Mood lifting ideas to help bring you out of a funk and cheer up
There's always a lot going on right now and it's easy to feel overwhelmed from time to time. So what can you do to find some calm and focus and give yourself a break? We asked the GH team what their go-to mood lifters are.
Simples ways to cheer up
Here are the podcasts, books, recipes and activities that help them reset and gain some much needed perspective.
Read a book that’s a ‘first aid kit for the soul’
"If I ever wake up early in the morning with that horrible tight-in-the-chest feeling, Everything I’ve Ever Done That Worked by Lesley Garner is the book I grab. Written in bite-sized essays, it’s like a first aid kit for your soul. The advice ranges from simple ideas like keeping a ‘nice letters’ file to techniques to use when you're in full-blown panic mode."
Jo Finney, Consumer Affairs Director
Have an emergency brownie recipe
"When I need a little boost, only chocolate will do. I love baking brownies as they're quick to throw together with minimal washing up (always a win). This brownie base recipe has been my go-to for over 15 years, but we've pimped it up with zesty orange. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser."
Alice Shields, Senior Cookery Writer
Find someone with a way with words
'Tara Brach is a clinical psychologist and meditation teacher who has an enormously popular podcast. I can honestly say her words have helped me through some of the most difficult times and often help bring a sense of peace when things feel challenging."
Sarah Maber, Health and Features Editor
Make your bed and lie in it
"Who doesn’t love sinking into bed after laundry day? Changing the sheets is one of my favourite ways to press ‘refresh’, and I’ll always slope off to bed early with a good book the first night after I’ve done it. Even in the cold, dreary months of autumn and winter, I air my sheets outside so they feel extra crisp.”
James Cunningham, Homes Editor
Create a playlist (and keep adding to it)
"A personal playlist, called ‘Forward’ is my go-to whenever I’m feeling down, which I’ve slowly added to over the years. Every song is uplifting or empowering. There’s everything from Jessie Ware’s Free Yourself to Boogie Shoes by KC & The Sunshine Band. It’s a tonic for all times."
Bethan Rose Jenkins, Deputy Features Editor
Listen to friends and laugh
"My ultimate way to switch off is listening to a podcast on a walk. Fresh air is always the best way for me to clear my mind - come rain or shine. My chosen podcast is always the Girls Bathroom – a podcast about relationship dilemmas. Hosts Sophia and Cinizia are my favourites and always make me laugh.”
Christina Geggus, Homes Writer
Bake it off
"When the world is being intolerable I take to the kitchen. Ideally, I find a baking recipe which takes hours of care and intricate steps to complete. This tends to mean it's a yeasted recipe – like croissants, cinnamon rolls or a babka– which I can bring together and knead with my hands for extra satisfaction."
Bobbie Edsor, Social Media Manager
Carry a go-to photo album everywhere
"I no longer live at home with my parents and the family dog so whenever I’m feeling a bit down or anxious, I whip out my phone and scroll through my favourite photos of our five-year-old cockapoo Marlowe. He’s such a bundle of joy and I’ve captured so many funny memories of him over the years, so looking at them can always put a smile on my face."
Megan Geall, Homes Tester
Tidy up and chill out
"Decluttering always lifts my mood; a tidy space makes me feel calm and positive whenever the world gets on top of me. If you want to declutter like a pro, it’s worth listening to The Declutter Hub podcast for the latest tips and tricks."
Katie Mortram, Household Advice Editor
Pair comfort food with LOUD music
"When the world feels topsy turvy, I turn to the kitchen. Slippers on, glass of wine in hand, Sharon Van Etten played LOUD. I’d potter about, taking my time to make something comforting like Alison Roman’s slow-roasted oregano chicken with buttered tomatoes."
Stacey Smith, Food and Drinks Tester
Slather on a signature scent
"Whenever I feel overwhelm creeping in, I slather on lavender essential oil in some format. The smell alone is so associative of relaxation that I do find I’m able to hit a brief mental pause. No synthetic lavender smells allowed though – look for the good stuff."
Meike Beck, Cookery Director
Walk and listen
"When I feel myself slipping into a funk, I take myself on a 15-20 minute walk around my local park. I don’t have a podcast or music blaring in my ears, I try to stay fully present in the moment, focusing on the sights, smells and sounds around me, like the birds chirping, trees rustling in the wind and my own breath. I always feel so much lighter afterwards."
Priyankaa Joshi
Find your fantasy
"When I feel the urge to bury myself under a blanket my go-to will always be a Terry Pratchett book. The late author was one of the finest writers of intelligent fantasy. The Discworld series is a witty and complex world full of larger than life characters, clever commentary and a thousand constantly evolving storylines. They’re also light and fun too. For people wanting to try their first Pratchett I always recommend Men At Arms."
Emma Franklin, Cookery Editor
Just keep moving
"The activity that brings me most joy is my Sunday morning Zumba class when I’m part of a room full of mostly midlife women all dancing as if nobody is watching. When I want to recapture that sense of abandon during the week, then I’ll listen to one of my favourite tracks. This has been top of my list for months – Chino y Nacho singing Andas En Mi Cabez. Listen and enjoy."
Jackie Brown, Features Director
Break your podcasting habit
"I ditch my morning commute podcast habit – the likes of The Newsagents and The Rest is Politics – and re-read something like Rivals (the world needs more Jilly Cooper). I’m planning on moving on to what my best friend has dubbed “fairy porn”, the racy fantasy novels of Sarah J Maas. Lots of other suggestions of, er, distracting fiction here."
Saska Graville, Product Director
You Might Also Like
