Times are difficult around the globe. Prices are going up and paycheques are going down. Many people have lost their jobs or have to make do with more uncertain situations. When the money's flowing in, it's easy to spend the funds quickly, sometimes on impulse buys, sometimes on items long desired. Regardless, once one's situation changes and the money dries up, such luxuries are no longer possible to achieve, perhaps for the moment, maybe even over the long term.
Instead of getting depressed, angry, frustrated and wasting time thinking about all the things one cannot have, focus attention on what is free or cheap and available if one's eyes and mind are open.
Nature is Free
Whether it's going down to the local park for a walk, tossing a frisbee around the yard, cycling trails or even paddling in a nearby creek or river, getting out into nature is a way to relax and remember beauty. Often, depending on the season, there may be free fruit available on the trees or bushes. There may also be the opportunity to do some gardening, from weeding to planting. Taking regular strolls diminishes stress and maintains one's health in times of poverty.
Cloud gazing during the day and star watching at night is also free.
Sex is Free
If engaged in healthily and safely, enjoying sexual encounters with one's spouse is another way to relax. Sex, along with other forms of exercise, releases endorphins that boosts one's feelings of happiness, especially if intercourse leads to a mutual climax. Sex can help bond a couple in times of stress, allowing them time to connect with each other, talk afterwards and feel more supportive of each other's difficulties.
The Internet is Free or Cheap
While television can increase depression due to the level of passivity it encourages, and renting movies or going to the theatre can be expensive, the internet offers a wide range of music videos, podcasts featuring interviews, radio programs and documentaries and other forms of free sources of entertainment and education. One can keep learning and laughing while one is broke.
Browsing Used Book, Music or Clothing Stores is Free or Cheap
Look through the collections of books, cds and garments that have been accumulated. Gather up the ones no longer required and trade them in for credit at local stores. Use the credit to obtain surprising new titles, tunes or items to wear. Even if one has nothing to trade in, these stores often offer very reasonably priced goods that won't break the bank while encouraging one to feel better about life. Also, Craigslist and Kijiji are internet sites that can offer one free items or items for trade. And don't forget about the library!
Making Music, Literature or Art can be Free or Cheap
If one has the instruments, a pen and/or some materials around the house from old magazines for collage to paper or a canvas to paint on, one can create art in times of poverty. Even just strumming chords on an old guitar, writing a poem, doing some embroidery or drawing can boost one's spirits, alleviate stress and create beauty in the world. In the end, inner poverty is much worse than financial impoverishment.
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