10 cheap ways to be happy

You don't need to be loaded (or break the bank) to be happy

By: Jennifer Gruden

The good things in life are often free. Here are ten cheap ways to brighten your day.

Restring your social web

As a 2006 Forbes article points out, social connections make people happier than money. But how often do we mean to send a letter or a card, make a phone call, or go knock on someone's door – and don't? Take the time you might have spent shopping and get back in touch with a long-lost friend. Email's free once you've paid for Internet access!

Host a potluck

Rather than hosting an evening out at a restaurant or driving yourself crazy with all the details – and expense – of a formal dinner party, go retro and throw a potluck. I predict it will be the party trend for 2009. It doesn't have to be about tired casseroles either – you can set a theme: favourite sandwiches, best brunch dishes, or "anything containing chocolate."


Take a hike


Exercise endorphins can come pretty cheaply if you go out for a walk or a jog. You can add to your happiness factor by selecting a new route – surprise yourself by exploring a local area you haven't slowed down to enjoy before. Just be sure that if your route takes you through the local fashion district that your window shopping remains just that (being sweaty may help here!).


Clear out a corner


Yes, our surroundings influence our mood. Renovations and redecorating may be one of the first things to come off your budget. But that doesn't mean you can't renew your space on the cheap. One of my tricks: take a corner of your bedroom, home office, or sunroom, and clear it out. Then walk through your house and select a few favourite or inspirational items. Use those to recreate that corner as an homage to the things you love.


Just say no


Obligations can weigh heavily on our time and eat into our sense of well being. Having control over one's time – even time to do nothing – can be a source of happiness. So practice the art of the gentle refusal – even at work.

Remix your collection



Now's the time to truly appreciate what you already have. What better place to start than your music collection? If you haven't already used iTunes or similar software to build your digital collection (and create your own custom playlists and mix CDs), go for it. You're likely to rediscover some old favourites – and even get up and dance.

You complete me



The satisfaction of a job well done is definitely one of nature's highs. So drag out that craft project, photo album that's waiting to be filled with pictures you've already developed, and go to. You've already bought the supplies – so you might as well reap the rewards. If you're one of those crazy people who doesn't have unfinished projects under the bed, ask around – some of us will give ours away just to be rid of the guilt!


Attitude shift


Create a gratitude book – a notebook or scrapbook where you add thoughts, memories, clippings, photos, or anything else that relates to moments in your life where you experienced peace, love, joy, accomplishment, or really anything else. Putting some of those things together in one place can make you feel richer than – well richer than Warren Buffet.


Be a borrower


When times get tough, the tough go to the library. No, seriously – check out your local library and community centres for some of the best free entertainment around. It's not just books either – you can rent new or classic DVDs, attend lectures, and browse the bulletin board for other local events. Other alternatives: you can arrange swap nights with friends, or check out the local Freecycle list to trade books, clothes, project supplies, DVDs, recipes, wine, or other things you might otherwise have purchased.

Oh, and the 11th way to be happy? Come and particiapte in the new Nipissing Family Forum at:
www.nipissingfamily.freesmfhosting.com and share your tips, it's FREE!!


April