Forget the winter blues; next time you’re in need of a lift, try one these wellbeing boosters!
Breathe Deeply
Whether it’s a first date, an important job interview or a stressful commute, a few deep breaths will flood your body with fresh oxygen, banish anxiety and help you feel back in control. All you need to do is slow your breathing down, take full deep breaths into the sides of the ribs and wait for the waves of calm wash over you.
Smile More
It’s a cliché but it’s true; the more you smile the happier you’ll feel, and the happier you’ll make people around you feel. In December 2008 the British Medical Journal published a study that found happiness is contagious, whilst another study found that smiling has a direct positive effect on brain activity associated with happiness, so walk about with a smile!
Carry The Essentials
For an instant pick me up, keep a couple of essential oils in your handbag. Unless diluted in a carrier oil you shouldn’t put these directly on your skin but you can inhale the aroma or put a few drops on a tissue and keep that close by. Bergamot is an instant mood booster, lavender oil is calming and lemon oil will make you feel more alert and ease tiredness.
Use Some Colour Healing
Colours have a direct effect on how we feel so if you’re feeling low, lift your spirits with some colour. Red will energise you and help you achieve your goals, green creates balance and harmony and yellow will keep you alert and help with focus. For instant colour healing, wear the colour you need or use vibrant coloured scarves. You can also add the colour to your surroundings using flowers or fruit.
Pamper Yourself
A bit of TLC will relieve tension, boost your energy levels and make you feel fantastic! So book a massage, make an appointment at the hairdressers, get a facial, have some reflexology or invite some friends over for a girly pampering session.
Get Back To Nature
Nothing lifts the spirits more than a day outdoors so plan a walk in the countryside or an afternoon at the coast. Take a kite, a frisbee or a dog and you’ll feel refreshed and energised once again.
Live For The Now
We could all stew over ‘what if’s’ and ‘if only’s’ but that isn’t going to change anything. Instead, focus on the here and now and enjoy the moment. Spend your time and energy on the things you do have the power to control and keep negative thoughts in check – every time that negative voice pops into your mind, turn it into a positive one!