There are many ways financial stress can impact your overall mental health and wellness. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself feeling down about your situation. It was Pablo Picasso who famously said, “I’d like to live as a poor man with lots of money.” He believed he would most enjoy a lifestyle where he spent very little money, provided he had no financial worries. This is something most people can agree with, but did you know it’s possible to enjoy life even when you’re stressed about money?
There’s no denying that if you’re under financial pressure, it can really take the enjoyment out of life. This is why it’s important to tackle these problems and get help with debt if you need it. A debt relief service can help you reduce your repayments to a level you can afford. If you budget carefully and limit your spending, you will be ready to start enjoying life again.
In the meantime, there are so many things you can do to have fun without spending money. Discovering and exploring these ideas stimulate your imagination and creativity, often leading to experiences and opportunities you might otherwise miss. Here are a few suggestions for how to enjoy life when you’re stressed about money.
1. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
To begin, take advantage of the wide range of free entertainment available. Your local council will have a list of activities in your area. Another idea is to just Google ‘what’s on for free in…’ There are often concerts, festivals, films, classes, exhibitions and activities for children of all ages.
The key takeaway is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun. When you learn to find these hidden gems in your community, it’s easy to see why fun doesn’t have to cost a thing. No matter what you’re interested in, you can find a free option near you.
2. Explore Sport and Fitness
Next, you don’t have to pay gym subscriptions or buy expensive exercise machines to get fit. There’s walking and running, or playing for your local team. These activities cost almost nothing and can be a lot of fun.
Some parks even have pull up and dip bars that you can use to great effect. Cycling is another option if you already have a bike or can borrow one. Better yet, the best spectator sports are those where your children are playing and you are there to support them. When you participate in sports and fitness, you promote positive lifestyle habits and wellness.
3. Entertain Friends and Family
While dinner parties can be fun, it’s less expensive to host your own gatherings and get-togethers. Organise and host a small gathering of family or friends with everyone contributing a dish, the way many families do at Christmas.
Sharing the labour and the cost not only spreads the load, but also creates a sense of camaraderie which enhances the whole experience. Who knows what new foods you might discover when you all come together? Better yet, you might create a new tradition to enjoy for years to come.
4. Use Coupons and Discounts for Shopping
Although this may seem a strange suggestion, for many people shopping is very important. The biggest difference is realising how and where you shop. We’ve written an article in the past about using discount coupons to save money.
Op shops, garage sales, and fetes can provide a rewarding shopping experience. They offer a huge variety of items, often at very cheap prices. The rule is to always pay in cash, take only as much cash as you can afford to spend, and leave all your cards at home. Though it takes some practice and willpower, you can learn how to shop using coupons and discounts to save big.
5. Discover Home Entertainment
Who said you had to spend money to have fun? You don’t need to go out to enjoy life with so many things you can do in your own home far more cheaply. For example, instead of going to the cinema, wait a few weeks and watch the DVD or a download in the comfort of your own home.
Similarly, you can borrow free DVDs from the public library, as well as e-books and printed books. For a small annual subscription, you can also borrow toys from a toy library, changing them every few weeks. There are so many ways to have fun at home, and this leads to big savings down the line.
6. Celebrate Small Victories
No matter your financial goals, it’s important to celebrate small victories. While it might feel like an uphill battle, especially if you’re doing the debt snowball method, take the time to honor any small steps. For instance, if you pay off a small debt, this is worth celebrating.
Honor these victories by sharing them with those you love and trust. When you bring others into your circle and include them in your success, they’re inspired to take charge of their own financial wellness. Lastly, be kind to yourself. Financial stress is a heavy burden to carry. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.
Are You Struggling with Your Budget?
Not having money to spend doing things you enjoy is an opportunity to discover new ways to have a great time and to do things you might otherwise never try. When your financial difficulties are over and you have money to spare again, you’ll find that you may still want to do many of the same things you did when you were on a budget.
Not having enough money to repay debts or cover necessities is a problem. We’re here to help so if you are having an out-of-money experience, reach out for some professional help and embrace the positives. We’ve helped Australians build a better financial future and break free from overwhelming debt. Contact us today on 1300 368 322 to discuss what we can do for you.