Are you missing some feel-good factors in your life? Here are eight fun ways to boost your mood.
We’re led to believe that happiness is a state of mind we might achieve at some point in our lives once we’ve checked off all the boxes, or reached an audacious goal. The truth is, we should expect to experience a full spectrum of emotions, regardless of our circumstances or the milestones we reach. Take a moment to consider this: do you genuinely wish to be happy all of the time? Without adversity and struggle, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate when things are going well in our lives.
A friend once told me that our human experience is 50/50, meaning we should only expect to experience happiness half of the time. I don’t know about you, but this belief feels wonderfully liberating. Even those living seemingly perfect lives still experience 50/50 in the feelings department. What a relief.
The thing with happiness is that it’s temporary, and we have the choice to prioritise feeling good throughout our day. This is why I’m such a big fan of integrating small, daily rituals into your routine. Our habits dictate how we feel, not to mention the results we achieve in life. The tiny moments in the broad scope of our lives are what weave together to create a greater sense of overall happiness.
So, if you’re in a wellness rut or need help in the feeling-good department, I’d like to share a handful of quick and easy tasks you can try to feel better without much effort. These eight simple ideas could make you feel healthier and happier today.
1. Treat yourself to a pitcher of cold-brew herbal tea
I’ve recently discovered how easy it is to make this refreshing beverage. I often make a jug and pop it in the fridge before going to bed so that it’s ready for sipping the next day. Immerse herbal tea leaves in room-temperature water, about 6-8 tablespoons for a large jug. Place in the fridge for at least six hours, then strain and enjoy. Fresh mint or lemon slices are nice additions.
2. Embrace the joy of a no-cook breakfast
School mornings seem much more manageable for me when no cooking is involved. A few easy-to-assemble recipe ideas are chia seed bircher muesli, avocado on toast, vanilla-spiked banana smoothies, or pre-made oat and nut bars for grabbing when you rush out the door. Search ‘no-cook breakfast recipes’ on Google if you are stuck for ideas.
3. Plan something to look forward to
There’s much joy in anticipating something good to come. Whether it’s a mini holiday, a catch-up with a friend, or even planning a mental health day in advance to do absolutely nothing. Scheduling events in your calendar will be sure to keep your mood boosted.
4. Go for a 10-minute walk first thing in the morning
We all have 10 minutes up our sleeve and being outside in the fresh air is the best way to feel clear, invigorated and ready to start the day.
5. Arrange some flowers in a vase
Treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers to brighten your day, and by extension, the coming days. If you’re feeling particularly inspired, you might like to wander around your neighbourhood and forage the flowers for yourself along the way.
6. Give your skin some tender-loving care
Putting moisturiser on your skin can often be a quick and thoughtless task. Turn it into a slow and soothing experience by being more mindful the next time you apply some pretty-smelling lotion. The skin, after all, is the largest organ of our body. It’s essential to look after it.
7. Do something you’ve been putting off
Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but the accomplishment you experience from crossing something off your to-do list far outweighs the heavy feeling that comes with procrastinating. This can be as simple as cleaning the clutter on top of your fridge or cancelling no-longer-used subscriptions. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
8. Romanticise your meal
Rather than simply plonking your food on a plate, take a little extra time to consider your presentation and setting. Light a candle. Pull out some fancy napkins. Decorate your dish with edible flowers. It’s the small touches that make all the difference.
Words and photography by: Eleanor Cripps
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