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10 From GEM:
10 Ways To Brighten Your Day
Everybody needs a pick-me-up at one time or another. Life’s little (and big) problems have a way of popping up when we least expect them and least want them. But setbacks are no reason to let the day go down the drain. You will feel better and do better when you are better. Read on for 10 ways to give yourself a little sunshine every day.
1. WAKE UP 15 MINUTES EARLIER
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Nothing starts the day on a positive note better than rising 15 minutes before your usual wake-up time. You can use the extra time to wake up slowly, stretch, have a cup of coffee, watch the sun rise, meditate, or plan your day. Getting up early reduces the need to rush out the door. It’s a perfect way to start your day on the bright side.
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2. FEEL GRATITUDE FOR SOMETHING
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We don’t feel gratitude because we are happy; we feel happy because we’re grateful. Gratitude is one of the quickest routes to happiness and lifting your spirits. No matter how bad things are, there truly is something or someone for which we can feel immense gratitude.
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3. DO RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS
Creative Commons/Courtney Dirks
Doing something nice for unsuspecting people is a great way to lift your spirits. Give meaningful compliments, buy a cup of coffee for your co-worker, or give a bottle of ice water to your mail carrier on a hot day. The recipients of your kindness will be appreciative and you’ll feel good that you made someone’s day.
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4. CALL A FRIEND
Creative Commons/Bill Selak
There’s nothing like having a friend to call when you need a shot in the arm. Your friends know just what to say to help you feel good. They know your weaknesses, but they’re nice enough and smart enough to highlight the good things about you right when you need it most.
Read more: Life Lessons: Lois Grimm
5. GO OUTSIDE
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Going outside offers an instant boost. It will do you good to get a dose of vitamin D from the sun and fresh air. Whether you take a quick walk around the block at lunch or jog a few miles after work, you won’t be able to help the mood enhancement you’ll get from your brush with the outdoors.
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6. ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE
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It’s hard to feel good when your surroundings don’t look good. If it’s too overwhelming to clean the whole house, for example, just start with organizing your desk. Rearrange things, dust everywhere, and toss items that are no longer useful. It’s probably a couple of hours of work at most and when you finish, you’ll feel lighter.
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7. LAUGH
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Watch a funny movie, find video clips of your favorite comedians on YouTube, or call the friend who always keeps you laughing. Any of these activities will energize your mood.
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8. GO THROUGH OLD PHOTOS
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How many times do you look at your old photo albums? Can’t remember? That’s no surprise because we have so many things going on in our busy lives. Pull out those albums and look at those photos. It will bring up happy memories that you haven’t thought about in years. You’ll get instant laughs and smiles.
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9. GET EXERCISE
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Exercise triggers endorphins—your body’s very own opiate. “Runner’s high” is a real feeling that you can experience when you move your body. When you walk, run, bike, or engage in some other form of physical exercise, you will generally feel happier and less anxious.
Read more: 10 From GEM: 10 Tips To Fit Exercise Into Your Busy Day
10. ACT LIKE A KID AGAIN
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You’ve probably noticed how many kids live with abandon. They haven’t been knocked down by life too much and they seem to enjoy the most basic things that adults don’t think about. It’s time to take a page from their books. What can you do to gain that child-like feeling of euphoria?
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How do you pick yourself up when you need something to brighten your day? Share your tips below.
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Alexis Trass Walker lives in Gary, Indiana, with her husband and four children. She is a stay at home mom and writer who loves all things chocolate. Read more about Alexis on her blog lilliebelle.org, email her at alexistrasswalker@gmail.com, or follow her on Twitter @LillieBelle5.
