Do you ever have one of those days where it feels like the whole world is conspiring against you? We certainly do. Maybe you’ve having a brilliant day but you’d like to add a little extra ‘oomph’? Whether it’s a bad day or a good one, here are 10 easy ways to perk it up a little.
Perk up your day 1: Sweat
Sweat. Seems like a pretty vague and somewhat bizarre solution to your bad day, right? If you can do some form of physical activity, though – running, walking, dancing around the house – those positive endorphins will start flowing and you’ll be feeling a boost of positivity before you know it.
Perk up your day 2: A nice gesture
One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to do something nice for someone else. Why not give someone a cuddle, make tea for a loved one or buy your friend a small gift? That warm fuzzy feeling that stems from seeing someone else happy because of you is contagious.
Perk up your day 3: Have quiet time
If you’re feeling moody and you could snap at any moment, take yourself out of all social situations and take a few long, deep breaths. You’ll usually find that by the time you’ve had a little time away from people, you’ll have calmed down a lot and you’re less likely to snap at anyone. Phew!
Perk up your day 4: Wake up a few minutes earlier
Rather than rushing around the house in a panic (why does everything always seem to go wrong when you’re rushing?) set your alarm fifteen minutes earlier in the morning so you can get up and ready at a leisurely pace. Not being in a rush can really perk up your day.
Perk up your day 5: Have a warm bath or shower
Baths and showers are proven to have a healing effect on humans as they make us feel like our worries are washing away. Instead of hopping in and out of the shower though, make time for a relaxing bubble bath. Even if it only lasts for fifteen minutes, you’ll feel much better after it.
Perk up your day 6: Clear out clutter
A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, so make it your mission to de-clutter and you will find that your day has been given a nudge in the right direction. Whether it’s your kitchen, your bedroom or your desk, start on a little section at a time and you’ll feel a sense of satisfaction each time you see your sparkling clean surroundings.
Perk up your day 7: Light a citrus-scented candle
Improve your day by burning a lemon-scented candle. Yep, you heard that right. Scientists at Tel Aviv University suggest that citrus fragrances – particularly lemon – can alleviate depression and boost our mood.
Perk up your day 8: Have a glass of orange juice
Researchers say that a good dose of vitamin C lowers our levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, helping us to manage stress more effectively. Next time you’re having a stressful afternoon, reach for a glass of orange juice to ease you through.
Perk up your day 9: Laugh out loud
Whether you’re having a bad day or you just want to add a little ‘oomph’, nothing makes your day happier than a good laughing session. Every time you laugh, increased levels of oxygen soar to your organs and stress evaporates. Whether you opt to go for lunch with a friend who never fails to have you in stitches, or you watch a hilarious YouTube video, laughing out loud is a sure-fire way to boost your day.
Perk up your day 10: Pet your pet
If you’re the owner of a furry little friend, making time to simply sit with your pet can seriously boost your happiness. Every time you pet an animal, your body releases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, prolactin and serotonin, and this leads to lower blood pressure, happiness and less anxiety. Sounds good to us!
Picture: Friends from Shutterstock