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Health and Wellness

10 Small Ways To Brighten Your Day

Everyone deserves to have a good day, every day.

Katherine Millard

Apr 18, 2021

Ohio University

Photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash

Some days are just not it. Things happen - especially over this last tumultuous year - and some days are hard, and that's okay. What's not okay is not taking opportunities to make things better. You don't have to wait until tomorrow to make things better, and I definitely don't think waiting until tomorrow to start a new good day is worth it. Everyone's going to have their own ways that help, but here are some very specific things that always brighten my mood. So sit in it, take a moment to feel your feelings, and then try some of these ideas to make your day a little brighter.

1. Go outside!

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Fresh air always makes me feel better. Taking a quick walk, reading a book outside, or even just opening a window all can immediately make me feel more at peace. I just let in the sunshine and have it work its natural serotonin.

2. Drink some water

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I have 99 problems and being properly hydrated would probably solve 98 of them. Every time I look up how to improve my life whether it's: bloating, losing weight, increasing energy, better focus, anything, water seems to be in the top three suggestions. So I take a moment, drink a glass of water, and calm myself down. This is especially important when I've been crying because then I am for sure dehydrated.

3. Stretch

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This doesn't have to be some big formal yoga moment, although I love that when I have the time. Just taking a second to reach up, touch my toes, and stretching my arms and back out; relieving that tension always helps me feel better.

4. Iced coffee

Photo by Demi DeHerrera on Unsplash

Iced caramel lattes are my favorite pick-me-up for a difficult day. Spending a little bit of money on myself reminds me that I’m worth taking care of and that my happiness is worth $4.00. Plus, it tastes delicious, which always helps.

5. FaceTime someone I love

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Sometimes I forget about this option and I have to remind myself that the people I love also love me back; and they will be there for me if I need. Whether it's venting or just a distraction, talking with someone I care about always makes the day's problems feel a little smaller.

6. Watch Mamma Mia

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Okay this is one of my absolute favorite, if not top favorite, movies of all time. The joy I get from this movie and it’s sequel is unmatched. It just makes me want to run away to Greece and sing ABBA, and who could feel sad after that?

7. Dance

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Okay this is semi-embarrassing, but it really does make the day brighter. I'll put things on pause and just have a dance party in my room, I would 100% recommend it. You can't be sad when you're dancing to "Bang Bang" and just letting things out.

8. Listen to Harry Styles or Taylor Swift

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Or any other of my favorite artists, but these two live rent-free on my top tier. I've said it before and I will again: "Fine Line" is a no skip-album. I actually have a playlist of just their happy songs plus a few honorable mentions from other artists to improve my mood.

9. Find an animal

Photo by Matt Nelson on Unsplash

This one is important not to do in a creepy way, but if I’m out and sad and I see a dog, my remorse just absolutely disappears for a little. Especially if I pet it, which I always ask to do. I can’t be sad if I’m petting a stranger’s cat or dog, it’s just not possible.

10. Nap

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If the day has really been bad, then I will simply fall asleep so I get another chance to wake up and start my day. An automatic reset for the day, and then I give myself a second chance for a good time.

These are things that work for me, but the real secret is just prioritizing your joy. Do the things that make you happy, and don't let a few minutes mess up your whole day.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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10 Small Ways To Brighten Your Day

Everyone deserves to have a good day, every day.

1. Go outside!

2. Drink some water

3. Stretch

4. Iced coffee

5. FaceTime someone I love

6. Watch Mamma Mia

7. Dance

8. Listen to Harry Styles or Taylor Swift

9. Find an animal

10. Nap

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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