We get it, life feels like a lot right now. From the economy and depressing news feeds to the fact that summer is still ages away, it can be difficult to stay motivated, energetic and positive at the minute.

But we have good news: we’ve compiled a list of our favourite, super-fast mood boosters, guaranteed to lift you from lacklustre to luminous faster than you can say cost of living-crisis. And better still – they’re all absolutely free. 

Sing your heart out

Ever been busted belting out some classic Whitney Houston while you work out? Just us? Well, you’re missing a trick.

“Singing is an amazing way to instantly lift your mood,” enthuses Georgia Bondy, founder of Well Adapt, a mental health start-up for people with chronic health conditions.

“Not only does singing release a ton of endorphins to boost your mood, but it also encourages you to regulate your breathing and relax your shoulders, which are both great stress busters. It’s even better if the lyrics speak to you personally. So even if you think you couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, give it a go!”

And there’s scientific evidence that singing is indeed good for our health, improving our immune system, heart rate and blood pressure as well as our mood. 

Have a cuddle

It’s true: hugging really does help. “A hug (with someone you like) for 20 seconds or more gets the oxytocin flowing, which can make us feel great,” says clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent.

When our bodies release oxytocin – dubbed the love hormone – studies show that it boosts our immune system, reduces our perception of pain and makes us feel calmer, leading to a reduction in levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Pretty powerful stuff – and an excellent way to boost the recipient’s happiness too. Win-win. 

Get out in nature

There’s something about being outside, no matter the weather, that is incredibly healing. Even just a five-minute walk around the garden while you’re working from home can do the trick, but if you have longer, many of us can find some woods or greenery to surround ourselves for a while – and it’s the perfect antidote to a day of WFH.

“I work as a solopreneur so it can get lonely,” says Louise Robbie, nutritional therapist and founder of Ovi Formulas. “My instant mood boost that I aim for every day is just being outside in nature – it really works for me. I’m lucky enough to live near Richmond Park, and just being outside in the forest, with the birds and deer lifts me up more than anything else. It reminds me that the worry and noise we create is generally in our heads. It really helps me manage my mood and my day.”

Spend time with an animal

It will come as a surprise to precisely no one that most people we spoke to about instant mood-boosters mentioned their dogs. Not only do our canine companions encourage us to get outside and spend time in the fresh air every day, but they also foster feelings of wellbeing and boost our mental health.

Studies show that playing with a dog, cat or other pet can boost our levels of serotonin and dopamine – aka the happy hormones – and the love hormone, oxytocin, as well as decreasing our risk of heart disease and depression. Take this as permission to keep watching those puppy reels on Instagram.

“Taking my poodle for a walk always lifts my spirits,” agrees business advisor Polly Arrowsmith. “She’s so cute that people will often stop and comment, and snuggling up with her afterwards never fails to cheer me up.” 

Dance parties

Another popular mood-booster is the impromptu dance party. Popularised during lockdown with the kitchen disco, many of us love a cheeky home boogie.

“My favourite, totally free, instant mood booster is having a spontaneous dance,” says trainer and coach Rebecca Daniel. “It doesn’t matter if I’m on my own, during the day I’ll switch on my favourite old school tunes and ‘shake, shake it, like a Polaroid picture!’ When we dance we release all of those positive hormones and the movement, expression and joy is a proven dopamine release.”

And studies show that shaking our tail feathers has a range of mental benefits, from reducing depression to boosting self-esteem – even if you have two left feet. And if you’re on your own, there’s no one judging you anyway, so feel free to really let loose and see how you feel afterwards – we guarantee you’ll shake some of your cares away. 

Images: Getty