7 Simple Ways to Boost Your Day

By Faith Wright, Travel Advisor

Feeling low or just out of funk? We’ve all had moments, days, and even weeks when we just can’t seem to turn the blues into bright golden hues. While treatment for depression and mental health struggles should be provided by a trained professional, there are some activities that may help kick start the feel-good mood in you. Here are seven simple ways to boost your day:

1. Smiling

Smile at your desk. Smile while folding laundry. Smile in the mirror at yourself. Just smile.

2. Happy Lunches

Eating a rushed midday meal is no good for anyone. Take time to savor the food you are using to nourish your mind and body. Carve out a slice of time for yourself before the demands of the afternoon call for your attention. Bring a real plate and utensils so you feel like the fancy human being you are. Enjoy a happy lunch for a happy day.

3. Journaling

Write it down. Physically pick up a writing utensil and put thought to paper. When something rattles around in your brain and refuses to stay settled, put it to rest on the page. Take a deep breath to release it then go about the rest of your day.

4. Sunshine

Whether you sit for a bit to watch the sun journey across the sky or just take a few moments to let the sunlight hit your face, the restorative feel of the sun’s rays can help brighten your day.

5. Stretching

You can sit, you can stand, you can lay down. Anyway that feels best to you is the perfect place to sneak in a quick stretch. Touch your toes (or knees), reach up to the sky, move your arms out wide then give yourself a big hug. Remind yourself that you are a good person and this is a great day.

6. Tidying

Clutter can be stressful to look at consciously and unconsciously. Pick three things to put away, 2 things to give a quick clean to, and 1 thing that already looks amazing. By tidying up your physical space (and acknowledging what is already in good shape) can help tidy up your mental space as well. While we are all a work in progress, remember to acknowledge that there are spaces around you and parts of you that are already great just the way they are.

7. Vision Boards

Ready to step up your day (and your life)? Create a vision board on paper or Pinterest of all you hope to be, do, see and dream. Take a few moments each day to look at and reflect on the vision you have for yourself. Make additions to the board as needed. Visualizing the best version of yourself can give you that little boost when you need help visualizing the best you.