Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the topic “How to Practice Self-Care on a Budget.” This subject has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially with the growing awareness of mental health and well-being. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we anticipate that self-care and budget-friendly lifestyle topics may appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage that will help you prepare for the IELTS Reading section while exploring this relevant theme.
Practice Passage: Self-Care on a Shoestring
Reading Passage
Self-care has become a buzzword in recent years, often associated with expensive spa treatments, luxurious vacations, or costly fitness classes. However, the essence of self-care is about nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which doesn’t necessarily require a hefty price tag. In fact, some of the most effective self-care practices are entirely free or cost very little. This article explores how individuals can prioritize their well-being without breaking the bank.
One of the most accessible forms of self-care is physical exercise. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health. Instead of expensive gym memberships, consider outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or cycling. Many parks offer free exercise equipment, and numerous online platforms provide free workout videos for those preferring to exercise at home. These options not only save money but also offer the added benefits of fresh air and vitamin D from sunlight exposure.
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing stress and improving mental clarity. While there are many paid apps and courses available, numerous free resources exist online. Simple breathing exercises or guided meditations can be easily found on video-sharing platforms or through free mobile apps. Dedicating just 10 minutes a day to these practices can significantly impact one’s overall well-being.
Nutrition plays a vital role in self-care, but healthy eating is often perceived as expensive. However, with some planning and creativity, it’s possible to eat nutritiously on a budget. Buying seasonal produce, opting for frozen vegetables, and purchasing in bulk can help reduce costs. Meal planning and preparation can also prevent impulse purchases and reduce food waste. Additionally, learning to cook simple, healthy meals at home is not only cost-effective but can also be a relaxing and enjoyable form of self-care.
Sleep is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of self-care. Establishing a consistent sleep routine costs nothing but can dramatically improve one’s quality of life. Creating a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as reading a book, practicing gentle stretches, or writing in a journal, can enhance sleep quality. Limiting screen time before bed and ensuring a dark, quiet sleeping environment are also free ways to improve sleep hygiene.
Connecting with others is an essential component of emotional well-being. While social activities can sometimes be costly, many forms of social connection are free. Reaching out to friends or family members for a chat, joining local community groups, or volunteering for causes you care about can provide a sense of belonging and purpose without financial strain.
Creativity and learning are excellent forms of self-care that can be pursued on a budget. Public libraries offer free access to books, magazines, and often digital resources. Many museums have free admission days or pay-what-you-can options. Online platforms provide free courses on various subjects, allowing individuals to engage in lifelong learning without financial barriers.
Nature therapy, or spending time outdoors, is a powerful and cost-free way to improve mental health. Whether it’s a walk in a local park, gardening, or simply sitting outside, connecting with nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.
Practicing gratitude is another free yet invaluable self-care technique. Keeping a gratitude journal, where you regularly note things you’re thankful for, can shift focus towards positivity and increase overall life satisfaction. This simple practice requires only a notebook and pen but can have profound effects on mental health.
In conclusion, self-care doesn’t have to be synonymous with luxury or extravagance. By focusing on simple, accessible practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit, individuals can effectively care for themselves without financial strain. The key is to identify what truly nourishes and rejuvenates you, and to integrate these practices into daily life consistently. Remember, the most valuable investment in self-care is not money, but time and intention.
Questions
1-5. Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- Expensive treatments are necessary for effective self-care.
- Regular physical activity can be achieved without a gym membership.
- Mindfulness and meditation always require paid apps or courses.
- Eating healthily is always more expensive than unhealthy alternatives.
- Connecting with others through social media is the best form of emotional self-care.
6-10. Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Buying can help reduce the cost of healthy eating.
- Establishing a consistent can improve one’s quality of life without any cost.
- Many forms of social connection, such as ___ for causes you care about, are free.
- Public libraries often provide free access to books, magazines, and .
- Keeping a can help shift focus towards positivity and increase life satisfaction.
11-14. Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a free or low-cost form of exercise?
A) Walking
B) Jogging
C) Swimming
D) Cycling -
The article suggests that cooking at home can be:
A) More expensive than eating out
B) A form of relaxation and enjoyment
C) Too time-consuming for most people
D) Only beneficial for experienced cooks -
Which of the following is described as an “often overlooked aspect of self-care”?
A) Exercise
B) Nutrition
C) Sleep
D) Socializing -
The passage implies that the most important factors in self-care are:
A) Money and luxury
B) Time and intention
C) Technology and apps
D) Professional guidance and expertise
Answers and Explanations
-
FALSE – The passage states that “the essence of self-care is about nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, which doesn’t necessarily require a hefty price tag.”
-
TRUE – The text mentions “Instead of expensive gym memberships, consider outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or cycling.”
-
FALSE – The passage states, “While there are many paid apps and courses available, numerous free resources exist online.”
-
FALSE – The article suggests that “with some planning and creativity, it’s possible to eat nutritiously on a budget.”
-
NOT GIVEN – The passage mentions connecting with others but doesn’t specifically compare social media to other forms of connection.
-
seasonal produce
-
sleep routine
-
volunteering
-
digital resources
-
gratitude journal
-
C – Swimming is not mentioned in the passage as a free or low-cost form of exercise.
-
B – The passage states that cooking at home “can also be a relaxing and enjoyable form of self-care.”
-
C – The article describes sleep as “a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of self-care.”
-
B – The conclusion states, “Remember, the most valuable investment in self-care is not money, but time and intention.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When tackling a reading passage like this, be cautious of:
- Overgeneralizing: The passage provides specific examples, but avoid assuming these are the only options available.
- Misinterpreting negatives: Pay close attention to words like “not,” “doesn’t,” and “without” that can change the meaning of a statement.
- Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, some options may be partially correct but not the best answer.
- Overlooking synonyms: The passage may use different words to express the same concept as in the questions.
Key Vocabulary
- Buzzword (noun): A trendy or fashionable word or phrase
- Nurturing (verb): Caring for and encouraging growth or development
- Mindfulness (noun): The practice of being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings
- Impulse purchases (noun phrase): Buying items without planning in advance
- Sleep hygiene (noun phrase): Habits and practices conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis
- Rejuvenates (verb): Restores to a fresh, healthy state
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of conditional sentences in the passage. For example:
“Learning to cook simple, healthy meals at home is not only cost-effective but can also be a relaxing and enjoyable form of self-care.”
This sentence uses a conditional structure to express a potential result. Practice identifying and forming similar structures to improve your overall English proficiency.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely across all sections of the reading test.
- Skim the passage quickly before reading the questions to get a general idea of the content.
- Use the headings and first sentences of paragraphs to understand the main ideas quickly.
- Practice active reading by underlining key information and making brief notes.
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re unsure, move on and come back later if time allows.
- Familiarize yourself with different question types and develop strategies for each.
- Improve your vocabulary regularly, focusing on words and phrases commonly used in academic and general texts.
- Read widely on various topics to build your general knowledge and reading speed.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Try to incorporate reading English texts into your daily routine, and gradually increase the complexity of the materials you read. By following these tips and regularly practicing with passages like the one above, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS Reading test.
For more IELTS preparation resources and tips, check out our article on how to promote mental health in college students, which offers additional insights into well-being practices that can complement your study routine.