Simple things you can do to boost your mood

In a world where everything runs at a hundred miles an hour, we can feel stressed and overwhelmed, with little time, money, or energy to recover. Here are a few things you can do to boost your mood. Many of the ideas cost very little if anything at all.

#1 Interact with an animal

Lots of us have pets. I myself have cats and goats, but I have had many other pets in the past, including dogs and rabbits. Talking to, petting, and even hugging an animal companion reduces stress and takes away any feelings of loneliness.

Those who aren’t fortunate enough to have a pet, take a walk outside. You’re bound to encounter a neighbour’s cat or somebody walking a dog. If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside you might encounter farm animals or horses. In our area, someone keeps emus, llamas, and donkeys. They love to be talked to, better still they love to be fed the odd carrot or two. We recently took a family member who has dementia to see them. He had a great time feeding them. Interacting with animals can really help with your mental health. Some people claim that simply stroking an animal can lower blood pressure.

In my mind, it’s that feeling of giving and receiving kindness that makes you feel so good.

#2 Grow a plant from seed

Growing a plant from seed is so satisfying. Watching it sprout, grow and bloom is so rewarding, almost like raising a child!

Now I know a few of you will say that you’re not green-fingered, terrible with plants and that they always die on you.

I’m not great with plants. I often wish I was like my dad. He devotes his life to gardening so he’s good at it. I’m afraid I don’t have that time. But you don’t have to be the next Alan Titchmarsh. Start off small.

It’s easy, costs little money, and is really fulfilling. Give it a try!

You can read my blog post on ‘Creative Explained’ here.

#3 Lie back and look at the white fluffy clouds on a sunny day

Yes, I know, this sounds like something hippy-dippy. But, I used to do this a lot when I was a kid. Little did I realise I was actually meditating.

Try it. You don’t even need to go outside. Lie back, either on your bed, sofa or floor, as long as you can see the blue sky with passing clouds. Obviously, this can also be done outside, in a field or on a beach, just as long as it’s safe to do so.

Look up to the sky, and just observe how the clouds float by, drifting past your vision, changing shape and interacting with other clouds. If any thoughts pop in your head just let them drift away with the passing clouds.

Set a timer on your phone for as long as you have time, or just let time pass. When you finish you should feel relaxed and clear-headed. Gives your mind a little breathing space.

#4 Light a smelly candle (pleasantly fragranced obviously!)

I very often light a lavender or sandalwood candle. When I was younger these scents tended to be associated with old ladies, but recently lavender is now considered great for relaxation. There are many vegan candle brands now, with many scents to help you feel uplifted or unwind. Just type vegan candles into google and take your pick!

#5 Climb a hill

Now this one you may have to have a certain level of fitness, depending on the height and steepness of the hill you’re climbing.

On reaching the summit of a hill there are usually spectacular views and it can be breath-taking. Just the achievement of climbing can be rewarding in itself. It can feel like you’ve climbed Everest!

Check out your nearest hill walks online. The National Trust is a good place to start.

Ensure you have a comfortable pair of walking shoes and dress weather appropriate. Hill climbs are best done on a dry and preferably a sunny day.

#6 Do some voluntary work

This one is obviously time permitting, and not everyone has that luxury.

There are many organisations that are screaming for extra help with their good work. Animal sanctuaries, homeless charities, environmental groups, hospitals and mental health groups are always looking for volunteers. You don’t even need to help out directly in person. Many of them may need help with work that involves computer skills, and this may be done remotely. You may have another skill that might help. I know maternity units supply newborn babies with little knitted hats. Somebody has to knit them, you may be that person!

Helping people or animals in need can be very good for the soul and be extremely rewarding. It can also boost your confidence and self-worth.

Check out different organisations online, they will more than likely bite your hand off with the offer of becoming a volunteer.

#7 Smile

Have you ever read the wonderful poem by the late great comedian Spike Milligan? If not, you can check it out here.

He’s right, smiling is infectious. Smiling makes you feel good, and that is most definitely boosted when someone reciprocates. There is a science behind smiling and mood. Check out the benefits of smiling here.

Make it a habit to smile at people. Make smiling a pandemic!

#8 Star gaze

No, I don’t mean celebrities!

You don’t need a fancy telescope. Open your window when it’s dark, or better still go outside and look up.

It has to be a clear night otherwise you won’t see much. You might see more aeroplanes in the sky than you thought you would, I know I did. Looking past that you’ll see many constellations of stars. Arm yourself with a book mapping the constellations or check them out on the internet. It’s actually quite therapeutic. You never know, you might even see a shooting star, or even the northern lights (I’m still yet to catch aurora borealis.)

#9 Write a gratitude journal

I do this when I’m feeling down. Buy a notebook and pen and write in it three to five things that you are grateful for today. It can be anything: your family, your pets, the notebook and pen if that’s all you can think of. It can even be the ability to write – there are some people in the world who can’t for whatever reason. There is always something to feel thankful for.

Do this once a day when you have a spare few minutes. You can keep the journal or throw the pages away once written. It doesn’t matter. It just makes you realise and appreciate what you do have.

#10 Do a random act of kindness

Open the door for someone, give up your seat, compliment someone on their appearance. You get the gist. Make someone else happy, make it your goal. A bit of kindness goes a long way.

#11 Listen to uplifting music

#12 Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while

I can almost guarantee they’ll be really pleased to hear from you. You may have meant to do it for ages, and you may think it’s gone too long but believe me it isn’t. It’s always good to know people are thinking about you. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and we get way too busy. Don’t scroll through your social media, call that friend you’ve been meaning to. Proper talking, human interaction can’t be beaten.

So, there you have it…

Twelve simple things you can do today that don’t cost much, but may make you feel good.