From 7.30am cold shower to a 5pm shoulder rub – the exact times to carry out mood boosting rituals to keep you cheerful
PEOPLE feel at their best in the morning, with happiness levels falling through the day, a new study revealed this week.
So how can you stay cheerful around the clock?
Here, we look at the best ways to boost positivity and make all times of day a happy hour.
6am: Make the bed - Studies show those who straighten the duvet first thing reported more life satisfaction than those who leave the covers askew.
Plumping pillows offers a sense of accomplishment.
7.30am: Cold blast - Having an icy shower triggers endorphins, the so-called “happy hormones”, to help improve mood, alertness and mental clarity.
Try a 30-second blast before drying off.
8am: Bliss-boosting brekkie People who eat breakfast have a lower risk of depression and anxiety.
Omega-3 and vitamin D in eggs make them an ideal cheerful choice.
Or opt for oats, which are rich in tryptophan and promote the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain.
11am: Water a house plant - Research connects indoor pots to lower stress, a calmer mind and improved blood pressure.
Studies show greenery inside a home helps us feel soothed.
1pm: Hot lunch - A whiff of warm food can trigger a dopamine release and instantly lift the spirits.
For a top pick-me-up, go for a jacket spud.
Scientists say the smell of a baking potato makes us happier.
2pm: Make a playlist - Listening to tunes we love can make us kinder and more creative, which lifts feelings of contentment.
Even just the anticipation of playing sounds we love after lunch or hearing the opening notes can spark feelings of joy.
4pm: Stare out of the window - Meditation lowers anxiety and lifts our sense of positivity.
Simply taking ten minutes in the afternoon to do nothing but relax can contribute to reduced stress.
Stare out the window and focus inward.
5pm: Shoulder rub - Massage releases endorphins which can improve our mood, boost relaxation and contentment.
Persuade a family member to dole out a foot or shoulder rub. Or roll muscles over with a tennis ball.
7pm: Happy meal - Combat lowering happiness levels in the evening by eating meals with mood-boosting benefits.
Dark leafy greens and purple broccoli provide serotonin- regulating magnesium.
Or two squares of 70 per cent cocoa chocolate for a dessert provide almost a quarter of your daily RDA of magnesium.
9pm: Have a bath - Soak in warm water before bed.
Heat has a healing and comforting effect on our bodies, especially in the coldest months when positivity levels dip more.
Or try a hot water bottle. Studies show holding something warm boosts contentment.