Zero Cost Happiness

Zero Cost Happiness - Little Things That Make You Happy 

So I got my first job approximately 20 months back. A lot of things in my life changed once I started working full time - my routine, my perspective of life, some friendships as well as relationships, the value of independence, my expenditure habits, how I choose to look at money, and much more.

Some deep thoughts about my changing perspectives, and I’ve come to the realization, that once you start working, you really get to learn the value of money. Possibly, like your parents always told you? Well anyway, as money comes in, it goes out. And while you sometimes think too hard before spending it, sometimes depending on your mood, you just splurge.

Which also led me to realize, that money doesn't have much to do with real, eternal happiness. In other words, I had enough moments of happiness before I started earning, and I continue to do so now, with or without money in my hand. Of course I know that a source of income is required for survival, yes. However, I feel that happiness is different from plain survival. It is much more than that. Well whatever be the reason, happiness doesn't have to cost much.

It comes from within.

So I decided to compile a list of things that can make me happy, and don’t cost much money. Here you go:
1. Music

Whatever be the mood, you can always rely upon a song to make you… Feel. A happy song can never fail to lift you up. I remember having survived some of the loneliest days of my life, with earphones on, and music blaring through them. Another big lift-me-up is singing along to songs (I personally like rapping, a lot).

2. Reading

"Books loved anyone who opened them, they gave you security and friendship and didn't ask for anything in return; they never went away, never, not even when you treated them badly." - Cornelia Funke, Inkheart

The quote says it all. Someone who loves to read can never be lonely, I speak from experience. One book costs anywhere from 200 to 500 bucks and can last from a week to a month, depending on your speed, and the excitement quotient of the book.

3. Writing or blogging

Another favorite pastime. Each time I write a poem, a blog post, or even scribble random thoughts, there is a feeling of satisfaction associated with it. It is like being validated by myself - like saying, yes, I can write.

4. Sketching

There is something or the other that any creative type requires to keep their creative fuels running. For me, apart from writing, sketching is what does the trick. Sketching allows me to personify the images I have in my head, on a piece of blank paper. Like writing, there is a satisfaction attached to sketching - the satisfaction of of knowing that I have created something, that I have contributed to the world in my own specific way.

5. Coloring

Ever wondered, why kids are so happy all the time? Well of course, because they live life uninhibited, where nothing is beyond limits. However, it could also be because they have dedicated time for activities that we, as adults, dismiss as unnecessary. One such activity is coloring. The simple act of filling lines with color and bringing those images to life can work wonders for your mood - it is almost as if you’re healing your soul!

6. Taking a walk

It is no secret that exercise releases endorphins, and generally lifts you up. While some people rely upon heavy workouts in the gym, some people like to dance, cycle, run etc., my personal pick-me-up is some light exercise in the form of walking. And of course, seeing the number on the scales go down is an additional benefit!

7. Dancing

Well this is a mix of music and exercise - Combine the two, what more do you need?

8. Watching an old movie

It doesn’t necessarily need to be an old movie, but I personally like to watch (or read) stories over and over again, since I like to know how things are going to turn out. Perhaps it gives me a sense of comfort? Equate my sense of comfort to a sense of delight!

9. Spending time with animals

I don’t have pets of my own as such, but I do have some occasional visitor cats, who I love playing with. There’s something about playing with animals that brings you immense joy. They're obviously cute and cuddly, but also give you affection without judgement.

Well, reading the above list again has made me realize how none of these 9 points involve any social interaction. Guess I really am an introvert!