In 2005, I spent a few fabulous days at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA. The next year, Diana and I got a free stay there when we gave a talk on magazine writing. I’d love to return for more spa treatments and wonderful dining, but it is pricey — and I mean really pricey.

Last week, I received a letter from Canyon Ranch. The founders wrote that they’d been hearing from a lot of people that they feel guilty spending money on something as frivolous as a spa getaway in such tough economic times. The letter went on to try to convince me that I should never feel guilty for spending money on my health and well-being, and that I don’t need to add guilt on top of my stress and other negative feelings.

Of course, I understand that Canyon Ranch is probably seeing a dip in bookings due to the economy, and that their letter is a slightly desperate-sounding attempt to convince people to forget the economy and indulge in spa treatments and fancy food. But they sort of have a point.

In life coaching terms it’s called “extreme self care,” and my own life coach is adamant about making sure that her clients take the time to refill their tanks, so to speak, so they enjoy constant energy, creativity, and calm. When I told her a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to have more energy to get more work done, she helped me come up with a list of ways to replenish my energy that wouldn’t cost much money.

Here are some ideas for self care that will help you maintain the creativity and energy you need to succeed as a writer. Don’t feel bad about taking the time to take care of yourself; you’ll get more done in less time if you’re feeling rested and energetic than if you’re stressed, tired, and frantic. We writers spend a lot of mental energy on our business and our craft, and we need to replenish our energy regularly in order to remain productive.

• Take a bath. When you’re feeling stressed and exhausted, you can fritter away a half-hour on iCanHasCheezburger, which doesn’t do much for your energy, or you can take a relaxing bath and feel refreshed and ready to go afterwards. I’m lucky that we have a big clawfoot tub, and our water heater produces just enough hot water for a luxurious bath, so I do this a couple of times per week when I’m feeling especially jittery from work. Be sure to have an inflatable bath pillow, candles, or anything else that makes a bath feel like a special treat. Cost: Free.

• Eat. Recently I’ve lost my appetite for breakfast and lunch, and have been going until as late as 4 or 5 o’clock without food — not so good for energy. My life coach guessed that I was probably feeling too stressed to be hungry, and recommended that I make myself have at least a smoothie in the morning when I wake up for sustained energy. I now make a smoothie with natural peanut butter, banana, frozen blueberries, ground flax seed, honey, and lowfat milk. Cost: I haven’t parsed out all the ingredients, but I estimate it costs under $2 for a daily smoothie.

• Go natural. Getting out in nature is a wonderful change from sitting in an office staring at a computer all day, and when you get back you’ll feel ready to work again. Try going for a quick hike in the woods or a walk in your local park. Cost: Free.

• Splurge — but not too much — on a massage. A massage can cost $60 per hour or more, but I discovered that a chair massage at my local day spa costs $35 — as much as a restaurant meal for Eric and me. The one time I went recently, the masseuse really worked out the kinks I get in my neck and shoulders from work and stress. Cost: Varies, but is $35 per half-hour in my town. You can also look for schools that train estheticians, which may offer discounted massages and other spa treatments. Want even cheaper? Ask your partner to give you a back or foot massage.

• Breathe. During the day, take mini breaks to enjoy deep, diaphragmatic, energizing breaths. You can use a common sound or sight as a reminder to take a breathing break — for example, you can take a deep breath every time your phone rings or your e-mail alert chimes. Cost: Free.

• Really take a bath. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area that has a Russian or Japanese bath house with hot and cold baths, showers, saunas, etc., you can get a spa experience on the cheap. (Unfortunately, my area doesn’t have one of these.) Cost: In major metropolitan areas, you can go to a communal Japanese bath house for around $25.

Taking care of your health doesn’t require tons of time or money — just a commitment to refuel yourself before you hit Empty. A bath, a breath break, or a walk can help you clear your mind, ward off work stress, and bump up the creativity you need as a writer.

How do you take care of yourself and maintain your energy? Please post your suggestions in the Comments below! [lf]

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