Think money can’t buy happiness? Think again. With money well-spent, you can improve your quality of life and revel more fully in the things that matter most to you without worry or stress for financial issues.
If you want to “buy” happiness, focus on making purchases that will create lasting memories and experiences that are unparalleled. If you’re looking for ways to improve your quality of living through your bank account, here are some ideas.
Update your Home
Giving your home a facelift can improve your comfort and happiness at home while also raising your property values for future resale.
If you like to cook, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. There’s nothing worse than cooking in a kitchen that’s small or improperly suited for your needs. Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to raise the property value of your home, and it’s a great way to increase your daily satisfaction.
Sometimes, your home doesn’t need a structural remodel, but it does need a facelift. Take yourself shopping for new furniture and accessories. As you look, think about furniture that will enhance your way of living and improve your time with family.
Living room sectionals, for example, can make any living space infinitely more comfortable and attractive so you can enjoy family time. When there’s room for everyone on the couch while watching a movie or enjoying a game night, no one feels left out and you can enjoy priceless memories there.
Travel
Memories are the ultimate form of happiness. As you sift through old photos and reminisce with family, you’ll enjoy hours of laughter and smiles that lighten your load and increase peace. Travel is hands down one of the best ways to create those lasting memories.
Travel is also a literal antidepressant. According to dozens of studies, those who travel report a boost in mood that lasts beyond the vacation. It also helps to reduce stress and let you enjoy life to the fullest.
“It’s hard to sit on a beautiful beach somewhere and ruminate about paperwork or deadlines,” Dr. Leigh Vinocur of the American College of Emergency Physicians told U.S. News. “That is why over three-quarters of respondents to the Diamond Resorts International survey reported feeling happier when they regularly vacationed. Periodic and regular vacations while taking time for yourself and your family lowers your stress level and decreases the release of all those stress hormones that contribute to degrading our mental and physical health.”
If it’s been a while since you took a vacation, make that a priority. Book a trip to Hawaii where you can take surf lessons in Waikiki. You can relax on a private beach or go hiking to the lip of a volcano.
If you’re looking for an equally relaxing, but more budget-friendly beach vacation, head to St. George Island. It’s one of the best ways to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast with 22 miles of pristine beaches and gorgeous outdoor recreation.
You won’t feel a bit guilty about dropping a couple thousand on one of these vacations, especially after you emerge refreshed and mentally rejuvenated for anything that’s coming your way.
Adopt a Fun Hobby
When you’re constantly stressed with work and other responsibilities, the ability to do something you love can be meditative and powerful in increasing happiness.
“I think it’s important to distinguish between the general sense of playfulness that we can attach to our responsibilities as adults — work, household jobs, etc. — and the classic, pure sense of play that we experience as children,” explains Dr. Peter Gray, PhD in an article published in the American Journal of Play.
He goes on to explain that some adults like to take on a playful attitude when at work or doing household chores, but it’s important for them to actually engage in play with a hobby or recreational activity.
Take this opportunity to try something new that you’ll really enjoy, even if it costs.
Archery, for example, is a long-lost art that many people are starting to get back into. It’s a peaceful art that allows for gentle meditation as well as deep satisfaction when the arrow hits its target. You can teach yourself the craft by getting all the supplies you need from an archery store and watching professional videos and tutorials on proper form and safety measures.
If you’re looking for a great hobby with a partner, take dance lessons. You have dozens of choices for your specialty, from ballroom dance to hip hop street dancing. It’s a lot of fun, and it will give you something to look forward to every single day.
Spending quality time with your love one is a great hobby to spend happy time. If your love one live out of city you can send them emojis on snapchat. You can easily search snapchat emojis meanings on internet.
“For some people, the activity of play may be very physical, engaging the body,” says Gray. “But for other people, play may be more of a meditative experience.” If that’s the case for you, engage in activities that require a little less hands-on work. For example, you could learn a new language or write stories.
It doesn’t matter what skill you choose to pay for, as long as it’s entertaining for you and will act as a stress relief from your daily life.
Join a Gym
It’s scientifically proven that people who invest in their physical fitness and diet are happier. Those who are physically fit tend to ward off both mental and physical illness, which contributes to their general happiness, according to Joe Vennare of Greatist.
“During physical exercise, the brain also releases endorphins, chemicals known to produce feelings of euphoria, commonly associated with a ‘runner’s high,’” Vennare explains. “Endorphins…enhance mood and create a sense of well-being [and] can also boost happiness levels by helping to reduce stress. When we exercise, our bodies burn the stress hormone cortisol.”
Therefore, signing up for fitness programs at your local gym could be your solution to combating feelings of depression and anxiety and increasing your overall outlook on life. Working out with a buddy can help you keep up this habit and feed your need for sociality.
Even though this is great for increasing your mental health and happiness, Vennare warns that it’s not the solution to everything, and medical treatment may sometimes be necessary. “Working out generally keeps us healthy, reduces stress, and even provides a short-term high,” he says. “But remember exercise isn’t a cure-all for more serious issues like depression.”
Invest for your Future
Did you know that more than a third of Americans don’t have anything saved for their future? When it comes time for retirement, they’ll be penniless and struggling to make ends meet, relying on social security checks and family.
You can significantly improve your happiness in the future by putting your money into a savings account or buying stocks and other investments. The same research shows that about 13 percent of Americans have $300,000 saved for retirement.
“The fact that so many Americans do have $300,000 or more saved for retirement goes to show just how easily the amount of money in your retirement fund can grow over time if you are dedicated to contributing regularly,” Kristen Bonner of GoBankingRates.com said.
This goal is not out of reach for you, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Investing in savings now will set you up for a lifetime of happiness and contentment.
