In need of a little pick-me-up? To help prove the old adage that the best things in life are free, here are a dozen quick and easy happiness boosters that our family has enjoyed — and they won’t cost a penny!
From Left to Right: 1. Make a card for someone you love using paint chips. Doing nice things for other people is a great way to boost your mood.
2. Play with bubble wrap. Bubble wrap is so much fun, and so hard to put down!
3. Volunteer. It doesn’t cost a thing, and you’ll feel better knowing you are serving your community.
From Left to Right:4. Make story stones and sidewalk scenes. Not only is this free, but it’s a fun imagination builder too!
5. Play a game of invisible basketball. Even those who aren’t athletic can join in this sport.
6. Build a fun reading nook. Never underestimate the power of the indoor fort!
From Left to Right:7. Create a family drawing night. Fun for the whole family!
8. Have a fun time with indoor ice skating. The kids can burn off some of that extra energy (and you can too). Be careful, it is slippery, but LOTS of fun!!
9. Start a tea ritual. A great way to unwind and focus on daily gratitude.
From Left to Right:10. Jump on the bed. I highly recommend jumping on the bed for a quick mood lifter!
11. Visit with family and friends. Chat and get caught up with the people you love.
12. Go for a nature hike. Spend some quality time outdoors, and breathe in the fresh air.
Dear Valerie,
I am abstaining, courteously, from commenting about other ways to boost happiness for free.
*wink wink, nudge nudge*
Love,
Mark
We need to get back into the habit of having tea. It's so much fun and the kids love it.
Great suggestions!! I still love the paint chip cards and will be using that idea to make spring cards this weekend!
13) Read this blog.
P.S. LOL @ Mark.
So many great ideas!
Mark – you are hysterical!!!!!!!!!
your post made me smile valerie!
it seems the simple – free things in life can be the most fun!
You are definately the funnest house! I have the mug to that teapot!
Hmm, I like suggestion #13, but I think that it's covered by #10. Great ideas!
All wonderful ideas!!
I posted about Mommy happiness check it out. http://designingandmotherhood.blogspot.com/2010/03/8-ways-to-be-happier-mommy.html
Don't get me wrong I love being with my kids and doing kid happy stuff but sometimes I need to fill my own happiness bucket. I like your blog. Come see mine. Staci at http://www.desingingandmotherhood.blogspot.com
Great ideas! Instead of drawing you could also do a "coloring night".
When my son was younger we would do this some times.
Coloring is not just for little kids, either, it is a great stress reliever. One night some gals I worked with printed off the same picture and colored it during our breaks or over lunch and it was interesting to see how we each interpreted the same page in different ways in how we colored it.
awww great post and yet again your husband never fails to crack me up
Very cute post.
That was great! I loved the story stones. =)
Love all of these free ideas! However Mark's totally cracked me up and I am sure my husband would have said the same thing 😛
@ Mark — I don't understand why you're abstaining from commenting about our chess games..??? I'm confused. 😉
@ Adrienne — That's so sweet that you list reading this blog as number 13! Thank you!! 🙂
@ gardenmama — That is exactly how I feel!
@ Staci — The ideas you posted are all wonderful! You're right, it is so important to make time for ourselves too. 🙂
@ Kathryn — You're never too old to color in a coloring book! What a great way to relieve stress, plus it is so much fun!
Hi there! Niki here, dropping in from over at Free 2 Be Frugal. I really enjoyed your Frugal Friday post…volunteering, I am right there with you. My very favorite way to boost my joy.
Stop by and see me sometime.
🙂
What fun! I'm off to read all these ideas! 😀