How to Feel Happy Without Shopping or Unhealthy Eating

Feeling down after a bad day? How about some comfort food and online shopping? In our fast-paced, material-centered world, it’s easy to merge happiness with consumption. However, true contentment often lies in the simplest things. Read on to learn more about feeling happy without shopping and unhealthy eating and 8 Simple and Free Activities You Can Do to Feel Happy.

How to Feel Happy On Your Own

I am 100% guilty of turning to shopping or unhealthy eating for a surge of immediate happiness. A few glasses of my favorite wine and a plate of olives with crusty bread takes the edge off of a bad day. However, if you have underlying mental health struggles (like me), consumption is not a long term solution. It’s a quick fix or a temporary bandaid for a deep rooted emotion.

How is consumption and happiness related?

Consumption is defined as the act of using resources to satisfy current needs and wants. Whether it’s shopping, eating or drinking, it’s easy to instantly feel happy when you are spending money or consuming goods. There is a lot to be said about the therapeutic effects of shopping on the brain – and it’s positive at first. The immediate impact of drinking alcohol is usually positive too, due to the flood of “feel-good” neurochemicals. The rush of joy from eating a comforting meal is similar to how one feels consuming alcohol. Research finds that certain foods also affect powerful mood-modifying brain chemicals.

How can I feel happy fast?

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it is crucial to have a list of simple things you can do to feel happy fast. In my therapy sessions I learn to recognize ways to bring myself joy that do not involve shopping, food, or wine. I struggled with an undiagnosed eating disorder for years, so my relationship with food is complicated. Alcoholism has been in my family history and spending money should be on needs, not wants. All of these habits have only ever brought me a temporary feeling of contentment (and sometimes leave me worse off than I was before).

I want to feel happier overall in life – don’t we all? When you have historically relied on bad habits to be happy it may time and work to retrain yourself.

8 Simple and Free Activities You Can Do to Feel Happy

Discover 8 simple and free activities to boost your happiness without relying on shopping or junk food. Embrace a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle today – here are my personal favorite ways to feel happy.

1. Listen to music or a playlist from my youth (and dance or sing along loudly).
2. Watch the animals in my yard – squirrels can be really entertaining, especially when you leave a little bit of food out for them to eat.
3. Attend a yoga or dance class. Go for a walk. (physical activity).
4. Paint with watercolors (creative expression).
5. Lay on the ground and look at the clouds (spend time in nature).
6. Take a scenic drive.
7. Laugh – this can be easier said than done, but turning on a funny show like Schitt’s Creek always works
8. Do something nice for others. Kindness triggers the happy brain hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Remember, happiness is an ‘inside job’ – it only happens to us. Personal happiness can flourish independent of material possessions, consumption, or outside circumstances if you put a little effort into it. Feeling happy does not have to be a lot of work if you have a list of quick ways to bring yourself joy. Don’t forget to love yourself.

NOTE: If you are feeling unhappy, scared, anxious, sad, or anything unpleasant, never hesitate to contact your primary care or a mental health specialist. This post contains my personal ways to feel happy and are only a suggestion.