5 Daily Practices That Don’t Cost You Anything
We spend much of our lives acquiring material objects and dishing out our wallets in the pursuit of happiness, when really, there are many things we can do without paying a dime. Below are 5 evidence-based practices you can incorporate into your daily routine that not only help your wallet, but also may lend themselves to improvements in happiness, health, and well-being.
1. Take a walk.
With so many of us using cars, walking somewhere seems foreign to many of us. And yet, walking helps clear the mind, gets us moving outdoors, and connects us to nature — as well as saves gas and emissions emitted into the environment. Can you walk (or run) to your next errand, such as the grocery store or post office? Try it out for a change.
2. Listen to a podcast (and/or read a book).
Whether you are interested in topics like investing, business, career, or mysterious crime shows, there are thousands of podcasts on various topics and a plethora of books at our local libraries. A podcast or a book chapter a day is a simple way to learn more on a subject of your choosing that’s far cheaper than taking a college course.
3. Call up a friend.
With texting and email, most of us don’t spend much time on the phone these days. Give your friend or family member a call to really see how they’re doing and have a human conversation. You may find there’s much more to it than a text and of course, you’ll get some social connection in the meantime.
4. Cook what’s in your fridge/pantry.
Cooking is not only better for your health and your wallet, but also helps save the planet. According to the USDA, it is estimated that in the U.S., we throw away 1.3 billion pounds of food per year, or about 30–40% of what we buy. Find a recipe online to use the ingredients you already have, or grab a cook book and chef it up.
5. Keep a journal.
Take a moment at the beginning or end of each day to write down 1–3 things that you are grateful for each day. Given our negativity bias as humans, there is power in reflecting on the positives to help shift our focus. Keeping a journal also helps us process emotions, thoughts, and track our goals over time.
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