Fun with no funds
Let’s face the reality and then, let’s just run away from it for a moment. When it feels like there is not much fun on the horizon and the budget can’t get any tighter – it’s time to get creative to survive in style.
The last 12 months have been hard and Covid has completely sucked so, if your financial situation makes you feel anxious, annoyed, sad, overwhelmed, fed up or just pee’d off, that is OK. Take a moment to let yourself feel these emotions, rather than trying to bury them.
Debtfix understands that for many of us it might be difficult to have a laugh but when you feel the time is right to have a bit of fun, here are some low and no budget ideas.
1. What do you want?
When money problems first hit us, don’t you just wish you could win first prize in Lotto to get the finances sorted? When we realise this isn’t going to happen, we need to decide what is really important and invariably it is whānau and friends.
Our connection with others is more important than ever when we feel bad, and it is probably one of the most difficult things to achieve at that time. Start by stepping out the door and say “hello” to neighbours, or even strangers and then, pick up the phone and call a friend. Texting and messaging isn’t the same as talking.
Hang out with your kids and if you have a partner, plan to share time with them.
2. Being bored or exhausted are both OK
The challenge when you are broke is that you might have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet or, you may not have any work and you are totally bored. If you are over-worked and exhausted your fun time could be having a relaxing bath, lying on the beach or sitting at the local park and listening to nature. Maybe, go fishing with the whānau or collect shellfish but make sure you follow New Zealand’s fishing rules.
On the other hand, without any money and excess time you may be bored, which is a new experience for many of us from our formerly busy world, especially during Covid lockdowns. We only need to watch a bored child to see how creativity thrives when we are not overwhelmed with activities and we can learn from them.
Now is a time to:
write,
make music,
build a tree hut,
make a TikTok video,
create sand sculptures,
collect nature’s colours of autumn,
play…
You get the idea. If you don’t have the $$ to spend on entertainment and busy-ness stretch your creative mind to have some fun.
3. Escapism
Visiting a library gives you free access to a world beyond your backyard, and reading books and magazines is a great way to escape your daily life. If you can’t get to the library, many towns and cities throughout New Zealand have a mobile service that comes to your neighbourhood. Also, there are massive online services, from audio books to podcasts, and music.
Explore your local library.
4. Find free events
You can’t beat a free event and they are great ways to get together with friends, connect with your community and just enjoy a change of scene. Get online and look at Eventfinda, Neighbourly and what’s on, on your local council website. Libraries have lots of free events for all ages.
5. Be spontaneous
Say “yes” when people invite you to do something or go somewhere, especially when you are feeling a bit like Nigel or Nigella No Friends. Give yourself permission to do something silly or fun that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
Do something new.
6. Volunteer
Helping someone else and helping the planet are rewarding ways to feel connected. Making a difference really does give you warm fuzzies and can distract you from your own challenges.
Do a Google search for volunteering in your area and you’ll be amazed what turns up, from animal focussed groups to sports clubs, hospices, and community tree planting days. If you are a whizz at op shopping consider volunteering to work in one and then you get first dibs on new arrivals. You local church or marae may also welcome your voluntary help.
Volunteer work is a valuable addition to your CV and could make the difference when you apply for a job.
7. Gratitude
Giving gratitude or appreciating what you have, may feel like a bit of a trend but the reality is – gratitude has been part of humanity for millennia. It’s all about recognising what we have got and can do with a positive approach.
Sometimes the amazing things surrounding us are easily overlooked when we are busy, frustrated or overwhelmed. Each day take a moment to give gratitude for something.
If you feel overwhelmed about money matters, the Debtfix Crew is here for you and we believe there is always a solution. Contact Debtfix now.
If life is overwhelming you and you need to talk, free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
The Mental Health Foundation and The Lowdown have useful guidelines if you need help now.