I was happy to be included in an article on Lifehacker.com on how to reinvest your health insurance rebate check back in to your health. Taking the time to answer the question inspired 4 others ways you can sink a little bit of money in your wellbeing for big payoffs that go way beyond the relatively small number of dollars they require. So, without further ado, here they are!
1. Make yoga a habit. Buying a pre-paid class card at a yoga studio will typically get you a reduced per-class rate, and will inspire you to actually get to the classes before the card expires. (Before you plunk down your dough, however, ask about the fine print — some cards become worthless after the expiration date; others only require you to pay a small surcharge to use the classes after the expiration dates; some allow you to give your pre-paid classes to a friend; others are more strict.) Or, you could buy a subscription to an online yoga studio, such as yogaglo.com, and get a lot more classes for your money.
2. Buy a bike. Invest your rebate in a bike and use it to commute and/or run your errands. You’ll get more fresh air and exercise from riding the bike, but you’ll also get that great rush of pure freedom you had when you were 12 and could go anywhere your two wheels could take you without asking your folks for a ride.
3. Stock your yoga supply closet. If I could wave my magic wand and give everyone on the planet one fabulous relaxation tool, it would be a yoga bolster. These large, firm cushions cost about $50 (give or take). They enable you to do simple yoga poses — such as child’s pose, or a reclined chest opener — without using any muscular effort, so you can relax at a much deeper level than your typical yoga pose. It’s the best way to wind down before bed, or ward off a tension headache, or get some serious rest when you feel yourself getting sick. Also invest in a yoga mat, a couple of books and/or DVDs, and a fun new yoga outfit, and boom, you’ll have everything you need to keep a yoga practice going even when you don’t have extra money lying around.
4. See a holistic practitioner. Chances are, there’s some ailment that’s bugging you, and likely isn’t something you’d see a regular physician for — maybe it’s a neck crick, hip twinge, low immunity, trouble falling asleep. Use the extra cash in your pocket to go see some sort of holistic practitioner — an such as an acupuncturist, a naturopath, a homeopath, a chiropractor, or an integrative physician — and get some help. A lot of these providers don’t accept insurance, and the first visit is more spendy than the follow-ups. If you go now, when you’ve got the money to spend, they can get you started on a program that points you toward optimal health for you. Then, when you’ve got something else going on in the future, you won’t have to hesitate to reach out to your person who helps you get right because you won’t have that big first-time fee scaring you off. Which means you’ll spend less time being sick. Wooooo hooooo.
That’s what I’d do with a couple hundred extra bucks. What would you do? I looove hearing your ideas!
Take care and keep breathing,
Kate
