Five quick ways to give your mood a boost

Feeling a bit flat? New Year celebrations long over? Already frustrated by your efforts to keep those resolutions?

There are lots of ways you could try to lift your mood.

But going shopping and eating chocolate have ramifications you may not want to face right now. And If you’re busy, you may not have time for a long soak in the tub or the funds for a relaxing massage. You could call a friend, if you have one of those friends who is always positive and makes you feel good just by hearing her voice. But if she’s busy, there are other simple and quick ways to put that spring back in your step.

For an immediate fix:

1. pick a flower or buy one single perfect bloom. Put it where you will see it all day long – your desk at work, your kitchen bench. Notice it and let it be your reminder to smile and breathe
2. stand tall. Lift your head, straighten your spine and see how the difference in your posture makes you feel. It’s much easier to be down in the dumps when you slouch
3. paint your nails a bright, cheery colour. If you spend your day at the keyboard, you’ll feel a small lift every time you spy those jewels on the end of your fingers
4. add an uplifting image or three. Upload our breathing space wallpaper now – it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits
5. do a good deed. There is nothing like showing kindness to another to make us feel better about ourselves!