8 Super-Simple Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Moving your body outside is one of the simplest and easiest ways possible to get those endorphins pumping. (fizkes/Shutterstock)

Could you use a pick-me-up? A little smile? Some light-heartedness?

Lifting your spirit may be as simple as walking around the block or taking a hot shower. If you’re looking to easily brighten your day, try one of these ideas.

Name Your Favs

Keep a running list of your favorite things. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning, the sounds of your children laughing, the way your pen writes, taking a dip in the pool … Whenever you think of something you truly love in your life, add it to the list. I keep mine on the last page of my journal so I can flip to it at any time, and either add more or read it and enjoy the simple abundance that can be found in life.

Find Humor

However you like to consume your humor—a favorite show, stand-up comedy, dad jokes, reading funny stories, newspaper comic strips, internet memes—just find what gets you laughing and dive in. Laughter is the best medicine, after all.

Organize Something

Choose a very small, easy spot in your home to tidy up: an unmade bed, a cluttered side table, a messy drawer, or an entryway full of shoes. Take a few minutes to quickly straighten and then look back in admiration at what you’ve done. There’s something about creating order out of chaos that just lifts the spirit.

Take a Walk

Shoes on, walk out the door. Keep going. Go for a short walk or a long walk, but just walk. More of a bicycle rider? Go for a cruise. Moving your body outside is one of the simplest and easiest ways possible to get those endorphins pumping. Bonus points if you leave your phone at home.

Phone a Friend

Pick up the phone and call a loved one. Connection is important. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, someone you know could use a simple “Hello. How are you?” You’ll lift two spirits at once.

Buck Your Schedule

Sometimes you need to throw up your arms and do something different—if only for a day. Take a break, head into nature, clean your home, give yourself a spa day (even one at home), do whatever is rejuvenating and different. A little change can go a long way.

Cleanse Yourself

I don’t mean a dietary cleanse … I mean get in the tub or the shower and allow yourself to unwind with warm, relaxing water. Take as long as you want. It’s amazing how your perspective can shift after a nice hot shower or bath.

Let Go

More often than not the things that weigh down our spirits originate within us. Take a look inside and see if there is anything you can let go of. Things like expectations of others, anger, sadness, fear, or jealousy continue to do us harm as long as we choose to hold on to them. It may not be very easy, but if you can at least recognize those things in yourself, you’re more than halfway there.