While there’s no doubt having a bit more money in your pocket makes life’s stresses more manageable, many of the things that make us happy don’t cost a thing, according to a recent survey
Money doesn’t buy you love, or happiness, which is great news for the average Brit struggling to meet the rising cost of living.
As the sun makes an appearance and spring is the air, our happiness levels tend to rise as we spend more time outdoors. And, according to a recent survey by Retail Times, many of the things that do make us happy don’t cost a thing.
But are the best things in life really free? On International Happiness Day we take a look at the top 10 mood boosting activities you can do for free.
10 free things to do that will make you happy:
1. Taking a leisurely walk on a beautifully sunny morning – coming in at second place on the overall happiness boosting activities list, 48% of us enjoy striding out on a warm morning.
2. Enjoying a hug – 47% agree that a simple embrace from a loved one can boost our happiness.
3. Taking in a sunny and bright morning – 46% of us love waking up early to make the most of sunny mornings.
4. Take in a lovely view – seeking out a gorgeous view helps 43% of us feel happier.
5. Enjoying the longer and lighter evenings – 42% of use embrace the warmer, brighter evenings that characterise our summer months.
6. Enjoying a clear blue sky – clear skies help 39% of us feel more positive.
7. Finding money in a jacket pocket – while this one may have cost money initially, the thrill of finding forgotten cash in a pocket brings joy to 38% of us!
8. Watching the sunset – the beautiful experience of a sunset helps 38% of us feel happier.
9. Thinking about happy memories – 38% of us also love embracing our memories and thinking about the happy times we’ve enjoyed with family and friends over the years.
10. Listening to someone say ‘I love you’ – 37% of us agree that hearing our loved ones tell us how much we mean to them is a sure-fire route to happiness.
Meanwhile, one woman who believes money doesn’t buy you happiness is Kate Flounders, a 44-year-old divorced solicitor from County Durham who earns £100,000 a year.
She says people assume she’s loaded – but her single lifestyle costs her more than it would if she was part of a couple. And despite her huge pay packet, she claims she finds it difficult to save money.
“While my annual income is about £100,000, the bills and costs do add up, and as a single person I’m now solely responsible for all the bills,” Kate, who divorced two years ago, told MailOnline. “So even with this income, I’m not managing to save as much as I’d like to. “I’m incredibly grateful I have had the opportunities to do what I want – but I certainly do not feel rich.”
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