We could all do with treating ourselves now and then, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a load of cash. Of course, the best things in life are free, or at least under £10! There are certain things that will improve your happiness [1], from exercising and being outside to smiling and being open about your feelings, and we've thought of fun ways to take part in them. If you want to brighten your day, take a look at our ideas for ways to treat yourself on a budget. From experiences to purchases, we've thought of something to suit everyone. Think of it as your gift to yourself.
Head to the Photobooth
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.
Host a Movie Night
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.
Move Your Body
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 [2] 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!).
Write a Letter
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 [3] 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.
Make a Phone Call
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.
Buy a Bunch of Fresh Flowers
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.
Take a Walk
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 [4].
Smell the Flowers
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.
Go to the Theatre
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 [5] in London has 700 £5 standing tickets for every performance.
Daydream
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.
Buy a New Mug
You probably use your mug several times a day, so treat yourself to a new one and enjoy it every single day.
Get Something Personalised
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 [6].
Eat Lunch Out
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 [7], you can get two courses for £9.95 or £10.95 depending on the restaurant you choose.
Have a Long Soak
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.
Go Gourmet With Your Beverage
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.
Read a Book
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.
Have a Home Spa Night
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.
Bake Bread
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 [8] to follow.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
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.
Go to the Cinema
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.
Cuddle Something Cute
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.
Look at Art
A lot of galleries offer free entry to their permanent collections, and staring at art is a wonderful way to spend your lunch break.