10 things you can do this week to perk up yourself up instantly
So you are stuck in a rut and for some reason you are feeling down and can’t seem to snap out of it. Here are ten top tips to make you feel instantly happy!
- GO FOR A WALK
As simple as it sounds going for a brisk walk outside will release endorphins and make you feel instantly happier, energised and alert. Being outside gives your body essential Vitamin D which will also boost your mood.
When you go out, leave your phone indoors and give your mind a digital detox. You will instantly come back from your walk with much more clarity. Walking has been proven to radically reduce stress and anxiety. In Japan, they even have ‘forest bathing’ where people walk through the forest to calm themselves and restore their energy.
2. SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Have you ever noticed that when you have a holiday planned, you spend every day in a good mood looking forward and dreaming about what you will get up to in anticipation. With everyday life sometimes being so mundane, it is great to have something to look forward to. Plan a trip away, or a girl’s night out or why not plan a blissful spa break just for yourself. You deserve it!
3. COOK UP A STORM
When was the last time you looked through a good cook book and bought all the ingredients and cooked up a recipe? Why not pick your favourite chef and meal that you have always wanted to cook and serve it to friends or just have a big endless pot for yourself to indulge in. Cooking is fun and the reward of a recipe coming to fruition, gets your creative juices flowing and in turn is so gratifying.
4. CLEAN YOUR CAR
If you drive you spend a considerable amount of time in your car. A dirty car (especially if you have had children in the back over the holidays), can pile on the stress when you are then having to commute in it. Take the car for a valet service where you can also go and do your weekly shop and forget about it for a few hours. Before you do so, make sure you remove any obcvious items that you want stored and things like blankets are put in the boot. Come back to a lovely fresh clean car that feels as good as when you bought it from a showroom. Driving will be just that much nicer and you can enjoy your journeys more. Instant happiness!
5. GET GARDENING
According to Science World, Scientists have discovered that the mycobacterium found in soil can improve brain functions while boosting moods. The mycobacterium vaccae found in the soil increases serotonin produced in the brain (also known as the “happy” chemical). By getting your hands dirty, you‘re also making your brain happy! Get yourself down to your local garden centre and buy some perennial plants as these come back every year instead of dying like annual plants or invest in planting a lovely herb garden near your kitchen. A great investment is something like a rose bush that will be low key to maintain. If planted by the front door a rose bush will give you a wonderful perfume and glorious flowers to look at as you come in and out of your doorway. David Austin have a great range.
6. FRIENDS FOREVER
Surround yourself with your favourite people, whether this is your best friend, family or a group of people you really get along with. Being socialable increases human happiness. According to Physcology Today social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system, especially for older adults. This means that you are better able to fight off colds, the flu, and even some types of cancer. You will enjoy better mental health. Interacting with others boosts feelings of well-being and decreases feelings of depression. You never know, perhaps your friends are also feeling lonely and also wanting to meet up with you.
7. MUSIC IS THE KEY
Go and find your favourite piece of music whether that be an old vinyl record or a feel good playlist that you have made on Spotify.
According to Medical Daily, Dr Levitin found these points to be true when doing a test on listening to music:
- Listening to music was better than prescription medications in reducing stress before surgery.
- People who listened to music had an increase in their levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that is present at mucosal surfaces (digestive tract, lungs, etc.) and helps to prevent infections.
- Music listeners had higher numbers of an immune cell type called “natural killer cells,” whose job it is to attack bacteria, infected cells, and cancerous cells.
- Listening to music reduced levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that has many physiological effects, one of which has a role in promoting obesity.
8. GO SOLO
How many times have you wantd to do something but didn’t follow it up because nobody wanted to come with you. We all have such broad interests so go forth and do it solo if nobody wants to join you.
Go and watch a film that you really want to see or a theatre show on your own, usually you can get a great seat. Go and book that city break and roam on your advertures without having to worry if the other person is bored. Go and have a lovely lunch break in your favoutite restaurant and relax in your own company.
When you do something solo, you can go at your own pace and have a lot more freedom. Enjoy your own company and you will see how this type of meditation and self awareness practice is beneficial for your mental and physical health.
9. PAMPER YOURSELF
Take an extra long bath by candlelight with spa music. Take time to exfoliate, use really nice bubble bath and apply a face mask. Apply a hair mask and relax. Perhaps with a glass of red wine as well! When you have had your long bath, apply lotion to moisturise and indulge yourself. Afterwards do your nails in front of your favourite TV programme. Then you will feel good from the inside as well as looking good on the outside.
If you look after yourself then you will start to take pride in yourself. Your inner confidence will shine through. Never feel guilty about looking after your body and relaxing. It is important to unwind so that you can be the best you can be.
10. TREAT YOURSELF
Don’t wait for your birthday or Christmas to come along to get something that you really want. Reward yourself for just being you. When we give ourselves treats, we feel energized, cared for and contented, which boosts our self-command—and self-command helps us maintain our healthy habits.
We often feel guilty about treating ourselves, but the fact is that self-care is hugely beneficial to our mental, emotional and physical well-being.
How do you make yourself happy? Tell us in the comments.
The Glamourcat 