Home Lifestyle 40 Non-Material Things That Spark Joy
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40 Non-Material Things That Spark Joy

Shannon August 26, 2019

Plenty of people waste time thinking that they would be happy if they had a lot of money. Others think that all they need is to buy a new car, house, phone, or clothes. Sure, those things can make us happy and satisfied in the short-term, but it’s not the same was really enjoying your life. In reality, there are plenty of millionaires who are miserable, and poor people who love their lives. So, if money is not the answer, then what is the key to happiness? The answer to that question is going to be different for everyone. If you are feeling down in the dumps, here are 40 ways to make you feel instantly happier, even without money.

Jogging is great exercise, and it’s totally free. Credit: Shutterstock

40. Exercise

Pretty much everyone who went to their health classes in High School knows that exercise gives us feel-good endorphins. And yet not everyone makes it a habit to incorporate into their everyday lives. According to studies conducted by both Yale and Oxford Universities, exercise truly does make you happier than money. The study polled over 1 million Americans asking, “How many times have you felt mentally unwell in the past 30 days, for example, due to stress, depression, or emotional problems?”.

 

If you already have a gym membership, it doesn’t cost anything more to go. Credit: Shutterstock

These same participants were asked how much money they made, and how active their lifestyle was. The study came to a shocking conclusion. Exercise makes you feel just as happy as if you were making an additional $25,000 per year. If you aren’t already getting outside to exercise, try to encourage your partner or friends to do it with you. This could make you both feel significantly happier, and it could be a great bonding experience.

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It’s free to spend time with your family. Credit: Shutterstock

39. Spending Time With Family and Friends

If you are lucky enough to be married with kids, they should be one of your go-to sources for happiness. Spending time together can truly be a wonderful experience, and you don’t need money to do it. You could go outside to fly a kite, watch a movie on Netflix, or play a board game. On the flip side, if your family is one of the things that is bringing you a lot of unhappiness, maybe you should try to work on that. You can choose your friends, but you will only ever have one family.

It’s free to hang out with your friends. Credit: Shutterstock

Speaking of friends, they are also an amazing free source of joy. If you are low on cash, ask your buddies if they just want to come over for a cup of coffee, chat, or watching a movie together. It’s okay to be honest with them if you are on a budget. We have all been there. If they are your real friends, they won’t mind doing something that is free together, or they may even be willing to cover you until your next paycheck.

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If you have a dog, it will make you happy to play with them. Credit: Shutterstock

38. Playing With Your Pets

Studies have shown that taking time to play with your pet will make you happier, and more mentally healthy. There is even a push for employers to begin allowing people to take pets to work with them, because it is known to reduce stress. The beautiful thing about spending time with a dog is that they truly love you unconditionally. They will always want to play with you. Get outside with your canine, and go for a walk. Being outside in nature with them should boost both of your moods.

Cats love to play, even if they seem very aloof. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have a cat, you should play with them, as well. Unlike dogs, cats do not always show their affection in such an obvious way. So it can sometimes feel like maybe they don’t care as much as your dogs do. But they still love you, and see you as their family. Even if you don’t have any cat toys from the store, they love playing with string, feathers, and laser pointers. This will help to bring you both closer.

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Going to the beach is known to make people super happy. Credit: Shutterstock

37. Going to the Ocean, Lake, or River

There is something about being near the water that instantly soothes human beings. If you live anywhere near a river, lake, or the ocean, try to get yourself there for at least an hour. Hearing the sounds of the crashing waves or the trickling of a stream is so calming, it will almost make you want to fall asleep.

You can take your kids to a local river or lake for a great day outside. Credit: Shutterstock

Before you go to the water, consider coming prepared with a picnic lunch, or activities to do with your family. If you are going to the beach, you may want to bring a book and a blanket. If you have the option, take a nap near the water, too. (Just remember to take your sun screen.)

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If you go on a walk through nature, you will instantly feel calmer and happier. Credit: Shutterstock

36. Take a Walk Through Nature

As human beings, we are far more connected with nature than we realize. If you live in the city, you might go months at a time without seeing grass, trees, wild flowers, and forest. If it has been far too long since you have enjoyed the great outdoors, jumps in the car and get to the nearest park or nature reserve.

Taking your kids to a farm is a really great experience. Credit: Shutterstock

If you are not sure where to go, do a Google search for State and National Parks in your local area. If you or your kids have never been to a farm before, you might also want to consider going to one nearby. Try to look into farms that provide tours, or wait for the fall. Usually, during harvest time, you can go to farms for apple picking, hay rides, and corn field mazes.

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You can become instantly happy by writing a gratitude list. Credit: Shutterstock

35. Write a Gratitude List

Unhappiness often comes from a lack of appreciation for the things in our lives. Instead of focusing on the things that you do not have, why not be grateful instead? Take a notebook, or buy a new journal specifically for a “happy diary” for daily lists of gratitude. Start writing sentences that begin like, “I am grateful for…”

Begin writing the things you feel grateful for. Credit: Shutterstock

If you feel particularly down in the dumps, it may be difficult for you to think of anything that you feel grateful for. So you can start with your basics, like, “I am grateful to have a roof over my head.” Then move on to the things in your life that other people may not have, like a high-paying job, children, and your skills. After a while, you will begin to see a long list of things that you are grateful to have, and it will make you much happier.

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Sometimes, watching a funny video can turn your day around. Credit: Shutterstock

34. Watch Funny YouTube Videos

There is a saying that “laughter is the best medicine”, and it’s really true. Laughing and smiling has even been scientifically proven to strengthen your immune system. Everyone has experienced a time when they laughed at something truly hilarious, and it instantly put them in a good mood. You can re-create this moment, even if you are alone. And if you have someone else with you, that makes it even better, because you are now creating a funny memory between the two of you.

If you watch a video with a friend, it can become an inside joke for you both. Credit: Shutterstock

The great thing about the Internet is that you can find funny videos on-demand. Go on YouTube and search for movie clips that you know are guaranteed to make you laugh. Or, find some skits from Saturday Night Live. After a few funny videos, you will feel yourself getting happier, and ready to move on with your day in a much better mood.

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Smiling has been scientifically proven to make you a happier person. Credit: Shutterstock

33. Smile

Sometimes, being told to “smile more” can feel condescending, especially when we are going through a hard time. There are going to be days where it truly feels impossible to smile. However, there is real scientific evidence that shows that you can trick your brain into feeling happy simply by smiling.

Even if you fake a smile, you will suddenly find yourself feeling happier. Credit: Shutterstock

If you force yourself to smile actually does make you feel happier. When the muscles in your face contract and you smile, your brain thinks that something happy is happening. So it sends a chemical reaction to your brain that makes you feel more joyful. It has also been linked to strengthening your immune system.

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If you are still going to school, it should be easy for you to find new friends. Credit: Shutterstock

32. Make New Friends, and Reach Out to Old Ones

Sometimes, we feel unhappy because our relationships with our friends is strained. It is important to value the people that are in our lives, but we should also remind ourselves that there are plenty of fish in the sea. Even if a friendship ends, you can always make new ones. If you are still going to school or working full-time in a large company, there is a big chance that you have opportunities to meet new people in your daily life. It all starts with a “hello”.

Reaching out to an old buddy can make you feel really happy. Credit: Shutterstock

As we get older, it becomes more difficult to make friends. You may have to join a gym or a local club in order to meet people in your local area. If you cannot afford to join a new club or gym, just try striking up friendly conversations with new people at work, or during your commute. You can also reach out to old friends on Facebook that you have not seen in a long time, and ask if they want to hang out and catch up. Having good people in our lives can make the biggest difference in our quality of life.

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You can make a vision board using old magazine clippings. Credit: Shutterstock

31. Create a Vision Board

One of the ways to make yourself happy is to focus on your future goals, and remind yourself of everything you have to look forward to in the future. Consider making a “vision board”. This can be done either by hand, or online. It’s a collage of images of the things you want some day. So it could be a house, a family, a car, or anything you want. Sure- it may be dwelling on material things, at least a little bit. But you should also include some of your goals that are not materialistic, like “I want to lose 20 pounds” or “I want to laugh every day.”

It’s possible to make a digital vision board online. Credit: Shutterstock

Once you have your mind set on your goals, it becomes a lot easier to see things around you in your daily life that will help you get there. Suddenly, you will feel like everything is falling into place, just because you re-adjusted your focus. Some people call this “The Law of Attraction”. Others have psychological names to explain the phenomenon, but it truly does work. Once your goals are clear, it all falls into place.

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Why not give yourself a romantic night at home? Credit: Shutterstock

30. Make Love

One of the biggest reasons why someone might feel unhappy is if they are single, or recently broke up with someone. So, sorry if this entry is just rubbing it in! But it needs to be said: if you are in a relationship, you may want to consider making love to your partner if you want to feel happy. According to scientific research, people who have sex on a regular basis are more likely to have a lot of life satisfaction compared to those who don’t. Believe it or not, they also live longer!

Enjoy the fact that you have the opportunity to be with someone you love. Credit: Shutterstock

If you are going through a long period of celibacy, or if you feel that you are forcing yourself to be with a partner who is no longer good for you, it can lead to depression. Finding someone to love is easier said than done, but the good news is, it’s free. You can download a dating app, reach out to old flings, or ask your friends if they can set you up with someone for a blind date. Then, of course, there is the good old fashioned way of hanging out at a bar.

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Hugging your partner lets them know that you love them. Credit: Shutterstock

29. Hug Someone

When you hug someone, it can give both people a really positive, warm, and happy feeling. It says “I love and appreciate you.” If you are feeling down in the dumps, don’t be afraid to ask your partner, parents, or best friend if you can have a hug. Sometimes, just touching another human being is enough to make us feel that we have someone in our lives who will support and comfort us. And it’s not just a feeling. It’s science. Hugging releases a neuropeptide called oxytocin, which is the “happy hormone”.

Hugging your kids will help them bond with you. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have kids, you should be hugging them on a regular basis. According to Psychology Day, hugging your child is an essential part of their mental well-being. They will grow up feeling happy, loved, and supported. So when they grow up, they will be able to get into meaningful and loving relationships with other people.

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If you want to boost your mood, try to give someone else a compliment. Credit: Shutterstock

28. Compliment Someone Else

Words have a huge impact on how we feel. If you get a stellar progress report from your boss, you can’t help but feel happy afterwards. Even if no one is willing to give you a compliment, you can do the same for someone else. (Just make sure it is an appropriate compliment, of course.) By giving encouragement to other people, it makes them happy, and you will feel good for doing so. This can be done in the work place, or with your friends and family.

It’s good to give your friends compliments sometimes. Credit: Shutterstock

The next time you see one of your close friends, tell them something you have always admired about them, but never chose to say out loud. Maybe it’s their good work ethic, fashion sense, or the way they make you laugh. They will really appreciate it, and there is a good chance that they will return the favor and say something that admire about you, too. After all, they wouldn’t be friends with you in the first place if they didn’t see something special in you.

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Giving your time to others can make you happy. Credit: Shutterstock

27. Do a Good Deed

Sometimes, the best way we can help ourselves in feeling happier is to help other people. Doing a good deed can be as easy as holding a door open for someone else, or being polite. You could go above-and-beyond and help and old lady across the street, or by giving a homeless person your spare change.

Volunteering can help your community.Credit: Shutterstock

If you discover that you truly do feel better after helping others, and you really want to make good deeds apart of your every-day-life, consider volunteering. Your local municipal building or community center should have a lot of opportunities. And your local county college may even have their own dedicated Volunteer Center. You can also join other well-established organizations, like Habitat For Humanity.

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Scientific research shows that getting more sunlight can make you happier. Credit: Shutterstock

26. Get More Sunlight

According to science, all it takes to feel a bit happier is to go outside and get some sunlight. Low levels of vitamin D can make us feel very moody and unhappy. It is possible to get the vitamin through food and supplements, but it comes naturally from sunlight. So, as long as you make spending time outdoors a regular part of your life, it should make you feel happier.

Try working outside if you want to get more vitamin D into your life. Credit: Shutterstock

If you work at a desk job, it might he difficult to imagine getting outside to do anything. Try to see if you can bring your laptop to a local park and do work outside every once in a while. Just remember to fully charge your laptop before you go, and prep work that does not require WiFi.

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Try calling a friend next time you feel down in the dumps. Credit: Shutterstock

25. Call a Friend

If you are feeling unhappy because you are lonely, you may feel better right away simply by calling a friend. Nowadays, most people just like to text, and they don’t call each other enough. But there truly is something about hearing someone’s voice and having a full-on conversation that makes a huge difference.

Using Facetime can make a call a lot more personal than voice alone. Credit: Shutterstock

Not sure who to call? Maybe give your parents, grandparents, or siblings a ring. They will be very happy to hear from you. If you have nieces and nephews, they would probably love hearing from you as well. If you have the ability to use Facetime or Skype, seeing their faces only makes it feel more special.

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Doing yoga can be great for your mood. Credit: Shutterstock

24. Do Yoga

A lot of people claim that once they incorporated yoga into their life, they became happier people. Of course, going to a yoga class can be expensive. This list is all about getting things done for free. If you have gone to a class before, you probably remember what was taught to you. So pull out your yoga mat, and get it done! Some gyms also include free yoga classes as part of their memberships. If you already have a gym membership, it would be free for you to go.

It is possible to do simple poses without straining yourself. Credit: Shutterstock

Some people are afraid to do yoga, because it looks really difficult. There are actually a lot of easy poses that almost anyone can do, even if you are not very flexible at all. If you have no other option to do yoga in a class, try to look up “Yoga for Beginners” on YouTube. Plenty of people are able to learn without paying a ton of money.

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Donating your unwanted items can make you feel really good. Credit: Shutterstock

23. Donate Your Unwanted Items

Do you watch Tidying Up With Marie Kondo? They you might already be on a roll with donating your unwanted items from your home. If not, it’s time to get started. By donated your unwanted items, it helps to declutter your house, which will ultimately make you feel much better in your living space.

Donating your old items helps others in need. Credit: Shutterstock

On top of decluttering, donating your items also feels good, because you know that your used things are going to someone who will appreciate them. There may be someone who finds your clothes in a thrift store, and it would make them really happy. If you have children, this would be a great opportunity to teach them about giving. Explain that there are children out there who are far less fortunate than you, and they might find joy in their old toys.

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Reading a good book can help you feel happy. Credit: Shutterstock

22. Read a Good Book

For those of us who love to read, we already know how a truly good book can transport you to another world. It helps build your empathy, because you have the ability to put yourself into someone else’s experiences. Best of all, a good book can make you feel happy and excited. Own an iPad? Well, that only makes it easier to download something nonfiction that will either help improve your life, or help you dive into a world of fiction.

Reading a Harry Potter book makes a lot of people feel happy. Credit: Shutterstock

If you grew up reading Harry Potter, you probably remember just how much joy it brought to you. Even if you are an adult, why not go back and read them again? Lucky for you, the Harry Potter e-books are available on Amazon, and you can read the first one for free with Kindle Unlimited.

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Naps can really help you to feel better. Credit: Shutterstock

21. Take a Nap

Everyone has experienced the feeling of being in a bad mood, falling asleep, and feeling better when they wake up in the morning. There is a good reason why there is the phrase “sleep on it”, because you will always make better decisions after you are well-rested. It turns out that naps are actually really good for your help, and people should be having them more often.

A nap can make a dramatic difference in your mood. Credit: Shutterstock

According to scientific research, taking naps can improve your mood. It makes you more mentally alert, helps your memory, and some much more. If you were feeling unhappy because you were getting bad grades or just could not seem to focus, incorporating naps into your everyday life can make a huge difference.

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Playing video games together with your friends can be a really fun experience. Credit: Shutterstock

20. Play Video Games

Sometimes, all we really need to get a boost of happiness is to play a good video game. If you always considered yourself to be a gamer, and now you have grown up to do all of these adult responsibilities, you may want to take a break and get back to your roots. There is nothing wrong with playing games every once in a while, even if you’re an adult.

Allowing your kids some video game time can help them feel happy. Credit: Shutterstock

Playing some vintage games from your childhood is a great way to instantly bring back happy, care-free childhood memories. For some people, watching a “Let’s Play” on YouTube or Twitch is enough to make you feel happy and satisfied. Only, instead of being forced to concentrate on playing the game, you can have the “Let’s Play” going in the background while someone else does it for you.

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Try to spend a lot less time on your cellphone if you want to be happy. Credit: Shutterstock

19. Spend 24 Hours Without Your Cellphone

In today’s world, spending too much time on your cellphone can led to unhappiness. If you are refreshing your social media to see if you have gotten any new notifications, it can feel like you have no friends, compared to only doing it once a day. On top of that, looking on Instagram will only have you feeling as if you are constantly comparing yourself.

Spending too much time on your cellphone can make you feel unhappy. Credit: Shutterstock

Every once in a while, you should try to spend 24 hours without your cellphone. This might only be possible on a weekend, if you need your phone for work. If you truly feel that you cannot be without an emergency contact, try to at least put your phone on “silent” more often throughout the dy.

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Changing your bed sheets only takes a few minutes. Credit: Shutterstock

18. Change Your Bed Sheets

There are few things in this world that feel as good as getting into a bed with freshly washed sheets. Unfortunately, people out there do not wash their sheets as often as they should. Remember that you are sleeping in these every night. They accumulate sweat, skin cells, and bacteria. So they will eventually start to smell, and they won’t feel as good anymore after a week.

If you have trouble changing your sheets alone, ask a friend to help. Credit: Shutterstock

If you avoid changing your sheets because it’s too difficult to get the fitted sheet back on the mattress, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Doing the sheets together with your roommate or partner may be a great way to spend an hour doing something productive together.

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Meditating can be healthy for your mental health. Credit: Shutterstock

17. Meditate

Practicing meditation can help reduce stress, control anxiety, improve emotional health, and so much more. People claim that by adding just 15 minutes of meditation to their daily routine, they became better people overall.

You can meditate pretty much anywhere. Credit: Shutterstock

You don’t need to go to a special class or be in a particular setting to meditate. You can do it almost anywhere. If you have headphones, it helps to listen to soothing sounds, like ocean waves or forest sound effects. There are even guide meditations on YouTube that will help you through the process of clearing your mind.

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You can visit farm animals and experience something special. Credit: Shutterstock

16. Visit a Farm or Animal Sanctuary

If you love animals, you will become very happy by seeing them. You could always go to a zoo, but some people disagree with the ethics of it. A great alternative is to visit a local animal sanctuary, or a farm that allows visitors. If you have kids, you should consider finding them a petting zoo.

Children love going to petting zoos. Credit: Shutterstock

Being around animals helps connect us with nature. It also is a good reminder of where our meat comes from, and why we need to understand and respect the process. While you visit, you will likely learn something new with the animals, aside from petting and cuddling them. It’s like the benefits of spending time with a dog or cat, only elevated.

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Going to the library can be a really fun experience. Credit: Shutterstock

15. Go to the Library

Need a change of scenery from working at the coffee shop? Why not try the library? It’s totally free, there’s free wifi, and there should be a lot of places to sit. If you haven’t visited your local library in a long time, you might be surprised to find just how much there is to do. There are community events, classes, and so much more. You will instantly feel more productive and proud of yourself for going somewhere to get something accomplished.

The library is a great place to get work done. Credit: Shutterstock

The beautiful thing about public libraries is that if you have a card, you can access any of them in your local county. Even if you do not live in a different county or state, you can still access the local library. If you are out of state and need to access the rare book room or any of their other restricted materials, you may need to pay a fee. But if all you are doing is sitting and getting work done, it should always be free.

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You can have a lot of fun, even if you are alone. Credit: Shutterstock

14. Have a Day to Yourself

If you tend to be an introverted person, spending time with people at work and in social settings can feel incredibly draining. You may start to feel drained, exhausted, and miserable. The only way to combat this fatigue is to simply take a day off to be by yourself. Even if you consider yourself to be extroverted, this might help you, too. Being alone gives yourself time to reflect on the events of your life. You can think clearly about what direction you want to go in.

Going to the movies alone may seem intimidating, but it can be great. Credit: Shutterstock

There is a saying that “You should love yourself before you love someone else”, and this is very true. If you feel comfortable in your own skin, you can attract better people into your life. Start “dating” yourself sometimes. Have you ever gone to a movie theater alone? It can actually be a really liberating experience. You suddenly feel really brave and confident that you don’t need anyone else with you to have a good time.

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Sometimes, all you need to get in a good mood is to listen to your favorite music. Credit: Shutterstock

13. Listen to Your Favorite Music

For pretty much all of human history, people have loved listening to music. Years ago, the only way you could hear music was if there was a live performance in your local area, or if you sang or whistled out loud to yourself. Nowadays, we are incredibly lucky, because we have nearly every song that has ever existed at our fingertips.

Why not to a little air guitar while you’re at it? Credit: Shutterstock

If you go on YouTube, you can find pretty much any song you could ever want. There are also music subscriptions like Amazon Music, which connects through Alexa if you have Amazon Prime. One of the most popular services is Spotify, because you can make playlists and listen in your car, just like Amazon Music.

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Watching a funny movie is a great way to bond with your kids. Credit: Shutterstock

12. Watch a Funny Movie

If you want to feel instantly happy, find something to make you laugh. We are really fortune that in today’s work, we have a countless number of comedy movies at our disposal on streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. It is just a matter of a few clicks, and we can get nearly anything we want to watch on-demand. This can also be a great thing to do together with your kids. If you are all laughing together, it can help bring you closer.

A funny movie is a great thing to do on your own. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have a night to yourself, watching a funny movie can be a perfect thing to do. If you are feeling lonely, you will almost instantly start to feel a lot better. It can be a truly great experience to realize that you can laugh and enjoy yourself all on your own.

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If you sit at a desk all day, remember to stretch on a regular basis. Credit: Shutterstock

11. Stretch

A lot of people are really up-tight, and they have no idea just how bad their body truly feels. If you have been working for a long time, try to get up and stretch your muscles. This will instantly help you feel a lot better. Also take a short walk either to the bathroom or around the library.

If you are getting ready to work out, make sure you stretch first. Credit: Shutterstock

On this list, we already talked about how exercise is one of the best ways to feel happy without money. Before you go run a mile, make sure you stretch first. Your happy day can get completely turned upside down if you pull a muscle.

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Wearing yellow clothing can help to brighten your day. Credit: Shutterstock

10. Wear Yellow

The color yellow actually causes a bit of debate in the world of psychology. Some say that a pop of yellow can make you feel more alert and happy, while others say that an excess of the color can actually make you feel angry. If you happen to be someone who feels cheerful seeing the color yellow, why not go for it?

Yellow looks good on a lot of people. Credit: Shutterstock

In general, bright colors usually make people feel cheerful when they see other people wear them. It also gives the impression that you are an open and friendly person. By wearing more color, you might be able to make new friends more easily.

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Wrapping a gift in home made materials is satisfying. Credit: Shutterstock

9. Make a Hand-Made Gift For a Loved One

When you are low on money, holidays and birthdays can feel very stressful. A lot of people feel down in the dumps knowing that they cannot provide their loved ones with a huge extravagant gift. Just remember that more often than not, your friend will just be happy to have you at their party. They care more about you than material things. So why not make them a gift that will represent your friendship? In fact, if you create something that is truly sweet and sentimental, you feel feel a huge burst of happiness and excitement to get their reaction on your thoughtful gift.

You can make a home made card with some construction paper and glitter. Credit: Shutterstock

If you have crafting supplies sitting in a box under the bed, pull it out and try to figure out how to make a gift for your friend. If you feel completely stumped, search for “DIY projects using…” and fill in the blank with whatever supplies you happen to have an abundance of. Or, look for Dollar Tree hacks, so that if you need anything, at least you’re only spending a dollar per item.

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Cooking from home can be really satisfying. Credit: Shutterstock

8. Make a Home-Cooked Meal

Even if you don’t have money to go grocery shopping, chances are that you have something in the fridge and cabinets that you can make. Unless you are an amateur chef, a lot of people will buy things and let them sit for an entire year before they decide to make it. (Do you have a random box of macaroni and cheese sitting in your cabinet? We thought so.) Instead of seeing this food as a desperate last resort, look at it as an opportunity to do something fun and different with your night.

Enjoying a good meal can make you feel really happy. Credit: Shutterstock

Cooking can be a huge stress reliever. It requires a lot of concentration, so your mind will focus on trying not to burn the food, instead of worrying too much about other things. Once the food is done, you get some satisfaction knowing that you were the one who created that dish. And, of course, if you are sharing the meal with family and friends, they will most likely be impressed with your skills, and grateful for fully tummies.

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Brewing a really good cup of coffee is easy, and makes you feel great. Credit: Shutterstock

7. Brew a Pot of Coffee

Most people keep coffee stocked in their home at all times. So, even if you cannot afford to take a trip to Starbucks, what’s stopping you from brewing a good out fashioned cup of joe? Whether it’s instant, group, or a Keurig K-cup, making a cup of coffee will help to make your kitchen smell delicious. As soon as you smell that coffee, it will help you feel comforted, knowing what is to come.

Fewer things are as good as a cup of coffee. Credit: Shutterstock

Drinking coffee usually helps you feel happier, because of the caffeine. You will instantly feel more perky and prepared to tackle whatever issues you were having earlier in the day. Of course, just make sure not to drink coffee too late at night, if you want to be able to fall back asleep.

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Adult coloring books have become popular for reducing stress. Credit: Shutterstock

6. Start Coloring

For a very long time, coloring was for “babies”, and kids eventually reached an age where they felt that they were far too old to doodle in a coloring book. But in recent years, adult coloring books have become popular. There is absolutely no shame in this hobby, because it is known to reduce stress and anxiety. If you have a lot on your mind, you should try to get out a coloring book and some markers, and just start coloring. You would be surprised as just how soothing it is.

Coloring can help ease anxiety. Credit: Shutterstock

When you color, you are very focused on staying inside of the complex lines, and it can help take your mind off of other problems. If you don’t have any money to buy coloring pages, you can print them out for free online. There are even over 100 art museums who have decided to offer coloring book page versions of famous paintings on their websites for free. So if you already own a printer, there is no need to spend anything at all to immediately get the satisfaction of coloring.

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Try to see your small town from a different angle. Credit: Shutterstock

5. Explore a New Place in Your Local Area

If you live in a small town, you might assume that you have seen it all, especially if you grew up there all your life. But you would be surprised just how many hidden gems you had no idea existed. A great way to find these things is to get apps like Pokemon Go. In the game, historic landmarks and artwork are marked with “Poke Stops”. These will be scattered throughout a town. More often than not, you can probably find little spots that you had no idea existed.

Small trading posts like this usually only exist in small towns. Credit: Shutterstock

You can also check out your local Facebook group for your local area. People will recommend small businesses, parks, and events. You will be surprised to see how much pops up that you had no idea about. Best of all- you might be able to make new friends.

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Bubble baths are incredibly relaxing. Credit: Shutterstock

4. Take a Bubble Bath

There are fewer things in life more satisfying than taking a bubble bath. If you are lucky enough to have a bath in your home, take advantage of it, especially if you are feeling down in the dumps. If you want to spend even more time relaxing, get yourself a good book, some candles, and soothing music, too. After a little while, it should help you feel a lot happier.

Some people like to light candles and read a book while they take a bath. Credit: Shutterstock

If you make bubble baths a regular thing, you might want to buy a bathtub caddy tray to help you hold a book, iPhone, and glass of wine. Once you make an investment like this, it will encourage you to continue making self-care a regular part of your life.

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Dancing all by yourself can make you feel happier in just a few minutes. Credit: Shutterstock

3. Learn Some New Dance Moves

Do you ever go out to a club, and you feel like you don’t know how to dance? This can make someone feel socially awkward, and it makes us unhappy. This is actually very easy to fix, even if you consider yourself to be totally uncoordinated. Taking professional dance lessons costs money, but you can learn some for free in the comfort of your own home. If you have the YouTube app on your SmartTV, this is the perfect opportunity to put on a popular music video, and try to mimic the moves.

If you have a partner, dancing together can be a romantic experience. Credit: Shutterstock

There are usually also dance instructors who give slowed down step-by-step lessons on how to do a dance move properly. When you do this, you can try the moves over, and over again, pause, and replay. There is no need to feel embarrassed, and you can keep trying until you get it right. Once you know how to dance really well, it will boost your confidence and make you feel really happy.

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Try to enjoy cleaning your house, no matter how hard it may be. Credit: Shutterstock

2. Clean Your House

Some of you out there completely dread cleaning your house. So the idea that it would make you happy sounds absurd. Even if you don’t like the process of cleaning, you probably love living in a clean space. So if you can’t afford to hire a maid to come in and help you, it’s time to get to work! Once the process of cleaning up is over, you are almost guaranteed to feel a huge sense of satisfaction.

If you clean with your kids, you will be a great influence. Credit: Shutterstock

Some people actually enjoy cleaning. This is most likely because their parents helped them to feel like it was a fun and satisfying project, rather than a chore. If you want your kids to feel excited about cleaning as adults, get them involved. It can actually be a lot of fun to clean together with your children, and it will bring you a lot of joy.

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If you spend too much time on the Internet, it can make you feel unhappy. Credit: Shutterstock

1. Get Off The Internet

If you made it all the way to the end of this article, it means that you were spending a lot of time online in order to read it. We really appreciate it, of course, but now, it’s time to log off and go live your life! When we spend too much time on the Internet, it’s easy to get consumed in the virtual reality of the world wide web. It’s easy to forget that everything we see online is a carefully manicured view into someone else’s life. Everything seems perfect, but they have just as many problems as you do. So if you are judging your self-worth and success by comparing yourself to bloggers, you are almost guaranteed to make yourself unhappy.

Instead of being online all the time, get out and explore the world. Credit: Shutterstock

Instead of spending too much time on the Internet, try to plan more time going out and living your life. Visit local parks, go on a road trip, and spend time with family and friends. You can be so much happier than you are right now. We believe in you!

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