I used to think fun required a credit card.
Seriously. A good time meant a fancy dinner, a new video game, or buying something I didn’t need. My old idea of fun was a temporary fix that usually left me feeling empty, unhealthy, and a little more broke. It was a trap. I was chasing quick hits of excitement through binge eating and endless hours of gaming, but it never led to real joy.
But when I started changing my life, losing over 110 pounds and breaking free from bad habits, I discovered something powerful. True fun isn’t about consumption. It’s about connection, creation, and experience. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, the best things are often free.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a cycle of spending to feel happy, I get it. I’ve been there. Let’s explore some simple ways to find joy without cluttering your life or emptying your wallet.
Get Outside and Breathe
There’s something incredible about disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with the world God created. It’s free, it’s refreshing, and it’s right outside your door. It grounds you in a way nothing else can.
- Take a hike. You don’t need fancy gear. Find a local trail, wear comfortable shoes, and just walk. Notice the trees, the sounds, and the fresh air.
- Go stargazing. Drive a little way out of the city, lay down a blanket, and just look up. It’s a humbling and beautiful experience.
- Have a simple picnic. Grab some fruit, a sandwich, and a bottle of water. Find a nice spot in a park and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset. This is a daily miracle we often take for granted. Make a point to sit and watch it from start to finish.
- Explore a local park. Don’t just walk through it. Sit on a bench. Watch people. Appreciate the green space in your community.
Create Something from Nothing
We were made to be creative. Using your hands and mind to make something is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. You don’t need to be an artist. You just need to be willing to try.
- Write a short story or journal. Grab a notebook and a pen. Write about your day, a memory, or a completely fictional world.
- Sketch or doodle. You don’t need to create a masterpiece. Just let your pen wander on the page. Draw objects around you or patterns from your imagination.
- Cook with ingredients you already have. Challenge yourself to make a meal without going to the store. Look up recipes based on what’s in your pantry.
- Learn a simple song. If you have an old guitar or keyboard, look up a free tutorial online. The feeling of playing a song, even a simple one, is amazing.
- Try phone photography. Your phone is a powerful camera. Go for a walk and try to see the world from a different angle. Look for interesting light, textures, and shadows.
Connect with People, Not Profiles
Loneliness is a real struggle, even when we’re surrounded by people online. Minimalist fun often involves putting the phone down and making real, meaningful connections with others.
- Host a potluck dinner. Invite a few friends over. Ask everyone to bring one simple dish. The focus is on the company, not a gourmet meal.
- Have a board game night. Dust off those old board games or a simple deck of cards. It’s a great way to laugh and engage with each other.
- Volunteer for a local cause. Helping others is a powerful way to find purpose and fun. Serve at a soup kitchen, help clean up a park, or visit a nursing home.
- Call an old friend. Don’t text. Call them. Have a real conversation and catch up on life without distractions.
- Write a heartfelt letter. In a world of instant messages, a physical letter is a treasure. Thank someone, encourage them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town
We often miss the amazing things right in our own backyard. You don’t need to travel far to find adventure and discovery.
- Visit your local library. It’s more than just books. Libraries are quiet, peaceful places full of knowledge, and they are completely free. Borrow a book you’ve always wanted to read.
- Explore a new neighborhood on foot. Pick a part of your town you don’t know well and just walk around. You’ll be surprised by what you find.
- Find a free museum day. Many museums offer free admission on certain days of the month. Check their websites and plan a visit.
- Attend a free community event. Look for concerts in the park, local festivals, or farmers' markets. These are great ways to feel connected to your community.
- Create a personal walking tour. Pick a theme, like historic buildings or the best coffee shops, and create your own tour. Invite a friend to join you.
Shifting my idea of fun from consuming to creating and experiencing was a huge part of my journey. It helped me find a sustainable joy that didn’t depend on my wallet or my waistline. It brought a sense of peace and gratitude into my life that I never had before.
Fun isn’t something you buy. It’s something you live.
So, what’s one simple thing you can do this week just for the fun of it?
