This week I thought I’d share 10 things that I do when I want to “Feel Good”, or at least feel a little bit better! As you’ll see, most of them are simple, small and may seem very obvious but I think we could all do with the reminder every now and then because when we’re having one of those days, it can be easy to forget.
I’m also sharing my January kitchen playlist - I hope you love it.
Please let me know what you do to “Feel Good”, I’m always looking for new things to add to the list!
Go for a walk - I love a long walk in the park with Nelly but on the days where I’m more pushed for time or my energy is low, even just a five minute walk round the block makes a difference.
Drink a big glass of water - this may not sound very mood enhancing or luxurious but hydration is a major contributor to our mood. I always surprise myself by what a difference it makes, I’m a much nicer person when I’m properly hydrated!
Make a pot of tea - this serves the same purpose as number 2 but comes with the added bonus of the ritual of making a big pot of tea. Filling the kettle, selecting my tea bag or aromatics, letting it brew in the pot, getting out my favourite mug out and watching the steam drift beside me instantly calms me down. I usually throw lots of citrus and spices in the pot then continue to top it up with hot water throughout the day to get every last bit of flavour from the ingredients.
Find “your song” - we all have it, that one song that we can’t help but boogie along to. Play that song on loud, boogie, let it all out. I find this works wonders. Check out my January kitchen playlist below if you’re looking for inspiration.
Call a friend - so often we message our loved ones but actually hearing their voice on the other end of the phone rather than reading their words on a screen is quite different.
Look up - observe what’s going on in nature above you. I especially love doing this at night.
Do an act of kindness - it can be a very small act, like making a loved one a drink, writing a card to a friend or make an extra batch of soup to share with a neighbour or colleague who is having one of those weeks.
Run a bubble bath - without a doubt the most luxurious way to unwind. If you’re not a bath person, why not try a foot bath: fill a big bowl with warm water and drop in Epsom salts, ginger and rosemary.
Focus on your breathing - take a moment to count your breath in and count your breath out.
Get an early night - this is probably one the greatest daily acts of self care out there. Give yourself the gift of sleep, it can make all the difference to how we feel.
Thanks Melissa, love them! Something that always seems to work for me: tip the basket of dog toys upside down on the floor, get on my hands and knees and play for a rigorous 5-10mins with my two dogs. We all get super hyped up and by the end of the play, I have all those feel-good chemicals buzzing around my brain and I feel completely different 🐶