Recession-Proof Your Mood: 5 Simple Steps

Just because you're cutting back on spending doesn't mean you need to cut back on happiness. When you don't have money to throw at the parts of your life that aren't making you happy (as in retail therapy), you may actually find real-deal satisfaction and true happiness. According to the latest Nielsen Happiness Study, women's happiness is more likely to be recession-proof than men's because women are more apt to say that friendships and family -- not money -- make them really happy. Men? They put their happiness where their dollars are.

But when it comes right down to it, also know that both men and women could use a little satisfaction boost. That's why we advocate taking 2 minutes each morning -- even in the bathroom -- to remember what your purpose and goals for the day are. Doing so not only makes your day-to-day life more fun but also helps you live longer and better and increases your inner beauty. Here are some other tips on how to be happiness rich while being financially frugal:

1. Divert yourself. When making your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. Do you look forward to reading in bed, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside? We both enjoy long walks with our spouses and with our kids. While you do need to be more frugal and productive right now, you won't be able to push yourself to do that unless you also rest and recover. That means making sure some of your favorite diversions happen every day. Don't believe you can fit them in? Cross something off your list that's consuming your time but isn't enhancing your life. TV, for example.

2. Stay in motion. Resist the urge to skip your daily physical activity plan, even on low-energy days. Spending some energy will help you have more in the long run. Sticking with a fitness routine helps you feel good about yourself, strengthens your immune system, and enhances your body's production of mood-boosting hormones. Keep a notebook with short summaries of how you feel after really good workouts, and look back at them when you need inspiration.

3. Take a break. Little breaks for deep breathing and 10-minute walks can dissolve satisfaction-busting stress. Here's the right way to breathe (yes, most adults need to be told this): Put one hand on your belly and another on your chest. The hand on your belly should be the one moving in and out when you breathe. Imagine your lungs filling with air; it should take about 5 seconds to inhale deeply. Then, slowly exhale, taking about 7 seconds to let all the air out. If you can leave your desk, walk around. A brisk 10-minute walk will do far more to dissipate stress and lift your spirits than knee-jerk reactions to tension, such as inhaling sugary or salty snacks.

4. Share what you love. Help kids with math. Lend a hand in building a house. Volunteer at a food pantry. Sure, you need to do things for money, but spending a little time helping others may reduce your healthcare bills: Volunteering can improve your well-being. It can inspire gratitude for the skills life has given you, reconnecting you with your purpose in life. And it gets you involved in your community, which creates health-strengthening emotional bonds. You might even learn new skills, which will keep your mind sharp, or get to network with the person holding the other end of the beam.

5. Appreciate the people around you. We need other people . . . love and crave other people. Without a singular bond on a romantic level, and/or multiple ones at the family and friend level, it's hard for most of us to be happy. Good relationships with others -- and having a real buddy you can talk with anytime -- can help stave off depression and add years to your life, especially if you're trying to weather stress storms. Laugh with friends and family and you'll do yourself even more good: Laughing lowers blood pressure and releases endorphins that can ease pain. TiVo Jon Stewart, Jay Leno, or David Letterman and watch while you and your spouse do sit-ups and push-ups or walk on a treadmill. While the health benefits of a safe monogamous sexual relationship are extremely important, research also indicates that strong social ties, such as having a best buddy, are super good for you, too.

In tough times, happiness isn't an extra. It's an essential way to build resilience and good health. Give yourself a dose every day.