21.1.13

Minimalist Monday: Ways to Boost Your Mood


Today - 'Blue Monday' - is believed by many to be the most depressing day of the year for many reasons:

  • Christmas is over and forgotten.
  • We are back to work and the next holiday seems a long way off.
  • There is media pressure to loose weight and look fabulous.
  • Exams are under way.
  • Money can be short after the excesses of Christmas.
  • Pay day still seems a long way off.
  • Daylight hours are short.
  • The weather can be at its most disruptive.

It can be a real challenge to be happy in the depths of January. Spending money, even if it is an option, is not a solution to long lasting happiness. There are many simple things you can do to boost your mood without spending money or accumulating more stuff. Here are some suggestions to find a little happiness every day.

1. Start a gratitude diary - be grateful for what you have rather than what you don't have.
2. Plan something to look forward to.
3. Think positive thoughts - display a positive affirmation in a prominent position.
4. Do a random act of kindness.   
5. Enjoy a daily task or activity - a morning coffee, a chat with a colleague or make your journey to/from work more pleasurable.
6. Don't expect perfection from yourself or others.
7. Force yourself to smile (it works!)
8. Do something that makes you laugh.
9. Get out for a walk in the fresh air.
10. If you've got a big dream start taking taking steps today, (no matter how tiny), towards that goal.
11. Contact a friend.
12. Eat healthily but allow yourself a small indulgence.
13. Cook a meal from scratch.
14. Cook for others.
15. Write down your worries if they seem out of control.

Choosing a simpler life over a materialistic life does take time, discipline and a steely determination to resist the persuasive powers of media and advertising. I need to remind myself regularly to practise these actions. 

However, slowly but surely they are becoming more habitual. The happiness I get from spending time with a friend or cooking a meal is more long lasting than the quick rush of happiness I used to get from buying new clothes or things for the house.

I guess I am making progress on my minimalistic and simple living journey and that is something to be grateful for and happy about alone.



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10 comments

  1. This is a great list of ideas Claire. I used to keep a gratitude journal when the kids were tiny. I remember being grateful for my bed a lot :)

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  2. Great list! I've been meaning to start a gratitude diary...I just keep putting it off. I think I'm going to try to start it tomorrow. ( I'm in bed already ... But tomorrow seems realistic :))
    Thanks for the idea and inspiration :)

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  3. what a beautiful comforting list, i feel so down at the moment looking for the solution in shopping and puchasing even though i dont have any money. i will take heed of all you have said ,you are so cheerful claire thankyou x

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    1. Thank you for commenting - it makes my day to hear I've given someone an alternative way to finding happiness than spending money xo

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  4. A wonderful list of suggestions to counter the blues, Claire!

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  5. Claire have you read simple abundence a day book of comfort and joy by sarah ban breathnach, i think you would really like it , it is a beautiful inspiring book. x

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    1. Hi A, no I haven't heard of this book - but it does look like a wonderful read. Thanks for your thoughtful recommendation xo

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  6. Great simple ideas to keep us happy!
    Sarah x

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  7. That's so true, you have to practice these things so that at least some of them become your normal life. It's not just going to happen on it's own is it?!
    Thank you for all these lovely inspiring posts.
    X

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  8. Great advice Claire :) Today (wednesday already) I've been feeling a bit blue, and I'll put one of your suggestions into practice right now.

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Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. Keep in touch xo

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