With our hectic lifestyle today, it can be easy to sink into periods of feeling like you’re in a rut. But don’t lose hope! Read my 5 simple tips on how to feel happier anytime, anywhere!
Buy yourself flowers (but make them green!)
I wrote a lot in my book, Front Roe, about the science of color. It has the ability to affect your mood. Red and violet, for example, are stimulating, and great to put in the office. Blue and pink are calming, perfect for a bedroom, and the colors that envoke feelings of joy most? Green and yellow. Green hypericum are my absolute favorite. Oh and ps. The act of buying yourself a beautiful bouquet, for no other reason than, well just because, will uplift and empower you.
Deep breathe.
In through the nose, out through the mouth. Slowly, and meaningfully (ie without checking your phone while you do it) .Try this 8 times in a row, when you wake up, or when you feel stressed, or before bed. Sounds so simple doesn’t it? I remember thinking, ‘as if that can make a difference, but the science is astounding. Deep, slow breaths alter the pH of the blood, change blood pressure, slow the production of stress hormones, and can positively impact the immune system, nervous system, digestion, brain and heart. Um…that’s a lot. And I’m not even talking about hardcore meditation, which achieves even more magic for the body and mind.
Sniff some sunblock.
I’m not kidding! We’ve all heard that scent is the strongest form of memory, right? Well it makes sense then, that certain smells affect your mood. Nostalgic smells like baby powder and SPF, call to mind happy memories, in turn making you feel relaxed and happy. Food for thought: fresh rosemary, or peppermint, or citrus fruits have all been proven to stimulate and elevate the mind. And lastly, get outdoors. The act itself will clear the cobwebs, but more specifically, there’s a chemical released by cut grass that causes relaxation and even joy, and in a study, the smell of pine trees reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.
Call your Granny
There is something about the older generation that I find soothing. They’ve been there, done that, they’re not on Instagram and they have stories to tell for days. Actually, studies show that a strong bond between grandparents and grandchildren, reduces any symptoms of depression for both parties. Wow!
If you don’t have grandparents, think about volunteering for a charity for the elderly. Being in their presence puts a lot of our worries into perspective (even more so if they survived a war), and somehow it takes us mentally far, far away from our daily grind. I will never forget chatting to a lady at my Granny’s care home. She had been a ballerina for the Royal Ballet, before stopping to work for the government during the war, tapping German phones. The week the war ended, Winston Churchill came up and thanked her personally. You just don’t get stories like that any more!
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Well, I couldn’t give you my heartfelt advice without mentioning fashion! I have seen firsthand on filming Plain Jane and other makeover shows, the enormous effect the right outfit can make on a woman’s mood. It’s not about how much it costs, but how it fits, and how it makes you stand, walk and feel. Treating yourself to that cute red beret, those giant sunglasses, that patent handbag, or (as in my case 100% of the time!) the killer heels, actually releases dopamine in the brain, causing a natural high. Retail therapy is real! And you bloody well deserve it.
What else do you guys do to feel happier? Let me know in the comments below!
xx,
Yessss to smelling sunblock. I thought I was the only one who LIVED for that smell. Honestly, just being outdoors in the sunshine is the biggest mood lifter for me. <3
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I wake up every morning with a lot of gratitude. thanking god for so much and always taking care of me in ways that I don’t thing about. Next when I go outside I always look up at the sky. It just does something medicinal to me. If the day is cloudy or gets cloudy that day, that is an extra treat. The clouds and there formation is astonishing. Try it…just looking up at the sky. Giving people a smile, just simple things like saying good morning, thank you, holding the door,huging someone, listinening to someone and not interrupting, or even just looking someone straight in the eye when they talk to you is gratifying….or just encouraging some one or sending cards or notes (this has almost gone out of style) to someone you view as insignificant…the list is endless. I always encourage myself and create my own happiness everyday. My name is Trish and you just heard my thinking our LOUD!
What about little bit of chocolate it makes you feel happy and it s good for health
I love you louis by the way
You’re inpiring me ?
loved those helpful tips…..perfect.
Being with animals is also known to be very therapeutic in brining a persons general tone higher……I highly recommend puppies! And horses…….they truly both bring joy, fun & an inner peace✨❤
I love these tips, thank you so much Trish! x
Absolutely love these tips Louise! They are quick, easy and efficient and anyone can apply them anytime when in need. Thank you for sharing them! Big love always xxx
I wish i could feel happy about My self nowdays more than before I cannot look at mirror to see my self , I only want to sleep comfortable and go swimming and live the life like all the people …it is next to never feel happy until one day I will die misserably way and no one will care about me ..lonely sad young man in 30 years old .
Loved this post Louise !!! You should make a post about your favorite skincare brands ❤️ I would love it ! And also about your favorite workouts indoors or outdoors ?