27 Ways to Stay Happy When You Are in Debt

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For many of us, including millions of millennials, all we want is to be happy. Even though there are a few bumps on our journey of life, including debt, career, relationship issues and other things, we know that we are 10x stronger than any bump on the road. For example, we can always find creative ways to manage debt stress and stay happy, regardless. 😎

Here are 27 Ways to Stay Happy When You Are in Debt

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1. TAKE A MINUTE

It all starts from within. Make time each day to meditate. It doesn’t have to be a big production complete with mat, shrine, and bells; simply close your eyes for whatever time you can spare, gather your thoughts, and focus on peace.

unhappy woman giving thumbs down gesture looking with negative expression and disapproval — Photo credit: Ariwasabi/shutterstock

2. LOSE THE NEGATIVITY

We all go through tough times, and we want to be there for our friends — but when occasional complaining turns into a nonstop litany of woes, it brings you down, too. Ease yourself out of spending time with a personality whose negativity affects you.

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3. GET MOVING

Stress leads to poorer health. Check with a doctor and make an effort to exercise more. Overall health will improve and the meditative nature of running, walking, or repetitive exercise can help as well.

woman with headphones relaxing on the bed listening to music using a tablet — Photo credit: Stock-Asso/shutterstock

4. GET IN TUNE

Music relaxes. Make the time — even if you zone out to just a single favorite song or composition — and expect to be surprised at how refreshed you feel.

happy woman reading a magazine in an urban park — Photo credit: Antonio Guillem/shutterstock

5. SMARTEN UP

Before heading into a potential political debate, dedicate yourself to reading widely and observing more to grasp the nuances. Being better informed can add calm to a conversation.

men going through neatly folded clothes in drawer — Photo credit: Kostikova Natalia/shutterstock

6. DECLUTTER

You will never feel fully at peace near a stack of unpaid bills, hamper overflowing with clothes, or garage that no longer fits a car. Declutter surroundings and declutter your mind.

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7. CREATE A SANCTUARY

Home is sanctuary, where you refuel and connect with inner calm. Invest in simple things such as scented candles or mini waterfalls — though it may sound clichéd — and they can add serenity, if you let them.

family talking on the couch and a boy telling a story — Photo credit: ESB Professional/shutterstock

8. CARVE OUT FAMILY TIME

Designate one night a week, or a weekend breakfast, to family conversation. The rules are simple: No gadgets, no gossip. Talk about plans, concerns, issues. It’s a great way to create a “safe haven,” especially for kids.

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9. GARDEN

Gardening, by nature, slows you down. It’s a methodical, tranquil process that ideally results in something delicious — or beautiful.

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10. FAMILY TRADITIONS

Spend time together regularly doing simple things — chores, maybe, or something more fun — and promote an underlying sense of security.

African American woman praying outside — Photo credit: Kosim Shukurov/shutterstock

11. PRAY

There’s a power to be found in attending a religious service, no matter your faith. Joining together with a community spiritually can bring a sense of cohesiveness and knowledge that others are equally committed to peace.

smiling African American father and daughter baking in the kitchen and having fun — Photo credit: bbernard/shutterstock

12. MAKE SOMETHING FOR OTHERS

Spend time making something tangible to help someone else. It could be baking a cake for a new neighbor or making holiday decorations for a local nursing home.

woman in glasses reading interesting book in cafe — Photo credit: Azovtsev Maksym/shutterstock

13. READ

Take a return journey into some time-honored literature, whether a childhood favorite or a literary classic. It’s reassuring to revisit characters or see how generations have faced — and often overcome — similar problems.

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15. STAND TALL

Sign a petition, offer to staff a booth, donate your time to a local organization that has a mission aligned with your values. It could help education, the environment, social causes, health… anything you believe in. Helping out reinforces your commitment and your support will be valued more than you know.

participants in Avon Walk for Breast Cancer — Photo credit: pics721/shutterstock

16. ADOPT A PROJECT

Think about dedicating yourself to one organization and giving it your all, or seeing a project through from start to finish. You may like the feeling better than doing a bake sale here, a walkathon there. The organization will relish the commitment too.

man writing at the desk — Photo credit: Kate Aedon/shutterstock

17. GET OUT A PEN (OR LAPTOP)

Instead of just spouting off ideas, go a step further: Send off your solution to an issue to an elected official in a letter or email, or make a phone call.

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18. TAKE A BREAK FROM SCREENS

Turn off all devices and leave social media behind. Any break makes a difference: You’ll see things in a different way, and notice things you never do. The constant beeping and ringing will be replaced by something unfamiliar: peace.

happy man giving thumbs up in his new car — Photo credit: Minerva Studio/shutterstock

19. CURB THE ROAD RAGE

Driving is no joke, and today, the roads seem more unsafe than ever. Be kind to yourself and arrive safe and sane: Next time you get behind the wheel, promise yourself you won’t mutter, shout, make obscene gestures, or worse.

mother comforting her daughter on a couch — Photo credit: wavebreakmedia/shutterstock

20. OFFER AN EAR

Today’s young people have issues to deal with we never dreamed possible. Offer your own children, younger relatives, or neighborhood kids an ear. Share your wisdom (and hear theirs), answer their questions, and maybe even change their outlook.

young volunteer picking up plastic bottles in the park — Photo credit: Dragon Images/shutterstock

21. CLEAN IT UP

If your community is filled with litter, clean it up. This doesn’t have to be part of a formal “clean-up” project, though it might not hurt to contact the town or parks department and offer to help. A little sprucing throughout the year will make you proud, and let others know people care about where they live.

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22. SAY ‘HELLO’

It’s easy to stay wrapped up in thought while hurrying to an appointment or waiting in line. Try offering a stranger a simple hello, accompanied by a smile. It might turn their day around, and give you a boost too.

happy employee being congratulated by colleagues after success at office — Photo credit: Antonio Guillem/shutterstock

23. GIVE A COMPLIMENT

Take a simple hello to the next step: Compliment a stranger, or ask how their day is going. It will take them away from the drudgery of their day, and you may hear a great story.

happy African American family relaxing on couch and watching TV — Photo credit: bbernard/shutterstock

24. SWITCH UP ENTERTAINMENT

Instead of catching the latest blockbuster, expand your horizons and watch a documentary or foreign film. The change in perspective can not only broaden horizons, but instill respect for things far out of your own everyday experience.

young woman with donation box in the office — Photo credit: wavebreakmedia/shutterstock

25. DONATE TO CHARITY

Skip the daily designer coffee or weekly night at the movies; take the money and donate it. What you’ll miss (a few bucks at most) can make a world of difference to a charitable cause that probably relies on modest donations from loyal supporters.

grateful woman with eyes closed and arms extended standing near stone walkway and small canal — Photo credit: racorn/shutterstock

26. JUST SAY ‘THANKS’

It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own problems, whether it’s canceled lunch plans or being passed over for promotion. Really, most of us have an incredible amount to be grateful for. Focus on the positive.

27. Wear Brighter Clothes

We can all learn from nature. When we see beautiful flowers we are happy. When we see beautiful animals, we are happy too. In the same way, when we wear brighter clothes, we radiate joy and when people compliment us, it makes us even more happy. Go on, put on that bright dress and see how many people will smile at you.

So whether it’s a credit card debt, student loan debt, mortgage debt, car loan debt, store credit card debt or whatever debt it is, we can always find creative ways to manage debt stress.

Hope you’ll find some rest and relaxation from our 27 Ways to Stay Happy When You Are in Debt. Share this on Social Media and spread the joy!

Special Feature from Cheapism.com and How We Make Money Online