Sometimes, you just need a pick me up. There are the obvious ones of course, like go and get a massage or light some candles to have a long hot bath. But here are our top five ideas you might not have thought of.
1. Do something good (for someone else)
Endorphins are real. You might think that you’re going to get a rush out of going shopping and buying that perfect pair of heels, but that feel good feeling? It actually comes out more when you’re helping other people. This can be big or small. If you’re in line to buy a coffee, tell the barista you want to pay for the person behind you. Look into volunteering for a charity that you believe in. That woman on your train in the morning who has the best handbag you’ve ever seen? Tell her that. Even a compliment could make someone else’s day and give you that good person glow.
2. Play with an animal
It’s been proven that animals can help with your stress levels. Spending just 20 minutes a day patting a dog has been scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure, so if you’ve got a pet? Demand some attention, even if it’s just persuading them to sit on your lap and not move for awhile. If you don’t have a pet, beg a loan from a kindly friend, neighbour or family member. If you tell them it’s for the benefit of your mental health, they just can’t turn you down!
3. Netflix marathon
Everyone has their guilty pleasure. Whether it’s Made in Chelsea, Keeping up with the Kardashians or Toddlers and Tiaras? Embrace those bad TV shows and challenge yourself to watch as many episodes as you can in the space of a day. We said we’d be creative, so we don’t want to tell you to get some chocolate, but what you do in the privacy of your own home? Well, that’s up to you.
4. Organise your wardrobe
Until you’ve done this, you won’t understand how therapeutic it can be. If your wardrobe is in a state of chaos, forcing some order into the situation will help. If it’s rediscovering that dress you forgot you owned or just clearing a space for new purchases, the effect is the same. We think that an organised wardrobe is the sign of an organised mind and pulling out that forgotten dress tomorrow? You’ll agree! (If you want a top up good feeling, consider donating the clothes that no longer fit you to charity too!)
5. Switch off your phone
We live in a ‘switch on’ world. This is your chance to disconnect. We love social media just as much as you do, but we promise that you can skip a few hours and the world won’t end. Take time to simply sit in the quiet. No notifications, no emails from your boss, no nothing. We know, this might seem scary to some of you. Trust us okay? Sometimes it’s nice to just stop.
