Happiness Quotient Headquarters

February 14, 2008 2 Comments

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Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it sure can perk you up a little when thoughtfully spent. It’s easy to spend $25 and not even remember where it went. This time, try something that will boost your spirits. Here are some ideas:

1. Buy someone a card and/or a small gift who is not expecting it. If you work in an office that has a helpful office manager, secretary, or administrative assistant, I highly suggest that this might be a good person to appreciate. These types of jobs are often underpaid and taken for granted, yet individuals in these positions are in highly visible, multi-tasking environments with multiple demands. If you have ever tried to answer ringing phones, direct incoming visitors, and answer questions from coworkers at the same time, you know what I mean. Whether you realize it or not, they make sure your day goes smoothly. If you are in one of these positions yourself, secretly leave a copy of this article in a common area and cross your fingers! Other ideas: the mailperson, the person at your favorite lunch place who is extra nice to you, the janitor, a friend who has been feeling down lately. Nurturing an attitude of gratitude has been proven to boost your own happiness.

2. Feel passionate about a cause? Contribute to an organization that embraces your ideals. Send a small donation or, better yet, volunteer your time. The internet is a treasure chest of ideas. For example, www.kiva.org is a fascinating organization that provides microloans to impoverished individuals throughout the world. You can pick the project and budding entrepreneur. There are no absolute guarantees that you will get your $25 back, but their repayment record is astonishing. You can feel more connected to others with this gift that keeps on giving. Local agencies sometimes have online newsletters that list items they need. My local humane society puts out a “wish list.” Many of those items cost less than $25.

3. Invest in Your future. Perhaps this means opening a savings account online with a better interest rate than is offered locally. I’ve heard good things about ING online or Emigrants Direct. Maybe this means checking out the local gym to see if they have cheap introductory yoga packages. Are there low-cost continuing education classes in your area that would interest you? Ask yourself what skills you would like to develop? Maybe you could barter services for lessons at www.craigslist.com.

4. Spoil yourself a little. After a long day at work, nothing feels better than a back massage, a facial, or a manicure or pedicure. Being touched is essential to the happiness of many people, even if this is in pampering, non-sexual ways. Check out your local area for massage schools or beauty schools. There may be students who offer students free or for reduced cost while they are learning. At the very least, you would be contributing to someone’s education. Or maybe you have a friend or loved one you could trade massages with. It could be fun to a group of friends together to give each other manicures or pedicures.

5. Put $25 in your gas tank and travel somewhere (close). It doesn’t get you as far as it used to, but challenge yourself to find something new and fun to do within the mileage limit you would have with $25. You could use part of the $25 to buy a disposable camera to record your Spontaneous Day of Joy. Send one in, and I’ll post it! If you don’t own a car, walk or ride a bike. Just see some new scenery.

6. Spend time with your pet(s) or hang out with someone else’s. Pet owners know that being around a pet is a great reminder to live in the moment. Research has proven that the effect is calming, markedly reducing blood pressure and increasing a sense of well-being. When was the last time you bought your pet a new toy? Took them on a special walk? Socialized them with other animals? Recall memories with favorite pets from your childhood. Pets are a model for unconditional love.

7. Find out what your top strengths are and use them in new ways. Go to this positive psychology website (www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu) for the VIA signature strengths questionnaire, an online tool that assesses your personal strengths. Positive psychologists have found that using your strengths regularly and in new ways contributes to personal happiness. Best of all, it’s free! There’s also lots of other interesting information at this site of Martin Seligman’s, including ways of assessing your overall level of happiness.

8. Be a kid again. I love how quickly a 99 cent yo-yo can send me back in time to happy memories of childhood. Go to a local toy store and get something that makes you feel young again. Examples of great toys that are still fun: play-dough, nerf balls, balloons, slinky’s, matchbox cars, marbles, Twister, Operation, Silly Putty, coloring books, any kite. My favorite was my super-fast Big Wheels. I was a terror on that thing. I remember crying when I went over the 65 pound weight limit printed on the drive wheel!

9. Rent some comedies and have a movie night with friends. Everyone’s taste in comedy is a bit different. After surveying some of my friends, we recommend the following comedies: When Harry Met Sally, Talladega Nights, Little Miss Sunshine, Austin Powers, Rushmore, Animal House, Chalk, Election, Knocked Up, The Out-of-Towners, and the 40-Year-Old Virgin.

10. Fill your house with flowers from your local farmer’s market. Nothing makes me feel happier than bringing a bit of the outside into the inside. Support local growers and bring some color into your environment. This is an instant mood elevator for everyone who comes into your space. Put one or two on the windshield of your favorite person’s car. Give one to a child or an elderly person. It will feel like spring is already here.

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