Money doesn’t buy happiness. Even the most extended study on happiness undertaken by the Harvard Study of Adult Development reiterates it. While money can’t buy you happiness, it can help you spend on things and experiences that can make you happy. The ultimate goal is happiness, and money can get it for you.
Read on to learn 12 simple habits that turn money into happiness.
Invest In Health And Well Being
Investing in your health ensures long-term happiness. It includes regular exercising, eating well, and spending on healthcare. Go for a walk, join a gym, enroll at the nearest swimming club, or join a Yoga or Pilates class.
Studies have shown how exercise affects your happiness. Ditch fast food and choose fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and whole grains to keep you healthy. Furthermore, routine health tests should be done to stay on top of the health game. Placing your physical and mental well-being on priority allows you to enjoy life more fully and reduces the risk of financial burdens related to poor health.
Prioritize Experiences
Purchasing material goods gives you a temporary thrill; however, it is proven through many studies that experiences such as going for a picnic with friends, riding an air balloon, or attending a concert lead to a more profound sense of fulfillment. Experiences create lasting memories and foster connections, enriching lives and providing personal growth.
Give More
Spending money on clothes, shoes, and personal items can give you a high. However, gifting and spending on others can make you happy. Donate to charitable institutions that are making a real difference in the world. It will give you greater happiness in return. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, prosocial spending, which is spending on others, leads to greater happiness than spending money on yourself.
Meet Friends And Family
Earning money is important, but not at the cost of missing valuable time with your friends and family. Your happiness is strongly linked to your social relationships. Studies have proved how the strength of your social connections affects your physical and psychological well-being. So, the next time you are inundated with work and feel like canceling a family reunion or bailing out on a get-together with friends, remember where the priorities lie.
Travel Frequently
Take short trips instead of saving up for your dream vacation or waiting for the right person to travel with. According to a study, people who travel more are happier vis-à-vis those who rarely travel. Travel gives them experiences and memories, making them more satisfied with their lives.
Maintain A Budget
Budgeting helps you live within your means while allowing you to pursue leisure activities that bring joy and relaxation. By keeping a check on your income and expenses, you can make informed and wise decisions regarding expenditures and avoid incurring debt. This habit gives you peace of mind and frees up resources for things that bring you joy, such as dining out and pursuing hobbies.
Focus On Small Pleasures
Most people concentrate on significant and intense things in life – saving to take a month-long vacation to Europe or purchase a luxury car. In the process, they often overlook the small pleasures that don’t need much money. Treat yourself to a camping trip, a luxury staycation, a bag of pretzels, or a meal at your favorite café. You will feel happier by focusing on surprise pleasures that can be enjoyed more frequently.
Invest In Personal Growth
Life’s purpose is not to stagnate, personally or professionally, but to keep learning and growing. Investing money in yourself can lead to significant happiness. Spend money on education, hobbies, skills enhancement, or wellness activities. Such investments contribute to long-term personal and professional development, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Create A Comfortable And Calm Environment At Home
Your living space is strongly linked to your happiness. Investing in a comfortable, calm, and pleasant home environment can improve your mood and overall quality of life. Declutter, add personal touches, and create green spaces in your house to uplift your mood. Invest in good-quality desks and chairs if you work from home or spend a significant chunk of your day at your desk. Buy comfortable mattresses, down feather pillows, and high-thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets because sleeping well boosts your overall well-being.
Establish Financial Goals
Establish clear financial goals for yourself, such as saving for a down payment on a house, funding a dream vacation, buying a luxury car, or building an emergency fund. Setting targets and moving towards them will give you a sense of accomplishment. However, remember to celebrate your wins and milestones. It will motivate you further and boost your happiness.
Reduce Commute To Work
More and more Americans living in the cities are subjected to long work commutes due to job-housing imbalance. This increase in commute is causing reduced work and life satisfaction and damage to overall health. Hence, though the allure of a big house with all the amenities in the suburbs might be irresistible, you should find accommodation near your workplace for your physical and mental health.
Cultivate A Habit Of Gratitude
Giving thanks can enhance your happiness by shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have. Simple habits like giving thanks to the universe when you wake up in the morning or keeping a gratitude diary for all things you are thankful for can send out a powerful positive message, leaving less to no room for negative thoughts. By appreciating what you have, such as financial resources, friends and family, supportive neighbors, or a good job, you reduce the habit of constantly seeking more and promote satisfaction.