Monday 31 January 2011

How To Get Happy

photo by yyellowbird

I speak on your behalf when I say that we all like to think of ourselves as bubbly, bright, super-productive, creative beings, right? We like to think that we spend our days working hard and swanning about in our spare time, don't we?

Sometimes, there are days when we just don't feel it. Sometimes, there are days when all we want to do is curl up in front of the TV, lose ourselves in chocolate, drown in endless internet, spend our grocery money on a pair of new shoes. But does it really work? Sugar, shopping and skimming through endless pages in Tumblr doesn't make me feel that much better, in all honesty. And I'm sure it doesn't work for you.

Here are a few ways to brighten your body and mind, leaving you feeling fresh, light and most importantly, happy.

GET CLEAN
Messy surroundings = messy mood. How can you be expected to function if your bedroom resembles a bomb-site?! It may feel like a chore at first (especially if your room is as terrible as mine was this morning...), but it gives such satisfaction! Tie up your hair, put on some loud music and hop to it!
Of course, if you already live in impeccable surroundings, why not give yourself a good scrub? Take the time to have a long bath, or slap on a face mask, or paint your nails. Moisturise, exfoliate, wash away that bad mood! Clean body, clean mind.

GET IN THE KITCHEN
I'm sitting here writing this after having just cooked and eaten a super-delicious dinner for myself (Thai Chicken Wraps with Sour Cream Dip, anyone?). If you are hungry and bored (and sulking), sugar is going to do nothing but make you feel good for a little while, and then make you feel worse. Get some real grub inside you! Look though recipes in books and online, and choose something that sounds fresh and snazzy and delicious. Go out and buy the ingredients (and a little something for dessert!) and get cooking.

GET OUTSIDE
Take a long walk to goodness-knows-where. I often find that it helps me think and gives me a lovely endorphin boost. If you live in the city, try exploring a new area. If you are in the countryside (lucky you!), explore a new footpath or forge one of you own. I love a good walk around my city, and it's even better with a camera or a good friend (or a good dog!!).

GET TOGETHER
Search out other human beings! Seek out someone you haven't hung out with in a long while and catch up; initiate an insane tickle war with your beloved; invite a close friend over for dinner and gossip. It's hard to feel sorry for yourself when you're with friends!

GET DRESSED
Dress up! Put on something with sparkle and texture. I wrote an article about dressing up a while ago, here. It doesn't matter if you're not going anywhere, just put on something that makes you feel good. And take some photos.

GET CALM
Light a candle or some incense, and lie on your bed (over the covers!! you're not going to sleep!). Meditate for ten minutes or longer, if you wish. You can either set an alarm or search the internet for guided meditations. I like this one here. Clear your mind and feel your body refresh itself. You will bounce back up, I promise! It feels really good just to take some time and concentrate on absolutely nothing.

So, there you have it: a quick guide to beating the everyday blues. Hope you all feel refreshed and ready for the rest of the week!

4 comments:

vanillascents said...

Whoaa you got a really nice blog here! It's lovely.
I love the photos, and last post cupcakes photo too! following you now :D

Toots said...

This blog just looks so gorgeous. I dont know why, but when I look at it I think of really feather-light auras.

Well done lovely. xxx
I have added you to my "lovely blogs" list..
www.1001ways-to-be-more-lovely.blogspot.com

Alys said...

Yay. Love it when you do posts like this :)
You've also reminded me that my room DOES look like a bombsite and I should really clear it up.
x

Coury Combs said...

Absolutely wonderful tips!

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