Managing and growing your wealth is all about having enough funds to enjoy your life and do the things that truly bring you joy. Sometimes, it might take many years to save up enough to achieve your goals, so what can you do in the meantime to get the best from life?
While money can certainly buy you some of the things you love, there are also lots of smaller things you can do every day to improve your quality of life that have little or no cost at all.
If you could do with a little pick-me-up, read on for 15 ideas of small but significant things you can do today to improve your quality of life.
1. Hang a bird feeder by your kitchen window
Watching the birds enjoying a snack while you do the washing up can really pass the time, not to mention that getting closer to nature does us all good.
2. Take 10 minutes a day to do something you really love
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but remember the old saying: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Schedule in a little time to enjoy a long-lost hobby that always makes you smile, whether it’s reading your favourite books, playing board games, or arts and crafts.
3. Use things that you would normally save for “best” on a regular basis
It may feel indulgent, but think how special you’ll feel for using that perfume you love or wearing that favourite shirt that normally only comes out for special occasions?
4. Do something kind for someone else but don’t tell anyone about it
Kindness costs nothing and, by doing something nice for someone else, you both win.
5. Next time you’re outside in nature, take a deep breath of fresh air. Notice how it makes your body feel
It sounds so simple, but a nice deep breath of fresh air can make the world of difference, particularly if you’re feeling a little bit grumpy.
6. At the end of the day, take a moment to write down your favourite things that happened
We’re hard-wired to remember more of the negatives than the positives, so an unpleasant half hour can easily make you feel as though you had an entirely unpleasant day.
But taking the time to actively practise gratitude makes it easier to notice the things that make you happy every day, even if it is as small as enjoying a warming drink on a cold day.
Do this regularly, and reread the notes you made on past days whenever you need a pick-me-up.
7. Unclench your jaw
Also, let your shoulders relax. You probably won’t have noticed you were doing it, but remembering to relax your muscles every now and then will help you to feel more relaxed in yourself.
8. Call a friend out of the blue who you haven’t spoken to in a while
It’s easy to lose touch as life gets busier, but connecting with old friends is one of life’s true pleasures and not something to underestimate.
9. Sharpen your knives to make chopping veg a breeze
It makes more of a difference than you’d think, especially if you hadn’t noticed that they needed sharpening.
10. Go for a walk without your phone – or just switch it off
We’re more connected than ever before, which is great on some levels, but it also means technology can creep into every aspect of our lives. By leaving your phone at home or switching it off, you can fully immerse yourself in nature.
11. Buy from a small local business
Local businesses are run by individuals who really care about their products and their customers, but sadly more and more of them are struggling to survive through the cost of living crisis. Your support could mean the world to that small business owner.
12. Listen to music that you enjoyed as a teenager
It might not be to your taste now, but nothing beats a bit of nostalgia for bringing a smile to your face.
13. Say hello to your neighbour
Whether you’re great friends or barely know each other, a quick hello can help someone to feel welcome and part of a community. We could all do with a bit more of that in our lives.
14. Do that one small thing you’ve been putting off for ages
Chances are, it won’t take more than 15 minutes and you’ll feel a great sense of satisfaction at finally being able to tick it off your to-do list.
15. Take your work emails off your phone when you go on holiday
This one might feel a bit uncomfortable if you’re used to being reachable at all times, but switching off is essential. After a day without them lurking on your home screen you’ll never look back.
Get in touch
While these tips cost very little or nothing at all, your bigger life goals are likely to require careful planning and wealth accumulation. Whatever you’re planning, we’d love to help you get your finances in shape so that you can achieve everything you’re hoping to.
Either contact your financial planner directly, email us at hello@ascentawealth.com or fill in our online contact form to organise a meeting and we’ll get in touch.
