15 tips to liven up your day

Sometimes the daily routine can get you down – why not try some of these great tips to add a bright burst of happiness to every day?
 
1    Start your day with a smile
Research shows that the simple act of smiling - even if you don’t feel like it - can evoke a more positive mind set, lower stress and make you feel better.

2    Smell a favourite scent
A fragrance you love can bring about positive associations, memories and experiences. Sniff a favourite perfume, take in the aroma of a cup of coffee or go outside and breathe in the fresh air.

3    Buy yourself flowers
Add some colour to your workspace. Buy an exotic orchid, a leafy plant or a sunflower and enjoy their natural beauty.

4    Eat dark chocolate
A small square of dark chocolate doesn't just taste good, it's full of antioxidants and compounds that trigger happiness.

5    Peel and eat an orange
Feeling swamped? Take a break and eat an orange! The act of peeling it will give your mind a break as you concentrate on something else, while the fresh smell will revive you. And all that vitamin C is helpful in combating stress!

6    Go for a walk
Take a stroll around the block. Take in the sights and look at the sky, the trees and the birds. Enjoy deep breaths, swing your arms and find five minutes of calm.

7    Taste something as if for the first time
Stressed and peckish? Don't just gobble down handy snacks. Take a five-minute break and enjoy a healthy treat, making sure that you savour every bit. It could be a handful of nuts; some celery sticks with peanut butter or a piece of fruit. Eat it like you've never tasted it before and relish the moment.

8    Laugh out loud
Laughter can trigger all sorts of positive effects in the mind and body – and make you feel happy. Find your favourite YouTube video and let yourself laugh. It'll brighten up your day!

9    Drink water
Combat low energy and sluggishness by making sure you get enough water each day. Cool water is best. Perk it up with a little lemon for a citrusy burst, and drink away!

10    Take a power nap
Low on energy? Take a 15-minute power nap. Closing your eyes and letting go of your troubles for a few minutes will help boost energy, and stimulate the mind.

11    Say I love you
Reach out to a loved one just to say those three little words. The act of expressing affection floods the body with happy hormones and helps you remember to be thankful for the good things in life.

12    Sing a song
Avoid workday blues by starting the day with a loud blast of energetic music. Sing along and dance if you want to! Studies have found that music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness. A happy song helps put a beat in your step, and enforces positive associations about the day.

13    Do jumping jacks
A short burst of intense exercise can get the blood flowing and the energy levels up. In fact, why not get your colleagues to join you? You might also reap the benefits of a good laugh (see tip 8).

14    Breathe deeply
Breathing with your diaphragm helps clear the mind and make you feel more energetic due to the extra oxygen it brings. You only need to do it for about 50 seconds. Close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly in for a count of five and out for a count of five. Repeat five times.

15    Eat an egg
Eggs are high in vitamin B12, which is important for energy. Boost your levels with other B12 rich foods such as dairy, liver, shellfish or lamb. Or start your day with some yeast extract spread on toast!