AIBU to ask for small free/cheap things that cheer you up.

[IDinnaKen]

Bearing in mind that the price of pretty much everything is shooting up, things like a favourite chocolate bar or coffee from the shops as a treat, or a relaxing soak in the bath with some fancy bubble might be out of reach for many soon.

What are some free/cheap things to look forward to?
How are people building up resilience to what will come especially by winter?

I really hope this doesn’t come across as insensitive, but…In all honesty, I feel like so many people I know (myself included) haven’t had to overthink budgets and spending. Not that we live a lavish lifestyle, far from it. But we are comfortable enough to not worry about being able to afford to pay the bills. (Perhaps it is a generational thing… as we haven’t had to struggle to afford things like previous generations.) Now, so many things are changing, we will have to adapt but I'm worried that I won’t be able to enjoy even simple pleasures.

I have a pear tree, I love watching through the year how pretty little flowers end up as pears.

The sky, I love a dramatic sky.

I have a small 1/3 pint old school milk bottle that I fill with wild flowers.

I mentioned it on here several years ago and was crucified for decimating the wildflower population, so for the sake of clarity I should point out that these are mostly dandelions, campions, stray tufts of wheat, forget me nots or whatever is about at the time. I do not make a habit out of pinching rare orchids 🤔

Walking the dog without my kids or DP and listening to a podcast or some music. It's so soothing for the soul!

Taking my dog for a long walk along the beach or woods near where I live when there's hardly anyone around. Preferably in autumn or winter.

Getting the very rare opportunity to be alone with a good book.

Sitting in my garden having a few drinks.

Stargazing on clear frosty nights in my garden wrapped up in a blanket, drinking a hot chocolate or coffee.

If a bottle is £9 and you can have many showers with it, how is it more expensive to enjoy a white company shower gel shower than it is for most of these activities on here (many of which per go, cost more)?

A new book (charity shop/library)
A bunch of fresh flowers (under a fiver)
Fresh coffee at home
A magazine
Hot bath
Nails painted
Good music
Browse around the art gallery
Writing someone a letter
Baking a cake
Baking scones
Eating said scones with a ton of jam
Podcasts
Trashy tv
Looking at old photos
Phone call/texting someone you miss

A walk along the beach on the sand is my favourite. I realise that if you don't live near the sea it is not possible.

Alternatively, a walk in the countryside with a view.

Sitting down to read a book. (I usually get mine from a second hand shop so get them very cheaply or swap books with friends).

Just to sit down and watch TV in peace for me is a treat.

A bath when I am home alone. I usually shower but occasionally will treat myself to a shallow bath. The water doesn't have to reach your neck.

Clean bed linen. Seeing any animals when out. A cup of tea. Planning a night in especially Halloween (movie, tea and some chocolate). A really hot shower before bed. Seeing friends at their homes.

Basically having time.

Also not as wholesome as some (a lot of which I do enjoy as well) but I love putting a really explicit hip hop or heavy metal song on when the kids are out and singing along. Current favourite is Break Stuff by Limp Bizkit. It really cheers this suburban mum up. Kind of like that scene in A Simple Favour when Anna Kendrick's character sings Ante Up by MOP in the car.

Looking up through trees.

Singing, last week on a countryside walk my friend and I sang combine harvester together after we saw one in a field. My sister and I sang two hymns in a deserted out of the way church yesterday and laughed at how we considered becoming Nuns when we were young.

My DMum makes the most gorgeous jams and jellies from fruit in their garden or hedgerows and I absolutely love having some on my toast. My ddad also makes amazing rose hip cordial which are gathered when he's out for walks. They're pretty cheap to make but last for ages and it's my little bit of "home" when I'm not there.

Hot shower before bed and putting night cream on
Cup of tea in bed whilst DH gives the children their breakfast and I enjoy 20 minutes of complete quiet time alone!
Cheap bunch of flowers £2 gladioli or £1daffs
Having the time to cook a nice meal at the weekend rather than our quick midweek meals
Watching a tv show
Fresh sheets
Bag of hot chips on an autumn day
Tidying a room that has spent a few days (weeks) looking a bit cluttered with the radio on and feeling deep satisfaction once done
A decent bar soap lasts ages and smells lovely