Bad days happen to the best of us. Sometimes we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, sometimes something bad happens during the day, and sometimes we’re just not feeling our best.
If you’re having one of those days where nothing is going right and you wish you could just go back to bed, it’s not too late to turn things around.
In this post, we’ll give you five ideas of easy things you can do to lift your mood, so you can end the day on a high note.
1. Do Your Hair and Makeup
This is one of our favourite pick-me-ups. Taking the time to do your hair and makeup can make you feel so much better, even if you’re just doing a quick version of your usual routine.
We all need those lazy days of slobbing around the house in our PJs, but sometimes putting that little extra effort in can be just what you need to turn your day around. Plus, it’s always nice to have a little extra time to pamper yourself.
Men – you’re not excluded from this! You don’t have to start wearing makeup but a fresh shave and a little bit of grooming can go a long way towards giving yourself a mental health boost.
2. Try a Spritz of Feel-Good Scent
Scent is one of the most powerful mood-boosters out there. When you wear a perfume or cologne you love, it can transport you to another time or place and make you feel more confident.
There are even studies that show certain scents can help relieve anxiety and depression. So if you’re feeling down, reach for your favourite fragrance and give yourself a little spritz, or treat yourself to a new perfume.
Looking for some ideas? Rasasi Hawas is one of our favourite “happy” fragrances, with a fruity and sweet blend of pomegranate, red apple, and grapefruit with a base of praline and vetiver.
Summer-themed perfumes are also great for cheering yourself up, especially on dreary days. Jil Sander Sun will instantly transport you to an exotic beach with its combination of African orange blossom, warm rosewood, and sweet vanilla and tonka bean.
3. Treat Yourself to a New Outfit
Sometimes all you need is a little retail therapy. Head to your favourite store and pick out a new outfit, or just buy something small like a new scarf or pair of earrings.
It doesn’t have to be expensive – even if you just buy something from the sale rack, the act of treating yourself can be enough to improve your mood. Or head to one of London’s many charity shops to grab yourself a bargain.
If you can’t get out of the house, do some online shopping. Some of the best online fashion shopping sites offer next-day or even same-day delivery to London addresses with free returns, so you can try things on in the comfort of your own home.
4. Go for a Walk
Sometimes getting some fresh air is all you need to clear your head and improve your mood. If the weather is nice, go for a walk in one of London’s many parks, or check out our guide to free things to do in London for free walking tours and other ideas.
If it’s raining, you can still get out of the house for a bit – hop on the Tube or bus and explore a new part of London. Or walk to your local coffee shop or bookstore instead of taking public transportation.
Even if you can’t get outside, moving your body can help improve your mood. If you’re stuck at home, do some stretches, yoga, or just put on a home exercise video on YouTube. Even a five-minute workout should be enough to get those endorphins flowing and improve your mood.
5. Eat Your Favourite Comfort Food
Food can have a big impact on our mood, so if you’re feeling down, comfort yourself with your favourite food.
Whether it’s a childhood favourite, a slice of cake from a fancy bakery, or just ordering UberEats for lunch, treating yourself to something delicious will definitely help turn that frown upside
If you’re trying to eat healthily, there’s no need to deprive yourself. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious foods that can help improve your mood, like dark chocolate, avocados, berries, and nuts.
And let’s not forget the ultimate mood booster: coffee! London is home to some of the world’s best coffee shops, so treat yourself to a cup of your favourite brew, watch the world go by, and let your worries melt away.
6. Indulge in a Spa Day
Admittedly not everyone has the time or the budget for a spa day, but if you can swing it, there’s nothing quite like a few hours of pampering to improve your mood.
There are some amazing luxury spas in London, where you can enjoy treatments like massages, facials, and manicures. Or if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of great spas in London that won’t break the bank.
If you can’t indulge in a full day of spa treatments, even a quick trip to the nail bar for a manicure can help you relax and feel better. The sauna or steam room at your local gym is also a great (and usually very cheap) way to relax and de-stress.
Or a fantastic budget alternative is to book a home beauty treatment. You can get your hair or nails done in the comfort of your own home, and it’s usually much cheaper than going to a salon.
Make the Most of Your Me-Time
It can be easy to get caught up in a negative mindset, but there are lots of small things you can do to cheer yourself up. No matter how busy you are, it’s important to make time for yourself.
Whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in the park, or indulging in some retail therapy, these simple things can make a big difference when you’re having a tough day. So next time you’re feeling down, don’t forget to give yourself a little TLC.
