Ten Low Cost Ways to Reduce Money Stress

Do you ever get tired of thinking about money? Since I’ve started writing about personal finance, I’ve gotten burned out once or twice by always having “money on the brain”. Here are ten cheap ways you can get money off your mind. The first five will build your brain and health, the second five are just fun!

Read a Book
Check out a book from the library. Avoid ones that have anything to do with money. Find a book you’ve been wanting to read but just haven’t had the time.

Take a Nap
Even a quick 15-20 minute nap can help “reboot the brain” and chase away your money worries.

Get Active
Whether it’s a walk around the block or a serious workout session, get your blood pumping. Your endorphins and adrenaline will clear out the money gremlins.

Meditate
Whether in a spiritual or just relaxation mode; dim the lights, stretch out, and let your mind wander away from money issues.

Write
Money is just a tool to get us where we’d like to be. Instead of focusing on the how, think about the what. Forget about how you’ll afford it. Write down what you want out of life and even how it will feel once you’ve achieved it.

Now for the fun stuff…..

Veg Out
There’s nothing more therapeutic than losing yourself in an episode of The Office or whatever your favorite show is. Need an extended brain drain, pop in a movie and wallow in mind numbing action or drama for a few hours.

Make Love
If you’re thinking of money during this then I’m afraid this article won’t help you. You may be in some major trouble!

Laugh
There is a mountain of funny stuff out on YouTube, you can surf and laugh for hours! Looking for something a little more personal, call up your funniest friend or pull out old pictures of your “awkward years” along with your significant other.

Dance Party
Modern stereos allow you to drown out your thoughts and dance your money sorrows away in your living room. Probably avoid Snoop’s, “My minds on my money and my money’s on my mind.” A little bit of the Doors, Green Day, or Jimmy Buffet can always take me away to my own little Margaritaville. Even better, haul out that old karaoke machine in the basement and go to town.

Have a Drink
We don’t want to make drowning our sorrows a habit but a little alcohol can always put things in a little different perspective. Combining this one with any of the previous four can make for true a money-forgetting experience. Warning, drinking and driving will void the low cost value of this one.

Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

All posts by Ben Edwards