What if we told you that you were one of the wealthiest people in the world?

Before you scratch your head and check your wallet, pause for a moment and think about the
assets in your life. Not just the dollar bills in the safe, but the other valuables you have. The ones
that actually matter.
Sure, money can buy a lot of things -- but that's it. They're just things. Material possessions are
great, but happiness doesn't come from the items we own. It comes from a toddler's giggle or
your mom's cooking. It shows up on a sunny day or seeing your best friend walk down the aisle.
When it comes down to it, the riches in our bank accounts don't compare to the seven riches
below. Here's evidence that the best things in life don't cost a single penny.
Hugs.

Admit it, there's nothing like a warm embrace from someone you care about. Hugs can do a lot
more than just make you feel good for a split moment. Research shows they may lower your
blood pressure and boost your heart. Not bad for a small (and free!) gesture.
Friends and family.

You can't put a price point on your loved ones. They're worth everything without costing a single
dime (except for maybe those few bucks you let them borrow for that smoothie when they were
short). It's a small price to pay when you consider the real value they add to your life. Studies
suggest that friendships bring huge health perks, from increased longevity to improved mood.
Smiles.

Pro-tip: The more you grin, the more joy you'll feel. According to one 2012 study, people
who received a smile from strangers felt a greater sense of social connectedness. And who
doesn't want to feel like they belong? Not to mention those "knowing smiles" you share with
your best friends after an inside joke. So go on and flash those pearly whites.
Sleep.

Happiness is a satisfying nap or a good night's rest. Sometimes there's just no better feeling than
crawling into a comfortable bed and letting our minds drift away to dreamland. The body and
brain suffers dramatically without proper sleep. Better health for just a little more shuteye? That's
invaluable.
Laughter.

It's hard not to feel your absolute best when you're in the middle of a belly-aching fit of laughter.
It also has incredible health benefits. Research suggests that laughing may boost our memory and
can lower stress. Hey, the giggles look good on you (and they probably cost less than that shirt).
Happy memories.
Let's be honest, who hasn't replayed some of their best times in their head? (Bonus points if you
let it play in a montage like a movie.) Nostalgia is one of our mind's greatest indulgences -- and
it's totally OK to embrace it. Studies have found that nostalgia can decrease loneliness and
anxiety. Think back on your perfect prom or your wonderful wedding day. Research shows we
spend 47 percent of our waking hours daydreaming, so why not put it to good use?
Love.

The Beatles were most certainly onto something when they crooned in their 1960s hit, "All You
Need Is Love." Feeling accepted is crucial to our emotional wellness. We're happier, our immune
system is stronger and even our heart health is improved when we're around the people we
love, Woman's Day reported. Sounds like a richer, fuller life to us.
So, go hug your best friend, kiss your significant other, create good memories with your family
and make a stranger feel loved with a simple smile (and then go to sleep). All without draining
your pocketbook.
This GPS Guide is part of a series of posts designed to bring you back to balance when you're feeling off
course.
GPS Guides are our way of showing you what has relieved others' stress in the hopes that you
will be able to identify solutions that work for you. We all have de-stressing "secret weapons"
that we pull out in times of tension or anxiety, whether they be photos that relax us or make us
smile, songs that bring us back to our heart, quotes or poems that create a feeling of harmony or
meditative exercises that help us find a sense of silence and calm. We encourage you to visit our
other GPS Guides here, and share with us your own personal tips for finding peace, balance and
tranquility.