An Introvert's Guide to a Frugal Weekend

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Many people associate weekends with spending money on social activities, entertainment, dining out, or shopping. But for the frugal introvert, weekends can be a time to enjoy low-cost or free hobbies, relax at home, or explore nature. If you are an introvert like me, you might find just want to stay at home and read or paint on the weekends.

Finding activities that suit your personality and budget can be tricky, especially if you live in a busy and noisy city. But don’t worry, here are some ideas for you that will make your weekend enjoyable and affordable.

Curl up with a good book or watch a movie at home. You don’t need to go out to have a good time. You can enjoy some quality entertainment in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can save money on tickets, snacks, and transportation.
Cook a meal or order takeout. I don’t find cooking relaxing because I’ll need to prepare and clean but for some people cooking can be a relaxing and creative activity that also saves you money on eating out. You can also treat yourself to some takeout from your favorite restaurant and enjoy it at home without having to deal with crowds and noise.
Go for a walk or a bike ride around your neighbourhood. Nature can be a great source of calm and inspiration for introverts. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can explore a park, a forest, or take a drive to the nearest beach and enjoy some fresh air and scenery. You can also exercise your body and mind without spending any money or feeling pressured by others.
Learn something new online or offline. Learning can be fun and rewarding for introverts who love to challenge themselves and expand their knowledge. You can find many free or low-cost online courses, podcasts, videos, or books on topics that interest you. You can also sign up for a local class or workshop that teaches you a new skill or hobby.
Connect with your friends or family online or offline. Introverts don’t hate people, they just need some alone time to recharge. Even though I enjoy spending time with my husband, I still need time away from him. When I start getting cranky and find him annoying I know it’s time to hide away in a room and read or watch silly videos on my phone. You can catch up with your loved ones online through phone calls, video chats, or social media. You can also meet them in person for a coffee, a meal, or a game night, as long as you keep it small and cozy.
Take a nap– This is a personal favourite of mine. A lot of get less sleep than experts say they should. Sleep deprivation causes increased traffic accidents, weight gain, heart problems, and overall poorer judgement. Thus, science tells us that napping is a necessary skill for all aspiring financial gurus.
Make a face scrub– Take your regular old cleanser, mix it with a few spoonfuls of regular old sugar, and rub it gently all over your face. Your skin will feel soft as silk.
Do a mask– Grab a bowl and add 3 tablespoons of turmeric powder and mix it with water.
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until it turns into a thick paste.
Apply to your face. Leave it for at least 5 minutes.
Watch a movie-I have a very long Netflix cue of movies I haven’t yet seen, and I know you do too.
Play a video game– There are free games on your phone. Play!
Binge an entire TV show season. I actually binge watched “Night Agent” over a few days instead of a few weeks. Another series I’m enjoying now is “Beef” which I accidentally called “Meat” and got laughed at by one of my besties.
Deep clean your home– I do basic cleaning of my home every Sunday morning and look forward to Nasi Kandar lunches with hubby after that then a nap. Some things need more cleaning on a monthly basis eg fans, windows, back and top of cupboards, curtains.
Declutter– You know those glass ornaments you get at weddings? If you’ve not used them the past month, you’ll not be using them EVER. Or the box your phone came in. Or the 20 tshirts in the cupboard that you can no longer wear. Or the out of shape bras, panties and socks. Get.Rid.Of.Them. So take an afternoon and Marie Kondo your way around your space. Donate useable items to a charity of your choice, and trash/recycle/curb alert the rest. Try to avoid the need to repeat the process by getting less crap you don’t need.
Do a home improvement project- Whether you own a home, rent an apartment, sleep in your parent’s house, there’s always work to be done. Is there something broken you’ve been meaning to fix? Does your home have squeaky doors? Burnt out lightbulbs? Walls with an especially atrocious color of paint? Leaky tap?
Move your furniture around- Rooms can suddenly look completely different. Plus it’s a chance to clear some respectably large tumbleweeds out from under the couch.
Clean your car– Throw the stuff between your car mats or car doors pockets. I just unloaded a box of event stuff from my car from 5 months ago. I’ve still got stuff that don’t belong in the boot. I was embarrassed recently when I gave a Japanese associate a lift and discovered that my driving had caused CDs and books stored in a basket to upside down itself causing a mess in the boot which was discovered when he wanted to put his luggage in there. He’s Japanese. They’re the neatest people on Earth. He must have thought I was some sort of monster.
Writing- If you have a creative streak, writing can be a satisfying and rewarding hobby. You can write anything from a journal entry to a blog post to a short story. Writing can also help you express your thoughts and feelings, improve your communication skills, and boost your self-esteem.
Gardening- Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby that connects you with nature and provides you with fresh produce, herbs, or flowers. Gardening can also reduce stress, improve your mood, and enhance your physical health. I’ve just recently overcome my feeling bad over trimming my overachiever bamboo branches. Also getting rid of weeds and overgrown roots in the planter box.
Volunteering- Volunteering is a noble and meaningful way to spend your weekend. You can choose a cause that you care about and make a positive difference in your community. Volunteering can also help you meet new people, learn new skills, and boost your happiness and self-worth.

I hope you have enjoyed these tips for a frugal, introverted weekend experience.