Life can be hectic, stressful and filled with anxiety. One of the main stressors for many people is money. But the great news is that there are many ways to richen your life without spending a dime! The best things in life are truly free.
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1. Call a friend
Like, literally call. On the telephone. Hear their live voice and they can hear your live voice. It's amazing what a 5-minute catch-up call can do for your spirits.
2. Dance
Make time once a day to dance. Just pick one song and make it horribly good, like Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." It'll only take 3 minutes and 51 seconds out of your day and it's impossible to be in a bad mood while doing this exercise.
3. Use self-tanner
You're probably thinking this isn't free, but I'm willing to bet you've got a bottle hiding under your sink. Giving yourself a healthy glow will make you look and feel better.
4. Kiss and hug your partner
Increase that number and increase the richness in your life.
How many times a day do you hug and kiss your child? Probably too many to count. How many times a day do you hug and kiss your partner? Probably not enough to count. Increase that number and increase the richness in your life.
5. Pick flowers
There's no need to drop a lot of cash on an expensive arrangement. Put some simple garden flowers in a jar and they'll lift your spirits.
6. Sing out loud
Louder. No, seriously loud. Belt your guts out in the car, shower or living room. You might even be able to convince yourself that you sound just like Adele.
7. Say hello to strangers
So easy, simple and most of all polite. When did we forget to stop saying hello?
8. De-clutter
Take 10 minutes a day to organize. You might not be able to complete the entire job, but just a small amount makes a big difference. You'll feel less overwhelmed and in control.
9. Take a walk
Fresh air and moving your body are a winning combo. Stuck somewhere that has crappy weather? It doesn't matter. Go outside in the rain or snow and take a quick walk down the street. Weather should be enjoyed.
10. Eat lunch at the park
Find a bench and enjoy a sandwich. You'll see squirrels running, birds chirping and children playing. All reminders of the simple things in life.
11. Read a good book
Reading transports us to another time and place. Whether it's fiction and we escape or non-fiction and we learn something new, it's always an adventure.
12. Tell a joke
Q. What do you call a cow that masturbates?
A. Beef Stroganoff (pronounced as: Beef Strokin' Off)
13. Write a letter
Write a note to a friend or family member for no reason at all. Getting "fun mail" (aka, not a bill) is such a treat and you'll feel great sending it.
14. Pet a dog
If you are allergic to dogs, just say hello to someone walking a dog.
If you have your own dog this is very easy to accomplish. Bend over and pet the dog. It's relaxing and your dog will soak up every second of attention. If you don't have your own dog, go on a walk and you're sure to find one. If you are allergic to dogs, just say hello to someone walking a dog.
15. Give yourself a mani/pedi
Pampering yourself is always nice. It's easy to find excuses, for example: "I don't have time for them to dry." However, in the time it takes you to look through your Instagram and Facebook feed you've got dry nails!
16. Drink hot chocolate
No need to indulge in fancy coffee drinks. Kick it old school and make a cup of hot chocolate to bring back childhood memories.
17. Learn to knit
Learning a new skill makes us feel more well-rounded and productive. It's easy and free to pick up new skills with the Internet. There are YouTube videos on any subject you can think of.
18. Purge your closet
If you haven't worn it in a year, throw it out. Better yet, donate it to a women's shelter and feel good knowing you are passing it on to someone who needs it more than you do.
19. Drive a new route
You'll discover a lot of things you never noticed.
If you're driving the same route to school drop-off, work and the grocery store, it's time to mix things up. Go down a different street or park in a new spot. It might seem strange, but it'll open your eyes up to your surroundings and give you a different point of view. This also works at the grocery store. Start at the opposite end and you'll discover a lot of things you never noticed.
20. Look at old pictures
Take a walk down memory lane and look at old pictures. Really old pictures. Ones that are printed on paper and starting to yellow. It fills you up seeing family, friends and fashion from decades prior.
21. Volunteer
Giving back is one of the best ways to feel rich. Whether it's at a food bank, animal shelter or your child's classroom, you have a lot to offer.
22. Practice yoga
Taking deep breaths and stretching is calming, stress-reducing and free. Make a habit of starting and ending your day with some basic yoga. It's a great way to reboot.
23. Learn a new recipe
Tired of making the same foods for your family. No need to buy anything different. Just go online and find some new recipes that incorporate the foods you already have in your home.
24. Change out your picture frames
Still have your engagement pictures framed on the wall? Or your child's first birthday? Have you been married for 7 years? Is your child now potty trained? It's time to swap out the pictures. The change will make you take notice and smile. Make it a point to update them twice a year.
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25. Adopt a tree
Find a tree in your neighborhood that you love. Declare that to be "Your Tree." Now each time you drive by the tree make sure to say, "There's my tree!" Your kids will jump on board and find a tree to declare their own. It's exciting to admire nature and see how the tree changes with the seasons.
Image via Twenty20/_hassanart
