts and movies in the park
- Recreational sports programs through your city’s Parks and Recreation Department or YMCA
Healthy living, no matter the budget
Living healthily on a low salary can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Fortunately, some smart, low-cost tips can help improve your health. Regardless of salary, these ideas are a great place to start.
About the Author
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded and writes about health and fitness.Follow him on Twitter @TMModded Get regular updates on his work and subscribe to Modded Minute to learn more!
