5 practices for boosting your mood

Many of us are switched-on to what makes others happy.

Perhaps your partner feels loved and appreciated when you bring them an iced coffee in the afternoon; your fur baby gives tail-wagging excitement when you say ‘walk’; your mum loves receiving a call or quick text to hear about your day. 

These habitual acts are repeated as daily or weekly rituals, knowing it makes your loved ones feel a spark of joy each time.

But here’s the thing: are you doing the same for yourself?

Self-care doesn’t have to take hours; you don’t need to book a massage or budget for a shopping spree to feel treated and taken care of. The most important acts of self-care are those that boost your mood in five minutes; the little habits that become essential rituals, adding happiness to every day.

Here are five quick mood boosters to add to your self-love routine.

1. Take five minutes to breathe in between tasks. Amid the rush of routine and stress of getting things done, we jump from task to task, barely coming up for air. But taking five minutes to pause, calm down and reset after striking a big task off your list will not drastically affect the time available in your day — but it will make you feel more calm, clear and motivated to keep going. 
2. Journal or write freely. Spend time in your own thoughts and let words flow out of you like a waterfall. You don’t need to set aside two hours to work through your ideas; even two minutes can bring more clarity and calm.
3. Do a random act of kindness. This one is amazing for the soul; the good-feels you receive from helping a stranger or giving to someone in need will stay with you all day.
4. Listen to a song that hits the spot. You know the tune that has been dancing in your head. Pop in an earphone, dance in the kitchen, get silly, sing your heart out. Those five minutes will energise and uplift you in an incredible way.
5. Do something unexpected. Rituals and routines are wonderful to have, but sometimes what feels most refreshing is something that typically falls on your not-today list: ordering the fancy coffee; dressing extra cosy and comfortable; or buying the shoes that have topped your wish list for months.

Self-care means treating yourself with the same kindness, love and compassion you give to others. As you spread love each day, remember to create little moments of happiness for yourself; there are no limits to how many self-love rituals you can add to your day.