Do you ever have those weeks where you feel as though you are on a treadmill going nowhere fast? Me too! Or how about the week before you get your period, when you can feel a little down in the dumps? Me too! I’m usually a fairly sparky person, so when I feel like the above, I’m just not quite the normal ‘me’!
So, I’ve come up with 7 positive, ‘can-do’ tips that I find really help if my week isn’t going to plan – you’ll be amazed at how better your week will become…I promise!
… and try to do it regularly, research suggests that daylight stimulates the brain chemicals that improve mood. For an extra boost, get your sunlight and take in nature – even if the sun’s not shining, you’ll still soak up a good dose of vital vitamin D in 20 minutes. And, if you can’t get your sunlight start taking vitamin D. Health experts advise that we should receive 10 micrograms daily to keep our immune system in tip-top shape.
As well as taking vitamin D, I go outside twice a day with my cat Raggy, (I know it’s pretty strange!), but he loves walking with me and we’re known around the neighbourhood! At first sight, people think I’m a ‘crazy cat lady’, but I soon get talking to people and (hopefully!) they realise I’m perfectly ‘normal’; it’s nice to feel part of the local community.
Deal with that insurance problem, purchase something you need, or make that long-postponed appointment with the dentist. Crossing an irksome chore off your to-do list will give you a rush of elation and relieve that eternal nagging. Go on, do it NOW!
Make it a way of life to take a minute to pass along useful information, or deliver some gratifying praise. Nothing makes you feel better than helping others. It also makes you feel great when you compliment others, so next time you see a friend in a cute top tell her so! It feels just as good to give as it does to receive.
Send an email to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or better still, pick up the phone! Having close bonds with other people is one of the most important keys to happiness. It’s so easy to just ‘text’, but you’ll reap the rewards of a feel good factor if you phone!
Research shows that even an artificially induced smile boosts your mood. And if you’re smiling, other people will perceive you as being friendlier and more approachable. When you act in a friendly way, not only will others feel friendlier toward you, but you’ll also strengthen your feelings of friendliness for other people. It’s true: what comes around goes around. When I received some sad news about my Dads health some a while back I threw myself into work, which that particular month involved recording lots of makeup and style videos. Since I like to smile and be happy in my videos, I forced a smile on (even though I felt heartbroken) and after 10 minutes that smile became a ‘real’ one and it made me feel so much better – I sort of tricked my brain I think…pretty cool that it worked! I’ve later discovered that it’s scientifically proven that when you smile it releases endorphins to the brain! So all the more reason to try and force that smile when you feel blue…
At least once a month, try to plan an evening out or an evening in with a friend, your partner or a family member on a scheduled basis. Put it in the diary, make the necessary arrangements and don’t cancel (unless of course it’s an unavoidable situation). At the end of ‘date night’, diarise the next night to keep the momentum going. You don’t have to spend a lot of money – it can be as simple as cooking with one another, with a glass of wine in hand; then sitting down together and enjoying what you’ve just made. Plan your first ‘date night’ today and never stop. Seriously do it now!
When it all becomes too much: If you think you can’t, you won’t. Take up the day’s challenge head-on; don’t let it beat you.
YOU CAN DO IT. FACT.
Love
Makeup Artist | Stylist | Founder of Beautyandtheboutique.com