Improving your life does not always need to cost a lot of money. Sometimes, the little things can make the most significant difference, and many of these things don’t cost a penny!
According to some in an online forum, here are 13 examples of free activities that you can take up to start improving your life today!
Practicing Patience
One user says, “Developing more patience is a good one. You can practice anywhere, at any time. When you’re in a long line, look at it as training (“I can wait all day”) while noticing other people grunting and sighing loudly. When you just missed the bus, think about how another will eventually come and that this is unexpected training for patience (you get mentally stronger just by looking at it this way).”
Working Out
Working out offers numerous benefits, including improved physical health, increased strength and endurance, weight management, and a boost in overall energy levels. With all these reasons why exercising is a good idea, it’s no wonder that it was the most commonly suggested tip in the online forum.
Smile More
Studies suggest smiling is not only good for you psychologically but physiologically, too. A smile can bring health benefits even if you don’t always feel very happy. There are other benefits to doing this too. As one user puts it, “When you smile, you stand out in a room and bring good energy to those around you because smiling is contagious.”
Fun fact: Did you know you use fewer muscles when you smile than when you frown?
Cut Out Negativity
Our relationships with others are a key part of our mental well-being. According to motivational speaker Jim Rohn, we are the average of the five people we spend most time with. If those five people constantly have negative or toxic things to say, your own thoughts will eventually align with theirs.
As one user in the forum writes, “I cut out all the toxic people. Best decision for myself ever!” Another user agreed completely and replied, “This right here! Solitude beats toxic company.”
Change your circle if you feel like negative, toxic, or oppressive characters surround you!
Get More Sleep
Quality sleep supports emotional well-being, reduces stress, and boosts mood regulation. Sleep also aids in physical recovery and immune system function. Getting more sleep can be as easy as making a few simple schedule changes, and as one online user puts it, “It is so simple yet effective when done consistently.”
Meditate
“Just breathe for 5-10 minutes a day”, says one user. She explains, “Over time, you’ll have a calmer and clearer mind. Your stress response will improve, and your decision-making will improve too.”
Drink More Water
Water is crucial for many bodily functions. To function correctly, all the cells and organs of the body need water, and it’s fair to say you will feel better when you drink water regularly. “Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning,” suggests one user, “after getting up and before coffee.”
Learn A New Skill
A popular suggestion by many in the forum: take the opportunity to learn. Educate yourself on a new topic – the internet has plenty of free resources, like online courses, tutorials, or educational videos on YouTube.
Nurture Your Relationships
Take charge of your relationships and put in the time and energy. Strong relationships provide comfort and support and even influence better health outcomes. Connect with family and friends, let little grievances go, spend time together, and show love and compassion to one another. One user commented, “It’s amazing how much easier life becomes when you have the right support group around you!”
Quit Unnecessary Vices
Many users admit that quitting vices is difficult, no matter what they are. However, common vices such as drinking too much alcohol or consuming too much sugar are simply not healthy for you. Such vices are known to lead to a shorter lifespan and make you look older than you actually are.
Practice Self Discipline
Push yourself forward, stay motivated, and take action when required! Intentionally choose to pursue something better for yourself and do it despite factors such as distractions, challenging work, or unfavorable odds. You’ll be surprised at how practicing a little self-discipline can boost your well-being and mood and change outcomes in many different areas of your life.
Read a Book
With the busy lives many of us live nowadays, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the time to pick up a good book and read. However, there is a true joy to be found in sitting somewhere quiet and getting lost in pages that transport you to another world.
As one user in the online forum explains, “It’s very good for the mind, it’s free (libraries are wonderful places, not just for books but for resources), and you typically learn something from it or get entertained.”
Put Your Phone Away
But how can we find time to work out, read, practice self-care, or learn a new skill? For many of us, it’s as simple as … putting your phone away. When did you last check your phone to see how many hours you spent on it this week? Chances are, the number is higher than 4 hours a day. Think of all you could do in that time that could make your life happier!
One online forum user suggests working out when to have your phone and when not to have your phone. He says one thing to cut out is charging your phone by your bed before sleeping, “Leave it on the other side of the room – not only will it help to avoid usage before sleeping, but it also gives a reason to get out of bed when the alarm goes off.”
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Susan is the founder of Susan's Socials, a social media agency focused on Flipboard. She is also a content curator, encouraging a healthy lifestyle through topics such as pets, food, travel, home decor, gardening, and fashion.
