We’ve all had days like this – when you just feel a bit down in the dumps and there doesn’t have to be a specific reason for why you feel this way, it can just happen. But there are some simple things that you can do to help lift your spirits.

1. SMILE – I don’t know how it works, but it does. Even if you are not feeling super happy at this moment in time, just the action of smiling makes me feel brighter. Go ahead, try it yourself!

2. GO OUTSIDE – Fresh air does the world of good, and just getting out of the house can really help clear your head. Focus on nature, the birds singing, the crickets chirping, what pictures you can make out in the clouds. If you’ve got a dog, even better – take them with you (human partners can work also!) – the one thing I love about dogs is that they’re always there for you and they know when you’re upset or feeling down (just like a dog can know when you’re scared). And dogs can get EXCITED about anything – be it a butterfly, a slightly large looking twig, a bin bag, and even if you just start talking to them in a high pitched tone, they get excited, they don’t even know the context yet they are always ready to party, and that is why dogs are amazing. OK, enough about dogs, but seriously, if you have access to a dog go spend some time with it. You can thank me later.

3. GET YOUR SWEAT ON – I know that this is probably at the bottom of your list when you have zero motivation, but the feeling you will have afterwards is second to none. You will feel accomplished on a day when you probably thought nothing would happen. And it doesn’t have to be a super badass workout, just getting active can help with your mood. When I’m feeling down, my favourite workout to do is Davina McCall’s Buff Boxing workout (if you haven’t tried her workout DVDs, you are missing out !) – it is so much fun and listening to Davina and her trainers chat throughout makes me forget I was even working out by the end.

4. LISTEN TO YOUR BEST SONGS AND DANCE AROUND THE KITCHEN – Create a playlist with your favourite mood-lifters on, I have one saved for whenever I need a boost. Pack it with those songs that you just can’t resist getting up and dancing too!

5. PAMPER YOURSELF – Start with a shower – Take the time and wash off all that negativity. I always feel better after I shower, again I don’t know why such a simple activity can have such a profound effect on you, but it does. Paint your nails, put on a face mask, use all those beauty kits you’ve been dying to use. And, if you’re looking for the full spa experience, enjoy with a homemade mimosa ;P

6. WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE – There’s something slightly reassuring and comforting about re-watching your favourite films, even if that means a movie marathon involving every original Disney animated film.

7. CALL YOUR MUM (or dad, friend, whoever it is that always lifts your spirits) – talk to someone who knows how to bring a smile to your face. Surround yourself with positivity and it will follow you (this goes the same way with negativity – if you are constantly around people who moan and groan all the time it can bring you down, and in the long run this can be draining. I have learnt as I have got older that it’s ok to drop those friends that don’t treat you with respect or spend their time complaining when they are with you. Pick your friends wisely and your mood will benefit.

8. CHANNEL YOUR INNER DELIA SMITH – Open up one of cookbooks that has been sitting on your shelf since the day you bought it, and try something new (even if it is double chocolate cookies!).

9. READ A BOOK – Find your favourite reading nook and snuggle up with a good book. I have read the Harry Potter series numerous times over again and I still thoroughly enjoy reading them, and I always find something new every time. Another of my favourite books to read is called, “The Alchemist” by Paolo Coelho, it’s a short read so you can read it in a few hours. I don’t want to give too much away if you havent read it, but it’s a fantastic, motvating and uplifting book that I can never put down. If you get the chance, give it a go, you won’t regret it.

10. ENJOY YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES – Sometimes you just need to binge watch Friends for 4 hours in bed. Do what you need, sometimes we all need a day for ourselves to do what we love without feeling guilty. Your mental health is more important than the dishes today – grab the chocolates enjoy what you love.

11. REVEL IN SOME PINSPIRATION – I have a board on Pinterest that I use for pictures that make me happy or make me feel inspired. I have pictures of beaches, places I’d like to go, bucket list ideas, dogs doing funny things, colourful prints, shopping wish list and anything that brings a smile to my face. I update the board every week, and it’s my go-to place when I’m feeling a bit down.