It's very easy to get bogged down by daily life. Very often our days can feel like ground hog day and before we know it another week has passed us by. The commute to work, taking care of the kids, the endless emails, the housework, the bills, needy friends and family, the list goes on.
Stress, worry and anxiety come at us from all different directions; it's how we deal with them that's the key. When we can learn to take control of our stress levels we'll feel stronger, happier, more confident and calmer.
So here are 6 simple and easy instant pick-me-ups to reduce stress and put a smile on your face.
The ultimate 'bad day' mantra... Affirmations and mantras are a fabulous way to change your thoughts and rewire your brain to feel better. Try this mantra the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Repeat as many times as you can during the day. If needs be, set a reminder on your phone or put some sticky notes around your home. "I let go of and release all negative thoughts, I am a capable person and I can handle anything that comes my way."
Down some green stuff... Why not try the ultimate feel-good drink - a yummy green smoothie. This is the best treat you can give yourself when you're feeling low in energy, unmotivated or a little stressed out. Plus, you get your five-a-day in one go and feed your cells with all the nutrients they need to keep you mentally and physically strong. Try this. A handful of baby leaf spinach, an apple or a pear, half a banana, a cup of water and a squeeze of lemon. Whizz it all up together in a blender and drink up. I promise you'll feel amazing!
Buy yourself blooms... Simple but effective. Buy yourself flowers or a houseplant. Nature is a fabulous healer, allow a little serenity into your life and let nature lift your mood. Or how about putting your wellies on and getting yourself out in the great outdoors! Nature has a magic way of absorbing the stresses and strains from our bodies; we always come back from a long walk feeling so much calmer and more inspired.
Go Gangnam Style... Often when we're having a bad day we feel really sluggish, we move slower and our body language changes. Music is the best mood enhancer there is, as it gets the feel-good hormones flowing and gives us that instant 'pick-me-up' we need. Dig out your old CD's or select an uplifting track on your iPod and move your body. Just ten minutes of serious moves is guaranteed to make you feel happier in no time and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Visualise your day in advance... Visualisation is a powerful tool you can use to change your negative thoughts and beliefs and is practiced by some of the world's most successful people, from athletes, entrepreneurs, pop stars and yes, even every day folk like you and me! Before you leave the house take a couple of seconds to close your eyes, visualise how you'd like to see your day pan out. A perfect day free of any tension or stress. Notice how effortlessly your day flows, notice how you look and feel and how you act with those around you. Just spend a minute or so visualising your ideal day. Then open your eyes and enjoy a wonderful day.
Eat cake! We all have days when we want to just hide under the duvet; it's called being human. If none of the above tips do the trick (but they will!) and you're still feeling like you don't want to face the world, why not just ride the feeling whilst it lasts. Everything in life passes, so don't try and resist it! Put your joggers on, watch an old classic movie and treat yourself to a piece of lemon cake and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Tomorrow is a brand new day! Don't feel bad, but don't make it everyday!
Louise Presley-Turner is one of the UK's leading lifestyle experts and author of Finding a Future That Fits (Hay House 2012) Get your Life Evaluator & Planner now at www.thegameoflife.co.uk