10 Simple Ways to Feel Instantly Uplifted

We firmly believe in the power of positivity. Whether you’re trying to take care of yourself or help those around you, a little positive energy can make a huge impact. However, that’s easier said than done — especially when life has a habit of getting busy, chaotic and, let’s be honest, fairly stressful.

Curious how you can integrate a little more positivity into your everyday routine? We’re sharing a few good tips and tricks for boosting your mood in a matter of minutes (and sometimes in a matter of seconds). If you need a simple pick-me-up or you want to share good vibes with your family and friends, keep reading.

Keep Good Connections

In times of loneliness or boredom, connecting with loved ones can be incredibly therapeutic. Instead of scrolling through social feeds for hours and hours, call a distant family member or friend for a much-needed chat. Even better, set up a weekly phone date or video chat. Apps like Facebook Messenger allow you to video chat and call for free, even if you live in different countries.

Start Good Hobbies

It’s never too late to expand your skill set. A new hobby can help you explore untapped creativity and uplift your mood at the same time. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language or try your hand at watercolor painting, there’s an app (or YouTube tutorial for you) for that. Our favorite free resources include Duolingo, Yousician and Skillshare.

Think Good Thoughts

Your mental health can affect everything. If you’re looking for a positive way to your day, a meditation session is free and easy to try. Apps like 10% Happier, Insight Timer and Oak provide guided and unguided meditations for any time length — so you can even just take 5 minutes to center yourself before you brew your morning coffee.

Maintain a Good Environment

Make sure your space is fueling your creativity at all times. Give white walls more purpose by hanging up postcards, forgotten art or inspiring magazine spreads. Set the mood by adjusting your room’s lighting: pull out your favorite strands of holiday lights or use your deskside lamp instead of harsh overhead lights. You can also tap into the ancient design techniques of feng shui to help balance your home’s energy with yin and yang and elements of nature.

Enjoy Good Entertainment

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of dancing to your favorite song or re-watching your favorite film. Create a playlist filled with your favorite upbeat songs, discover a new artist or DJ (Soundcloud is a great resource for playlists) or create an at-home movie night — complete with popcorn, of course. You’ll be smiling before you know it.

Get Good Movement In

Staying still for too long can bring your mood down. Make sure you’re actively moving your body — even sweating if you can. If you’re unable to go to a gym, try supporting local fitness instructors by streaming their classes online, jogging around the block or following online videos. We love this roundup of YouTube channels featuring diverse workout routines.

Eat Good Food

To truly feel your best, nourish your body with clean, fresh foods and home-cooked meals. Not sure where to start? Pull out your favorite family recipe or try that tutorial you saved on Instagram. If you’re unable to run out to the store, the SuperCook app helps you discover recipes with the foods you already have in your pantry.

Make Good Time for Nature

When you spend all day inside, it can be easy to forget the positive effects nature has on your well-being. Give yourself a little boost by taking a quick walk outside in nature — even if it’s just a stroll through your local park or finding a nearby block where trees are blooming. If you’re unable to get outside, surround yourself with fresh flowers or maintain a fresh herb garden. Every little bit of green helps.

Create Good Organization

Ready to try that organization technique you saved on Pinterest? Give yourself some mental clarity by cleaning up your space. Color coordinate your clothes, placing unworn styles into a box to swap with friends or donate. Stow away anything that’s not in season so you can more easily find your current wardrobe staples. For a boost of nostalgia, go through old photos and re-purpose old shoe boxes for storage. And that nagging pile of beauty supplies? Tackle your vanity by using a few of the items you already have laying around the kitchen.

Take Good Care of Yourself

As soon as stress takes over, self-care is the first thing to go. Practicing even a few minutes of self-appreciation via self-care every day provides a great way to re-charge, re-center and feel calm. Whether it’s taking a relaxing bubble bath, giving yourself 10-minute face mask or a trying out an optimistic, bright-colored lipstick you forgot you had — it’s amazing what a little self-love can do.

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