Mood Boosters

Weekends are for spending time with family and friends, running errands, and relaxing, but as most people know, there is never enough time between Friday night and Monday morning. Those pesky Monday mornings always come too quickly.

Here are four little things that help me get through the week.

• That first sip of coffee:

Nothing pulls me out of my warm bed more than the thought of drinking coffee. It’s an addiction I’m only slightly ashamed of. I look forward to drinking my first sip of warm coffee, freshly brewed with just a dash of almond milk. (Honestly, I look forward to drinking coffee all the time — in the morning, during the afternoon lull. The best time for coffee is when you get to grab a cup with a good friend.)

• Hearing your favorite song on the radio:

I have no shame about admitting I cannot sing. Even still, when my favorite song comes on the radio I can’t help but sing along. It’s a good thing there’s usually no one else in the car to hear it. If you’re feeling blue, turn your favorite song on and don’t be afraid to sing and dance along, it definitely can bring a smile to not only your face, but anyone who happens to see your sweet moves. Might I suggest ‘You Make My Dreams’ by Hall & Oates.

• A quick workout:

Even if I can’t get in a full workout during the day, I always try to do a little something. Whether that’s a yoga session, a walk around the neighborhood, or dancing around to a few songs, the littlest amount of exercise can improve one’s mood. As Elle Wood’s once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” All Legal Blonde quotes aside, get out there and go. I promise it’ll significantly improve your wellbeing.

• Casual Fridays:

I sincerely apologize if your office doesn’t have a casual Fridays policy, because being able to dress a touch more comfortably does wonders for brightening the mood. As superficial as it may sound, I think that sometimes how you look helps you to feel like you can take on the world. Whether that’s wearing your favorite pair of shoes, your workout clothes, or throwing on a touch of red lipstick before you head out the door.