We’re constantly hearing about how the US economy isn’t doing so hot right now, and hasn’t been for a little while. It’s becoming obvious that we aren’t going to get directly out of this financial muck for at least a little while. And when problems like these come along, these unchangeable little truths that have the potential to seriously negatively impact all aspects of our lives, I have a strong tendency to start looking for the silver lining.
Don’t misunderstand me; I can wax cynical with the best of ‘em and have a great time doing so. But when people are losing jobs and homes across all economic lines in our own country, negativity and cynicism will only get you so far.
But can you be happy about a recession? Definitely!
Okay, let me rephrase that: you may not be happy about a recession but you can absolutely be happy during one. You can be luxurious and giddy and adventurous and, if you’re a real sharp cat, maybe even make money during these tough times.
Don’t feel bad if you’ve been a little too weighed down with your personal financial concerns to try and find the bright side of all this economic unrest. You wouldn’t be the successful, assertive, whirlwind of wonder that you are if you weren’t focusing on that stuff.
Fortunately, I’ve done you a small favor and put together a starter list of ideas on how to have a rockin’ good time in a stinkin’ bad economy.
Cheap travel
I know you have other financial concerns plaguing your right now but if you can stash away a few dollars to sneak off on a little getaway, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that airfares are dropping like crazy amidst price wars. And with the rising popularity of free accommodation co-operatives like CouchSurfing.com, it’s easier than ever to find a free place to stay almost anywhere in the world…and make interesting new friends in the process.
Get some Green on you
Hard times force us all to scale back. Maybe your car got repossessed. As unfortunate and inconvenient as that can be, like anything else, you adjust. Walking, biking and public transportation can become as normal as driving once was, all while saving tons of money and lessening your eco-footprint.
Or maybe you’ve started a garden to cut food expenses. Moved from a big suburban house to an in-town apartment? These are all big changes but once you adjust, you might find yourself happier than before. And as a sweet bonus, getting through these shifts will up your confidence tremendously. You always thought you could handle crazy life changes and now you know you can.
Replace spending with exercise
Yes, that’s really what I meant. If you have an afternoon free, instead of spending $15 on a movie at a theater, go for a run or a bike ride or to a free yoga class at a local park. You’ll save some oh-so-precious cash, be kind to your body and the sun and exercise will release all kinds of great happy chemicals in your brain to fortify you again the more stressful parts of your life.
Do it yourself
Maybe this seems like a simple answer but seriously, getting crafty is not only a good time but can save you so much money. It doesn’t take long to re-program your brain from “try to buy first and make at home as a last option” to the other way around. Not only will this build your own confidence in what you can do and save money, but you’ll probably find that you love the things you have even more because you personally put something into it. Also, home project time is always a great excuse for family time.
