Smile In 60 Seconds!

Whether you’re struggling with three-thirtyitis, the Monday blues or you’re just not feeling yourself, we have put together 10 things you can do to instantly put yourself in a better mood!

1. Think About Something Positive

Take your mind back to a particular time or event that made you happy. This may be your wedding day, that great vacation you had in Mexico or that time your friend said something hilarious. Let your mind stay there for a while and re-live that moment. These memories are powerful and have a way of triggering positive emotions!

2. Play With A Dog

These furry little creatures will never fail to bring a smile to your face. A recent study found that petting a dog not only lowers stress hormones but also releases feel-good hormones including serotonin, oxytocin and prolactin. So take yourself for a walk in your local dog park or stop to give that dog a pat. The bonus is, it won’t just make you smile but will probably make the dog’s tail wag too!

3. Perform A Random Act Of Kindness

Several studies have revealed that random acts of kindness have a direct correlation to improving your happiness. So whether you shout your friend to lunch, donate some money to your local charity or give your colleague a compliment, random acts of kindness are guaranteed to make you and the person involved, feel good!

4. Get Some Exercise 

It’s the oldest rule in the book and for good reason! Exercise releases happy chemicals in your brain, keeps you energized and eases anxiety & stress. So step outside for 30 minutes and take yourself for a brisk walk or run. 

5. Call Someone You Love

A quick thirty-second phone with someone you love can instantly lighten your mood. Studies have also found that speaking with someone you love can reduce blood pressure and your heart rate, making you feel more relaxed!

6. Get Online

Spend a few minutes online looking up things that make you feel inspired and happy. Whether you enjoy looking up DIY craft ideas, holiday destinations or some funny video-clips, the Internet is an unlimited source of mood-lifting videos, pictures and articles. Some of our favorite go-to sites are Pinterest, Buzzfeed and YouTube.

7. Look At Baby Photos

Pull out your baby photos and go ‘ga-ga’ over how adorable you were and have a chuckle over how your Mom styled your hair and dressed you. Baby photos are almost guaranteed to make you smile!

8. Invest In Experience

Researchers have found that 57% of people said that were happier when spending money on experiences. 34% of people said they were happier buying materialistic things. Re-think your actions before spending your money on materialistic things and try investing in experiential opportunities such as going to the theatre or booking a weekend getaway with your friends!

9. Listen To Your Favorite Music

Music is a natural mood lifter! A study from the University of Missouri has confirmed that listening to an upbeat song can instantly enhance your mood. Pull together your favorite upbeat, happy songs and listen to them whilst at work or on the go. One of our personal favorites of the moment is “Happy” By Pharrell Williams!

10. Have Some Chocolate

It’s true, chocolate really is good for you (when consumed in moderation of course!). Dark chocolate not only stimulates the production of endorphins, which results in feelings of pleasure, it also contains the chemical serotonin, which is an anti-depressant. So don’t be afraid to treat yourself every now and then! One of our favorite dark chocolate brands at the moment is Salazon Chocolate – the Sea Salt & Caramel flavor is the perfect sweet indulgence!