How to Feel Happy Without Shopping or Eating Junk

In our fast-paced, material-centered world, it’s easy to conflate happiness with consumption. However, true contentment often lies in the simple things that don’t require spending money or consuming goods. Here’s a list of activities that boost my happiness without involving consumption.

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.

I am 100% guilty of turning to one of the above for 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. When you have underlying mental health struggles (like me), consumption is not a long term solution.

How can I feel happy without involving consumption?

If you suffer from anxiety or depression, it is crucial to have a list of simple things you can do to feel happy. In my therapy sessions I learned to recognize what brings me joy that doesn’t involve shopping, food, or wine. Those habits only bring me a temporary feeling of contentment (and sometimes leave me worse off then before). I want to feel happier overall in life, but that takes time and work. But in the meantime, here are some of my favorite simple things to do to instantly feel happier.

8 Simple Things You Can Do to Feel Content

1. Listen to 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 (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.

Remember, happiness is an ‘inside job’ – it only happens to us and is something that can be a lot of work. Happiness can flourish independent of material possessions or outside circumstances.