Five mood lifting ideas to start the day for time-poor people

It’s a bit of a cliché now, but there’s a reason why spending time in nature has been linked to improved wellbeing. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a swim in the ocean, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in your garden before you head off to work, Quinn says nature helps reduce stress and enhances feelings of wellbeing.

If you’re lucky enough to live near the water, take advantage of it. Even if you don’t have time for a swim, feeling the sand between your toes or paddling along the water’s edge is beneficial. Ali Gripper, author of Saltwater Cure, says the ocean has the ability to change the way we view the world.

“Writing this book deepened my understanding of how the ocean heals, how it
grounds us, and how it teaches us humility,” Gripper says. “It gives something unique to everyone who immerses themselves in it.”

Exercise your body – and your mind

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to make a difference. Simple physical activities, like a walk, a dance break, or stretching, can trigger the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. If you don’t have the time (or the money) for a scheduled class, consider getting off the bus a stop earlier or parking further away from your workplace to build walking into your day. If you can, choose a less congested route away from a main road.

Across every age group, Quinn says, physical exercise is universally accepted as a way to improve mental health.

Clothes maketh the mood

Sometimes, a simple change in what you wear can help shift your mindset. Whether it’s a favourite outfit, bold accessory, a piece of jewellery with sentimental value or a different hairstyle, wearing something that boosts your confidence can brighten your mood.

Quinn says clothes and accessories can serve as a way to express individuality and personal style.

“It allows people to match their outward image with the world, with their internal sense of self, and when there’s alignment between the two, it helps people feel a sense of authenticity and emotional wellbeing,” she says.

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However, she cautions against focusing too much on appearance, as it can lead to body image issues and anxiety. “We always recommend that if you notice someone is focusing excessively on those things, it would be the right time for them to seek assistance with a psychologist.”

Try a little kindness

Performing a simple act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positive emotions. Whether it’s donating to a charity collection at your train station, or helping someone carry their pram on or off the bus, acts of kindness make us feel good.

“Individual acts of kindness release both endorphins and oxytocin – those feel good hormones – and they create new neural connections in our brain,” says Quinn.

“The result of those connections, over time, is that kindness becomes a self-reinforcing habit which requires less effort, so we do it more readily.”

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