How many recessions have you lived through? You’ll live through this one too! The recession of the 2001-2002-2003 era sucked, but not as bad as the recession in 1992. I don’t remember the recession of the late eighties and wasn’t even in utero during seventies-era hyperinflation, but I know my parents weren’t fond of those times either (my dad was always getting laid off). Regardless, from the ashes of the “it’s the economy, stupid” years rose such culturally viable byproducts as grunge, Reality Bites, Riot Grrrl.

It might be more difficult to get a job and whatnot, but the world has not stopped turning. Why not use your more abundant free time (that phone won’t ring anyway, even if you step away from your desk) to invest in your social life or pursue your artistic goals? Now is the time to integrate art into everyday life.

Tip #6: Think about the recession as a party with another name.
Just because you have less disposable income doesn’t mean you can’t have as much fun. Some of the poorest people I know could teach us a thing or two about getting the biggest bang for your buck, enjoyment-wise. The key to staying entertained during times of less is creativity. I can’t stress this enough.

Here are some activities that don’t cost a lot, but can bring much joy:

- Throw a party. Why go to a bar and buy drinks when you can drink in the privacy of your own home or office for a fraction of the price and eliminate the undesirables that lurk in the outside world? Assign your party a theme or special feature, and the party becomes an event.
- Card games. Care to join us for a game of poker? The buy-in will remain $7 due to the recession. Don’t like poker? Try Uno (or my personal fave, pinochle).
- Take a walk. This activity has served me extremely well during the many, many impoverished years I spent in New York and elsewhere. A city is an amazing place—now’s the time to appreciate it more. Spring is coming—are you ready? Take a look around your neighborhood or another. What havoc has gentrification wreaked this week? Visit a faraway neighborhood or even another borough. Mega-dérive!
- Flea markets / thrift stores. I hate it when other people have the same stuff as me. Flea markets can help you out of this rut. They are also good for looking at random things such as other people’s snapshots, socializing, unique artwork, affordable furniture. I got a dresser this weekend for $25.
- Ride a bike. Hours of entertainment, reduced reliance on taxis, big savings. Cancel that gym membership and commute to work on your bike. Also, if you get really bored or really broke, learn how to fix your own bike. There are a lot of places in NYC that will teach you basic bicycle maintenance skills for free (among them, Dumbo’s own Recycle-A-Bicycle, where I learned how to fix a flat tire and the meaning of the word “truing” three years ago). Self-reliance is of the essence during times of squalor!
- Make something. Start crafting. This week I made a quilt square and a lot of pom-poms. You can craft with your friends and it’s like having a party, but more productive. You can make projects together. If you want, you can even sell the things you make for extra cash.
- Art openings. Their usefulness is trifold: inspiration, networking (more money!), and free food and drink.
- The Met. It’s still pay as you wish. Have you seen the new Greek and Roman galleries yet?
- Ever heard of the library? It’s full of books, movies, classes, free bathrooms, weird people. Go there one afternoon and don’t buy anything. Cancel that netflix account and order your movies (or books) from the library. You can order them online and have them shipped to your local branch. Keep them as long as you want — just be sure to renew!
- Develop a new creative pursuit. Learn how to draw, take photos, make some LOLhunkz, start a band, grow your own herb garden, refinish furniture. Ease your anxious mind by focusing your attention on all those activities you never had time for before.

Share your tips!