21 September 2010

how-to make your day instantly better


HOW-TO MAKE YOUR DAY INSTANTLY BETTER
by Phoenix Peacock



1) Pride and Prejudice. Read at least the conversation between Lizzy and Darcy that leads up to the second proposal, if you are short on time.

2) A good cuddle with a loved one (a partner, parent, child or pet will usually do the trick).

3) Chocolate and Glitter. Don't think about the aftermath of either - just dive in and indulge a little.

4) Doing something for someone else. Open the door for someone, let someone with less items ahead of you in the check-out line, smile and greet everyone, write a letter, even better... leave a little surprise letter for a stranger (a happy note for a random person to find in a public space, in a library book, or somewhere else they will stumble upon it; or a note of gratitude to a lesser-known individual, such as thanking a neighbor for their lovely garden that you admire each day). Of course, there are bigger and grander acts... but the small simple ones work just as well in instantly cheering up both the giver and the receiver!

5) Cooking a good meal. Taking the time to take care of yourself and your loved ones through nurturing food. And of course, the presentation of the food also counts for extra points of instantly betterness!

6) Talking on the phone with a little kid. They are sure to make you giggle.

7) Calling, emailing, or facebooking friends. At times they might feel far away, but modern technology means they are all just a key stroke or phone call away!

8) Checking your mailbox. A happy mailbox equals a happy owner of a mailbox, so write your friends often (writing others is gratifying in and of itself, but it also increases the likelihood of your mailbox being full).

9) A cup of tea - I highly suggest a mix of lavender and chamomile.

10) Finding a reason to laugh. It can be ridiculous, truly funny, or just an excuse not to cry. Whatever is the source of the giggle fits doesn't seem to matter as long as it results in laughing. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

11) Reconnecting with nature. Its amazing how much stress falls away when you spend time outside.

12) Babies. Baby humans, baby animals, baby clothes, baby toys... anything that screams cute. How does that not make you gush happiness?!

13) And old things. Cute old couples. Old houses. Old trees. Old stuffed animals that are obviously well loved. Old books. Vintage finds. Things that you can touch and just feel the history.

14) Getting dressed up to go out. I think just the ritual acts of looking good give you a bit of an ego lift... well, it might actually blow your head up pretty big. Feeling like you are fine definitely will improve your mood and make you feel unstoppable.

15) Taking time to appreciate the little things. Carrying a camera around helps one pay attention to some of those visual little things.

16) Making art, writing, sewing, cooking, or whatever it is that is your creative outlet!

17) Taking a bubble bath. With the candles lit. Add some aromatherapy, a "treat" drink, and some music. Romance yourself. You deserve to be spoiled.

18) Trying out a new recipe. It makes you feel like such a success when it works out. And when it doesn't, it gives you something to laugh about. Please reread #10!

19) Getting organized. Being busy gives a busy mind something to focus on. Plus, the end result is such a large pat on the back.

20) Making time to explore and play. On your own, with the whole family, or with friends. No matter what form it takes, it always feels so invigorating and adds life to the day!

21) Oh and who could forget... blasting some favorite tunes and dancing around (preferably with the curtains closed so you can break out your biggest and baddest moves!)

Thanks Marta for letting me be a part of the How-To series! To all of Marta's readers, I would love to hear what you do to make your day instantly better!


image via DuckDuck Collective.

the how-to series is here to encourage confidence in the creativity and skills you have to offer. i am excited to showcase your talents and unique ideas. if you have a specialty (and i know you do), please submit your how-to guest post by emailing me. i will be delighted to feature your how-to in the future.

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." - John Wooden

16 comments:

jeanette from everton terrace said...

Great ideas! I try to incorporate many of them into my daily life. Never thought about re-reading the P&P section but that's a good one.

Jessica said...

I love this! I hope you don't mind, but I am going to link this to my Facebook profile so all my family and friends can come read and enjoy it just as much as I did.

THANKS! You are awesome! I hope that you have a GRRRREEEEAAAT day!

Amanda said...

Great post!

To make my day instantly better, I take a hot shower, drink tea or coffee and read blogs, read a good book, chat with a friend.

The Mighty RandR said...

These are great ideas, and just what I needed to hear this morning! Thank you!

Beck said...

ooo I love this! It's motivating me to create my own list... to be blogged soon. Thank you!

Brooke Ann Dove said...

Brilliant! Mr. Darcy always brightens my day.

Christen E. Krumm said...

love this! one of my favorite "how to" posts all summer!

xo,
christen

Amy at Ameroonie Designs said...

This is hands down my favorite "How-to" yet! One of my favorite pick-me-upper tricks is to simply smile. For no reason. The very act of engaging those muscles releases tension and changes my outlook. Simple, cheap, quick and easy.

Erin {pughs' news} said...

What a wonderful list! I love it. Great ideas. I'm going to bookmark this post right now, and refer to it when I'm having a lousy day.

Thank you!

Diana Mieczan said...

Those are such a great ideas...I love cooking up a yummy meal:) hugs and kisses
Wish you both an amazing day

You Are My Fave said...

What a great how-to topic. The best suggestion is babies.

Pink Little Cake said...

What a great list. Thanks for sharing!

heather said...

my very favorite how-to post, because for someone with a propensity to be sad, it is so needed! thanks for not using all the usual, common suggestions! some of mine:

-read a chapter of a young adult adventure novel
-snuggle with my cat on my chest (or my nieces if they're around)
-a piece of dark chocolate (especially for breakfast)
-taking myself out for a meal or a movie, even just my favorite bagel
-asking my best friend to tell me i will be alright, and believing her
-singing "three little birds" to myself
-making myself smile with my eyes, ala tyra
-child's pose
-watching the office, and if i'm lucky, watching my dad's reaction

it is all about the little things. sometimes i don't think i can even move myself, and telling myself to do just one thing to make my day a little easier, or a little better, is so helpful. thank you for reminding me of some of these things that make me so happy.

heather said...

Awww! This is the best how-to post ever! Wonderful reminders for daily life. Hugs and contact, art and cooking. Sooooo good!

Travelin'Oma said...

Just reading this lifted my spirits!

Liz said...

Many good ideas! My favorite is reading beautiful poems (like the one Marta posted above). It fills me to the brim with gratefulness and happiness!

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