7 things to do to brighten your day

So we all have those days where we need a bit of brightness.  A bit of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel and a HUGE cup of tea which makes us feel good.  This Sunday just passed it got to about 3pm.  I was getting a bit tetchy, Jack was niggly and I needed something to brighten my day.  We put our wellies on and we went for a walk.  I have always wanted to take a picture of me jumping (yes I am weird like that, once I get a photo idea in my head,  I have to try it) so I asked Mani to take a few.  Guys, I was in hysterics doing this, as was Mani and Jack.  Jack was giggling away, it was so funny.  Day=brightened.

Here are 7 things you can try to brighten your day.

1. GET OUTSIDE 

A walk in the fresh air always makes me feel better.  I never feel like going for a walk particularly but nothing gets those endorphin's going like a bit of fresh air and some (very gentle) exercise.  We are lucky as we live in the countryside so I have the added advantage of beautiful surroundings but no matter what your location; getting out, breathing in the outside air will brighten your day for sure.

2. LOOK UP

Go outside. Stand there in the silence.  Look up at the sky.  And contemplate how amazing this life really is. Above you are clouds, stars, planets, planes, birds.  I mean, really think about that.  It is pretty darn amazing.

3. HAVE A CUP OF TEA

If getting outside is just too much to ask, go boil the kettle.  Use your favourite mug and pour yourself a hot cup of tea.  Tea is medicinal, its soothes the soul.  Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world.  It will revive you.  Better yet - have your tea with a huge wedge of cake or a couple of biscuits.  Day = brighter.

4. DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

What makes you happy?  Really think about it.  Go and do that. 
Bake, exercise, watch your favourite TV program, have a hot bath, chat to a dear friend, create or take some photos.

5. CRANK UP THE MUSIC AND HAVE A DANCE

Yes, you read correctly.  Put on your favourite CD or radio station, and DANCE! Really let your hair down, jump on the bed, on the sofas. Throw your hands in the air and dance.  You will smile and laugh without realising and you cannot say singing out loud isn't good for the soul.
My favourite feel good songs include:

In the Middle by Jimmy Eat World
So What by P!NK
Tubthumping by Chumbawumba
All the Small Things by Blink182
Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
You Only Get what you Give - The New Radicals

6. WRITE DOWN 5 THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR

Too often the humdrum of everyday life can really get us down.  Gosh, I mean going to work, making supper, cleaning the house, looking after the kids on repeat all day everyday can get monotonous and it is too easy to forget how much we really have in life.  So get out a pad and a pen and write those 5 things down. You will end up with a longer list than five, trust me.

7. WRITE SOMEONE A LETTER

We all have people in our life that we just could not live without.  Friends, family, husbands, wives, children. And you cannot tell these people enough how much you love them and appreciate them.  So write them a letter, send them a text or pop them an email and tell them.  Tell them you love them dearly, that you love the way they laugh, or that their support is invaluable and their laugh is infectious.  It will make them feel good and appreciated and it will make you realise even more how lucky you are to have such wonderful people in your life.

Anything you do in particular that you know will help brighten your day?
Please share it with me, I would genuinely love to know!

♥♥♥♥♥