22 Things to Do For Under £10 to Brighten Your Day

Various studies show that smiling decreases stress and lowers your heart rate — even fake smiles! But a genuine smile is best, and is also contagious, so brighten your day with an activity guaranteed to get you beaming. Grab some friends and pull silly faces in a photobooth. It'll only cost about a fiver, and you'll have the photos to remember the fun, too.

Bring out your favourite movies or treat yourself to a new film on DVD or download one. Make it an even more enjoyable occasion by inviting some friends round for a movie night at yours.

We all know exercise is good for the mind as well as the body, thanks to the endorphin release. But did you know that just assuming a different posture can help too? Take Harvard researcher Amy Cuddy's advice and spend two minutes in a "power pose" — stretch out your arms to the sides, raise your chin, and open your chest. This open body language will actually change your brain chemistry — yoga mat optional (and less than £10 if you choose to buy one!).

Letter writing is becoming a lost art, so sending someone you love a handwritten note will mean so much more than a text or email. Writing down positive feelings about people we appreciate actually increases our own happiness, even if we don't send it. Do send it, and you'll brighten the recipient's day too. Plus you can buy some cute stationery for under £10.

Practising gratitude isn't just something restricted to pen and paper. Make a phone call and connect with a loved one you haven't spoken with in a while. It'll likely cost you nothing if their number is included in your free minutes.

A vase of fresh flowers brightens any room, so why wait for someone to buy you a bunch? Treat yourself to a bouquet for under £10 and enjoy the aroma and colours for days. You could also give one to a friend to brighten their day too.

Most of us spend most of our day sitting inside. Being active and being outside are both proven mood enhancers, with sunlight helping our body synthesise vitamin D and increasing our serotonin levels. Get out into a natural setting for 20 minutes and it can help you feel more alive.

While out taking a walk, or even just nipping into the cafe on your lunch break, take time to stop and smell the flowers. Or simply just notice their beauty. Better yet, go for a stroll through the local park and get in touch with nature. All it will cost you is your time.

Going to see a play feels like a special treat, as tickets are usually expensive and often hard to come by for popular shows. For those with patience, queuing up for day tickets is well worth it. Many theatres offer these for £10 or less, and some even offer cheap tickets all the time. Shakespeare's Globe in London has 700 £5 standing tickets for every performance.

How often do you allow yourself some time to daydream? It'll boost your mood, and it costs nothing. You can spend a little cash to help your inspiration, however, like on a travel magazine or whatever floats your boat.

You probably use your mug several times a day, so treat yourself to a new one and enjoy it every single day.

Personalised products make us feel extra special. They're surprisingly affordable, too. Whether you fancy a notebook with your name on it or a makeup case with your initials, you'll find plenty of choices under £10 on websites like Not on the High Street.

How often do you treat yourself to lunch out? It can easily be the highlight of your day and can cost less than £10, too. At various times throughout the year at Pizza Express, you can get two courses for £9.95 or £10.95 depending on the restaurant you choose.

Pretty much everyone enjoys a long soak in a hot bath, and it need only cost you the price of your water bill to fill the tub for a special occasion. Buy some bath oil, bubbles, or bath bombs for under £10 to increase the luxury, or even a scented candle to ramp up the treat factor.

Now and then, splurge on a gourmet coffee or hot chocolate. Yes, it can seem like a crazy amount of money to spend on a drink, but if you only do it occasionally, you'll enjoy the indulgence.

Reading a book only requires time and a little outlay on a paperback or ereader edition. And it can add to your enjoyment of life hugely. Have an early night, take yours to bed with you, and go on a journey of the imagination.

Going to the spa for treatments costs way more than a tenner, but you can enjoy some of the aspects at home for a fraction of the price. Get face masks, nail polish, hair chalks, or a pamper kit, all of which you can buy for less than £10, and get your beauty on at home. Invite your mates round to make it even more fun.

Baking your very own loaf of bread will give you such a feeling of satisfaction (and a tasty treat to eat, too). All you need is flour, oil, yeast, salt, and an easy recipe to follow.

Yes, too much cake can bad for us, but every now and then, it's so satisfying to shove one in your mouth! Go to your favourite bakery or cake shop and select the most indulgent one, or have a go at baking your own.

A night out at the cinema is a sure way to brighten your day. Go to an off-peak performance and you might just be able to grab some popcorn and still keep within your budget.

Anything with a smiley face on it is bound to brighten your mood. Get a cute cushion to add to your sofa or bed and it'll keep rewarding you with its sweet smiles.

A lot of galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections, and staring at art is a wonderful way to spend your lunch break.