10 ways to brighten your day.

These things are some of my favorite ways to brighten up a day that just hasn't turned out the way I wanted.  They are simple, but make a big difference.  Sometimes, that's all it takes.

Serve others.  

This one is my favorite and by far the most effective way to turn a bad day around.  You can do anything from making a treat for a friend to buying groceries for the frazzled mom behind you in line at the store.  Satisfaction guaranteed!

Go outside.
I don't care if you're not an outdoors person.  Just step outside of your home.  A little grass between your toes and some fresh air is good for the soul.


Treat yo'self.
Food fixes feelings, right?  No?  Well then, you haven't tried my cheesecake.  Seriously though, some foods do cause your brain to release dopamine which helps regulate movement and emotional responses.  So, as a temporary fix to turn that frown upside-down, I highly recommend it!

Pray.
Start your day by communicating with God!  It doesn't take much time, but makes a world of difference in your day.  Be still.  Use those quiet moments to feel of His love.  I can't think of better way to ensure your day is full of happiness.

Put your phone down.
Or tablet, or any type of technology.  Unplug!  Studies show that excessive use of your device can lead to sleep disorders, stress, and depression.  Leave the world wide web behind and be present in the real world.

Pick some flowers.
Or buy yourself a bouquet at the store.  I never pegged myself as a flower person.  When I was first married, I told my husband that I would rather have a slice of cheesecake or new shirt before I would ask him to "waste money on flowers."  He didn't listen, (good hubby). The first time a fresh bouquet was delivered, they donned the center of my table and cheered me up for days.

Listen.
What speaks to you?  Birds chirping outside?  The sound of rain?  How about your favorite song?  Turn off the buzz that normally fill those passing moments of each day and listen to what will make those moments count.

Grab your favorite drink.
Maybe all you need is some hydration.  One of the tricks I learned as a new mom to cheer up my ornery toddler was to give him a late afternoon bottle/sippy/drink.  Not just a few sips of water either - a big ol' drink of vitamin-rich milk.  Maybe milk isn't your nectar (I don't blame you, EW!), but I think adapting my "trick" will work on us big kids too.

Get inspired.  
I love inspiring quotes.  Take to pinterest or even google and search for a quote pertaining to something that may be worrying you or taking away your happiness.  Read your favorite book.  Certainly there has been someone or something that has lifted up your soul.  Pour over that message that speaks to you again, or find a new one!

Meditate. I like to think of this one as a mix between "Pray" and "Listen."  You don't need to master Lotus-pose while chanting "Homm" to be a master at meditation.  Find a quiet moment.  I like to focus on three things while meditating, which always help me calm down and have a more relaxing day.  First, focus on your breaths, breathing deeply.  Second, focus on your thoughts.  My thoughts have a tendency to be all over the place.  Scatter-brained equals me!  Think of something that makes you happy or calm.  Finally, focus on your current emotion.  How have you been feeling all day?  How are you going to feel the rest of the day?  You can change the course in that moment.

It's okay to take time to take care of yourself.  If you don't, you won't be much good to anyone!  I hope some of these will work for you and that you will find success in brightening your day!