Cheap ways to cheer yourself up?

[FrugalFish]

Originally Posted by Ima saver

I think it is great just to sit outside at night with a cocktail and talk and talk to your dh. Watch the stars sparkle in the sky and enjoy each other's company. That is what we do many evenings!

That is what we do too. We happen to live under a pretty major airline route, so we see an airliner (high up) about every 15 minutes. We also try to spot satellites.

[cschin4]

I think the true fun and enjoyment of life IS inexpensive. I enjoy walking the dog, looking at the autumn leaves, watching the squirrels and birds. If you are a simple person as I am then life's simple enjoyments are the best. I also enjoy playing an instrument (my guitar) or going to a local sports event and cheering for the "home team". Become a fan of your local high school, etc and enjoy. Go to the library, brew yourself up some fancy coffee and have a friend over, etc. The list is endless. I hate spending money and to me, going to the mall or store to shop is extremely boring. I have no desire whatsoever to engage in that.
I do not look at savings as self denial but as a means to an end where I will get to retire early and do exactly as I please. Much more valuable to me than whatever widget or thing I have my eye on at the moment!

[txex86]

Playing basketball with my 13 yo daughter. The together time is great as well as the exercise. She's taller than me now though, so my odds of winning pick-up games have greatly diminished.

[Ima saver]

I might mention that we live on a creek, so we sit out overlooking the creek. Many times we see deer crossing the creek! Now if we just had a wet bar built out there, but that's ok! I sometimes set up a bar out on the deck.

[Ima saver]

Watching the autumn leaves falling!

[Coleroo]

i use to get cheered up and thrilled by shopping - but now it just depresses me. my "want this" desires are still there, but my head and pocketbook knows better!

Ways i chear myself up now:

play with my dogs
clean my house or declutter something
visit with my parents
look through picture albums
talk to girl friends i dont see much on myspace or email
orgainze the baby's nursery
read fantasy fiction (dragons, elves, etc)
play with my bird
have a "spa night" (give myself a mani, pedi, and facial)
visit the library
watch my dogs running around our backyard
watch HGTV or TLC
flirt with my husband
cook / bake
smell the clean laundry (tide with febreeze is the greatest..haha)

hrm..thats all i can think of at the moment but im sure theres more. i take pleasure in many of the small things.

oh..almost forgot the best ---- chocolate milkshake from burger king!!!!!!!! hehe

[nomorecredit]

I can't think of anything I could buy that makes me as happy as the time I spend with my dog!

[Ima saver]

My dog is a joy to me too!!

[leggzz66]

to me nothings better then the late night, im only one awake, warm soaking bath with some good tunes. Walmart special headphone cd player was only 10 bucks and i jam to my hearts content and soak and chill out after a long hard day of all that i do.

[Rick01]

A good movie and a frozen pizza does it for me every time.

[JBinKC]

I love watching a fire in my wood stove

[Aleta]

Enjoyed watching the fire in my son's house.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Going for a walk or bike ride helps cheer me a lot, though I do not feel that I am denying myself stuff I really want. Those and gardening are my top three picker-uppers.

I also like to play a CD I haven't listened to in a while, email a friend, bake something that I could easily just buy, play the instrument I've been learning. If I'm by myself I will dance to an oldies station--but not when anyone is looking!

[nanamom]

it is 4 below zero here right now so a walk is out for now. Our dogs are great stress busters and playing with my kids is awesome. For my rare me time I take a bubble bath at naptime. My husband gives me a new bottle or scented bubble bath every month (dollar store of course) and I can use as much as I want cause next month there will be a new scent. It was a birthday present last year and I reap the benefits all year long, still have some of the first scent.

[alexjc]

A few things i enjoy doing whilst saving the pennies and trying to reduce my debts are:

1. Taking a drive in the coutryside where he views are stunning.
2. A hot bubble bath with tea lights and candles everywhere.
3. Laughing with friends always puts my in the right frame of mind.
4. Lie ins on the weekend and hearing the pouring rain outside.
5. Listening to the radio is relaxing- unless its dance anthems!
6. A hug from someone you love- cheesy yes but its free and always puts a smile on my face.

[mahanda]

i know it may sound corny, but counting my blessings brings me out of my blah moods i get into sometimes when i stress about my debt.
i have not have been able to see an end to this pit i dug myself- but writing down my blessings
a home, heat, great kids and food in the fridge (at least for another week)
always cheers me up