feel better

Best Money Tips: 50 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

Amy Lu — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:00:02 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found 50 quick ways to feel better about yourself, myths about saving energy, and finding the motivation to work out in the winter.

Mend a Broken Heart Without Breaking the Bank

Jennifer Holder — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:24:30 +0000

When a relationship ends, many of us have a tendency to run straight to the nearest shopping mall for some retail therapy. Or maybe you’re the type who eats your feelings. Or maybe you travel to distract yourself or go out every night to the local bar. Whatever your coping strategy, a breakup often equals an empty wallet. But it doesn’t have to. The next time your heart is broken, try one or more of these strategies to treat your broken heart without going broke. (See also: 4 Ways to Have a Better Day)

1. Delete Your Ex From All Social Media

The first step on this journey might sound stupid, but it’s important. Despite how you feel once the break up is over (whether it was amicable or otherwise), delete him or her from all social media. If you feel comfortable, you could go as far as asking them to please make themselves private, so you don't obsessively seek out their whereabouts. Doing so might send you into an online shopping spree or worse, drinking alone that expensive bottle of wine your friend gave you for Christmas. Save it for a special occasion, not when your ex is on the beach with another person.

2. Reconnect With Old Friends

Romantic relationships take time, and most of that time is taken out of our friendships. Now that you have more time on your hands, contact your friends, meet up with them for a walk through the park, or invite them over to watch a movie. This is the time to reconnect and find value in those you surround yourself with; they’re your friends, and they should be there for you. Just a tip, though — don’t wallow.

3. Reconnect With Your Community

Check out your local community paper and see what might be happening down the street. There are sure to be street fairs, outside events, neighborhood association parties, and the like which would be a perfect way for you to meet new neighbors and become a vital part of your community.

4. Volunteer

On the heels of reconnecting with your community, volunteering is a great way to make a difference (and make you feel better — no pure altruism here). You’ll get a sense of pride out of helping to build a house, providing food to the homeless, or simply reading to children. There a lot of options, so once you reconnect with your community, see where you can be helpful.

5. Immerse Yourself in Work or Focus on Your Career Path

I’m not a licensed psychologist, so don’t take this as “real” advice, because I have a feeling most licensed psychologists might think this is a bad thing. But I am a firm believer in immersing yourself in your work when you are down. It’s a good distraction, and it can prove fruitful (ie, earn you a raise). And if you’re not happy where you are (because usually when one thing is bad, everything seems bad), focus on your career path. Refocus your happiness on your future, not on that person from your past.

6. Learn Something New

Take this time to grow your mind. I’ve mentioned a few ways to learn something new for free in the past, but there are plenty of other options, including Khan Academy. Pick something and go learn — it’ll distract you and you’ll be smarter as a result. Win-win.

7. Get Active

One of the best stress relievers in the world is exercise. Start running or join a local gym. I know, frugal broken heart mending is the goal here, but trust me — this is far more frugal than binge eating, and you’ll feel much better afterward. If you can, find a gym that offers a variety of classes (especially yoga) and has a sauna. You’ll be relaxed, and you’ll be fit for your next relationship.

8. Dive Into a Project or Hobby

After you learn something new, start a project or hobby. If there is a wall that needs to be painted, paint it. If there's a chair that needs to be reupholstered, reupholster it. Along the same lines, learn to knit, sew, or play golf. There are plenty of things to pick up that can serve as a long-term diversion (and ultimately make you more interesting).

9. Adopt a Pet

If you can’t fill the void with anything else, consider getting a pet. Doesn't have to be a big one — you can start small with a fish and work your way up to a larger pet. Don't jump into this arrangement lightly of course, but loneliness can definitely be solved via fluffy animals or fish bowls. Check out the local animal shelter — you can simultaneously save a life and move on with yours.

10. Seek Out Therapy

OK, I’m going slightly off the frugal script here, but if you are really, really hurting and can’t cope, you should absolutely consider therapy from a licensed professional. Seek out your HR department at your job and see if there are free counseling sessions available to employees, or contact your local government and see if there are any counseling sessions in your area or group sessions. If all else fails, this is the one thing to spend money on — therapy can get you back to yourself again, and really that’s the whole point.

How do you mend a broken heart without ripping a hole through your wallet?

This article is from Jennifer Holder of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

12 Frugal Ways to End a Bad Day on a Good Note

POPSUGAR Smart Living — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 10:36:38 +0000

When a friend of mine got laid off, she told me she was resorting to retail therapy to make herself feel better. Turns out that shopping when you're down can make you feel better. A recent study by Northwestern University found that retail therapy actually works, and if you do it before a stressful event, it can even help to insulate you from the negative effects.

RELATED: Cheap Ways to Treat Yourself

Although I'm all for indulging in activities to boost your mood, retail therapy is definitely a pricey way to do it. And it might make you feel worse in the long run if your shopping expedition makes a dent in your bank account. Here are some wallet-friendly ways to turn around a bad day:

Start Planning a Trip

Make a plan to take some days off and start researching destination ideas. Research has shown that planning and anticipating a trip has an even greater effect on happiness than the actual trip itself.

Make Yourself a Happy Meal

No, you don't have to re-create an artery-clogging meal from McDonald's. A happy meal is basically comfort food you can make at home that will help you feel better. Perhaps it's a childhood favorite like Oreos and milk or maybe a secret family recipe.

Set a Goal and Accomplish It

Set a small and reasonable goal and complete it before the end of the night. It can be simple tasks like washing the dishes or finishing up two chapters of a mystery novel. You'll feel better when you're getting things done.

Do Something Nice for Someone

Doing a nice act for someone can make you feel better, studies have shown. They can be small acts like sending an email to your best friend telling her how much you appreciate her, or making dinner for your partner. Here's a list of ideas for nice things to do for people.

Remember the Good

Write out a gratitude list of things that you're grateful for. Noting down a list of things that you are grateful for can renew your appreciation in things that you've been taking for granted. Writing a gratitude list will cause you to put more focus on the positive and less on the negative.

Remind Yourself That This Is Temporary

I really love the mantra "This too shall pass" because it reminds us that everything — including positive and negative events — is temporary. In a few days, weeks, or years, you will probably get over it. All that matters is knowing that there is a day you will move on and to not invest so much energy in thinking about an event that's temporary.

Sleep Early

Sometimes all you can do after a stressful event is to give it time and sleep on it. Head to bed early tonight so that you'll wake up well rested and ready to tackle the next day with gusto. Not getting enough sleep can cause you to be more cranky and sensitive, so you should definitely get a full night's rest after a bad day.

SOS a Friend

Tell your friend you need an emergency hangout to get your mind off of things. Having someone else around can get you out of the negative rut. It's always nice to have an understanding ear and someone to distract you.

Animal Therapy

Animal therapy will beat retail therapy any day. Many studies have shown that owning a pet is related to lower rates of depression and blood pressure. If you don't have a pet, perhaps play with a neighbor's furry friend or visit a shelter to coo over the cute puppies.

Meditate

Close your eyes, take a few breaths, and mentally release all that is bothering you. Meditation will give your brain a break from the stress and it will maybe even help you put things into perspective and help you realize that your situation isn't so dire after all.

Exercise

As we all know, exercise produces endorphins, chemicals that make you feel good. Go to the gym and play your favorite workout songs and get a good workout. You'll be feeling better in no time.

Watch a Comedy

Laughter is the best medicine and watching a funny movie, TV show, or YouTube video can distract you from the negative events in your life.

Still feeling glum? Here's how to banish your negative thoughts.

Busting your budget isn't a great way to feel better. Instead, try one of these fun, frugal ways to boost your mood.

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This article is from POPSUGAR Smart Living of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

15 Ways to Gain More Confidence Today

Mikey Rox — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:24:25 +0000

Boy, is it hard to get out of this mid-winter funk.

The holidays are over, you may have gained a bit of weight, the weather is wreaking havoc on your skin and social life, and, worst of all, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

Yes, this time of year sucks. But it’s not just you who feels that way. We’re all in the same boat, actually. And we can all use any one of these 15 ideas to get us out our rut and feeling more confident — today. (See also: Sound More Confident in One Easy Step)

1. Go to the Gym and Release Those Endorphins

Even though I hate cardio, I will admit that a run or brisk walk on the treadmill makes me feels so much better. All that movement gets my blood pumping and gives me more energy throughout the day. Of course, knowing that I did something beneficial for my body — instead of stuffing my face on the couch — provides an added boost of serotonin that’s so necessary right now. If only there was an easier way.

2. Get a Spray Tan So It Looks Like You Just Came From Vacation

You know, I’ve never had a spay tan, mostly because I think I’ll look super silly. I’m very pale — like Anderson Cooper pale — but after seeing the journalist/talk show host getting a spray tan on his show recently, I’m reconsidering. He didn’t look bad, and it didn’t look unnatural. Plus, it’s certainly better than real tanning, which is a no-no for someone who recently had skin cancer removed.

3. Schedule a Facial to Rejuvenate Your Skin

Don’t you dare schedule a facial at a spa. Those are expensive, and a facial is something that you can do yourself in the comfort of your own home. You can either buy a mud mask at the store or you can make you own facial mask using yogurt, eggs, honey, oatmeal, and lots of other items you have in your pantry. At the end, there’s nobody to tip but yourself — maybe with a bowl of ice cream.

4. Take a Shot of Something With a Decent Proof

Have heard the phrase “liquid confidence?" That’s what’s so great about alcohol — no matter how you’re feeling, it makes you feel even better. At least for a little bit, that is. If you’re suffering from a real depression, it’s probably best to stay away from the hooch. But if you’re just in need of a pick-me-up that’ll get you drunk enough to admire yourself in the mirror, by all means have a few swigs.

5. Wear That Outfit that Makes You Feel Like a Million Bucks

You know there’s at least one outfit in your closet that makes you feel like a winner. Isn’t it funny, though? I love all my clothes when I buy them, but I have a few favorites that I know will boost my confidence as soon as I put them on. As the old saying goes — if you got it, flaunt it.

6. Watch a Feel-Good Movie Where the Underdog Comes Out on Top

When you’re feeling down, just pop in a DVD of a movie whose main characters are having a rougher time at life than you are right now.

7. Turn Up the Volume on a Favorite Song and Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

I’m not one bit embarrassed to tell you that my all-time favorite when-I’m-feeling-blue song is Michael Buble’s “Everything.” Not only is it incredibly upbeat with a positive message, but it’s also the song that my husband and I share together.

8. Remind Yourself That “You Is Kind. You Is Smart. You Is Important.”

It worked for that little chubby girl on The Help, so it might just work for you.

9. Go Through Old Pictures Where You Look Your Best

So I’ve gained a few pounds over the winter months. I’ll get over it. But before I do (because I’m too lazy to go to the gym right now to do anything active about it), I like to look back at old photos where I’m super skinny and smiley. I remind myself that that cutie patootie in still inside me somewhere; it’s just that he’s having a slice of pizza right now.

10. Tell a Friend That You Need Is to Hear a Few Nice Words About Yourself

Do you have friends who you can call up and tell them that you’ve had a horrible, no good, very bad day — and they know just what to say? They blow smoke up your bum with all kinds of false truths and compliments that make you feel so much better even though you know there’s not an ounce of accuracy to them. I love those friends more than life itself.

11. Say No to the Fatty Foods in Favor of Something Healthier

I should take my own advice here — and maybe I will — but I’m trying to build your confidence, not my own. When you feel those cravings for fatty foods coming on, just say no. Apples and nuts are especially good at making you feel full — albeit not as fulfilled as piece of pie. Just sayin.’

12. Go Out and Score a Deal on Clothing That Makes You Look Hot

Had your eye on a stunner of a piece that you’ve been afraid to buy? Do it. Money isn’t everything. That doesn’t mean that I’m saying that it’s not important, but I am saying that you’ll make more of it. If splurging on said item will boost your confidence, go for it.

13. Sit at the Bar and Wait for Someone to Approach You

It’s not often that I’ll sit at a bar by myself, but just the other day I found myself at one having a drink and following up on e-mails on my iPad when a guy a few stools down asked the bartender to send me a drink. Sadly, I had to decline it. I’m married — not that that ever matters when free drinks are involved — but more importantly I was driving. Also, he was kind of busted, so there was that too.

14. Sign Up for a Free Dating Service

Everybody’s looking for love these days, most frequently on the Internet. Personally, I’m not on any dating sites, but what I remember about them when I was is that I would receive messages from all kinds of random people, solely based on my picture and profile. It felt good for a stranger to choose to message me among the many other potential suitors on the site. Could work for you, too.

15. Engage in an Activity That You Know You’re Good At

My friends (and my husband, especially) don’t like playing games with me because I’m reasonably competitive and I don’t often lose. Here’s a little secret that I hope my friends and husband don’t read, however — I won’t play any game that I don’t think I can win. Scattergories, I’m in. Chess, I’ll pass. I’m not sure they’ve caught on yet, but if they have, they’re nicer friends and lovers than I think.

Have additional ways you can boost your confidence today? Let me know in the comments below.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: