How do you purposefully make your day a little brighter?

[ASwanLake]

I have been going through a tough time recently with anxiety and depression. I read a book about improving my self-esteem using CBT principles. One of the things it suggests is planning your day to include both things that are productive as well as things that are enjoyable. However I have really been struggling to think of little moments I can add to my everyday life to make my day more enjoyable. I live quite a passive life and have got myself into a bit of a rut which I think has contributed a lot to the way I have been feeling.

Therefore I would love to know ways in which you add a bit of happiness or comfort or peace to your day. One thing I have been doing is taking my morning coffee into the garden and sitting outside whilst drinking it, it is such a small change and no extra effort and yet it improves my morning a lot.

[Fanthorpe]

Found it on Amazon - The Wonderful Weekend by Elspeth Thompson.

[optimisticpessimist01]

Making my bed properly in the morning (such a treat getting back in it)
Having a cuppa in the morning sun (I even do this sat on my doorstep in the Winter)
A cold refreshing drink whether its something fizzy or wine
Finding a really good book I cannot put down
Baking/cooking something delicious

[TheQueef]

Lots of help already but I will leave this just for smiles.
Owls laying down (found on reddit) works every time for me.

[DollyMixtureLulus]

I am very anxious and struggle with eating.

I have a shower, get dressed, do my skincare routine and put on clean clothes every day. It’s not easy some days but it always makes everything seem a brighter.

Also making my bed. I like that TED talk too.

[IsletsOfLangerhans]

This is a lovely thread.

Going for walks with the dog and spending time listening to the birds (I love hearing a Song Thrush going through it’s repertoire!)
If it’s warm/not raining in the morning, I’ll sit outside with a ‘proper’ coffee, first thing. I also have a little teapot with an inbuilt strainer, so making a nice pot of peppermint tea in that always gives me pleasure.
Putting a nice fragrant body cream on my arms before bed time is also a nice ritual and I also recently discovered lavender steam eye masks (Superdrug) - I always fall asleep with it on, it’s so calming.

[Spandang]

Flowers in the house
Pineapple in the fruit bowl
Cat cuddles
Gardening. Even ten minutes listening to the birds, breathing fresh air and not feeling trapped or cooped up makes such a difference.
Tea. In a china cup make in the tea pot.
A packet of biscuits that are purely mine, this week it’s rhubarb and custard creams.
Painting. Any old painting. Painting the house, painting furniture or just painting on paper. The act of making and doing is so cathartic.
Cooking good food. Not expensive food but simple good stuff, beetroot out of the garden, roasted, sprinkled with mint and goats cheese.
Breakfast. Even if it’s basic, but sat at the table away from devices.
Yoga and a decent yoga mat. DH bought my new yoga mat when I was feeling a bit rubbish, it’s brilliant, even just to lie on with the patio doors open with a breeze on my face.
Artwork. I have one painting in my kitchen that I know represents someone’s struggle. I keep lovely cards from people on a shelf also in there and when I’m down I look at them. We have gallery walls on the stairs containing photos that are amazing memories. Never forget the love that surrounds you.
Dinner at the table with the kids playing twenty questions. Even if I’m in a bad mood the ridiculousness of children never fails to make me smile.
Vinyl records.
Pyjamas. Good ones. My favourite pair have pockets. The pockets make me insanely happy.

[BarbarAnna]

I have a much happier, productive day if I:
Shower first thing (well after a cuppa)
Open all blinds and put windows on latch
Walk the dog
Followed by coffee and breakfast

Happy things during the day are;
Light a candle
Read my kindle
Take some photos and edit them
Sit in the garden / potter in the garden
Plan something different for dinner
Do something artistic
Put some music on that I can sing to
Change the beds
Water the house plants

I struggle if the house is a mess. We have had some work done recently and the house has been terrible. My energy levels plummeted. But I am happy now it’s done!

I also struggle if things break. I like to try and fix things and hate it if I can’t.

Earlier this year, I signed up for Freddie’s Flowers and I get them every 2 weeks. I love having fresh flowers around.

Like another poster, I have struggled around 4pm during lockdown. My solution is read my kindle on the bed (and inevitably have a nap, usually with the dog!).

[MondeoFan]

I buy flowers for the house around every 10 days or so.
I make sure I buy lovely tea bags and have a few cups of tea during the day in my best EB mug.
I take the dog for a walk
I play a song game I love online for an hour.
In the evenings I always have a nice candle burning

[peaceanddove]

I think smells are incredibly important for your mood. So I wear good perfume every day, even if I'm not leaving the house.

I have a monthly OPI pedicure. Always having soft, pretty feet is lovely x

Wearing really good quality socks and lingerie, even if it's just under jeans and a jumper.

Make your bed neatly so that it's nice to get into at bedtime and buy really comfortable pillows.

Burn essential oils or a scented candle in the evenings. My favourite ones are from The White Company x