Quick, easy and affordable happiness tips that’ll put a smile on your dial and a bounce in your step.

Life can feel hard at times. Some days seem a little bit darker than others, or require a bit more effort. Kids, work, washing, hormones, rainy days, money… these things pile up on us all, and can leave our shoulders slumped, our smiles the wrong way around, and the air a tad heavy.

I’ve recently shared with you all that I’ve been finding the transition into mothering older teens a bit challenging. I worry that I am enforcing too many rules, or giving the wrong advice. I’m trying to keep my cool while teaching them to drive and am generally just grieving that my kids are growing up far too quickly! It’s in these moments I need to stop and remind myself that I am a great mum, that my kids love me, and that they are respectful and responsible. I need to stop beating myself up.

When life gets the better of you, I want to help you shake off those sadness shackles, boost your mood, and jump start your happy hormones! With the help of the girls here in the office, I’ve created this list of ’25 Happiness Hacks’ which will hopefully do just that.. and heaps of them won’t even cost you a cent.

1. Buy Flowers

Buy a bunch of flowers or an indoor plant for a burst of colour and fragrance. I often buy myself a bunch of supermarket flowers just because I deserve it!

2. Get Some Sunshine

Did you know nearly one-third of Aussie adults have some form of Vitamin D deficiency… and that I’m one of them?! This is an even more pressing issue in the winter months when we have less sunlight. So go outside and get some sunshine for a quick pick-me-up and a good dose of Vitamin D – just please remember to slip slop slap! I walk in the mornings to get a boost of sunshine, and fine it’s a great way to start my day. 

3. Ignite Your Senses

I love to diffuse essential oils, and find them very therapeutic (check out my Beginner’s Guide To Essential Oils for more info). Picking the oil I need at any give point is a very intuitive process – some oils calm me, motivate me, or ground me. You can also burn a scented candle, roll-on essential oils, or light an incense stick instead.

  Shop our huge range of Essential Oils +  here.

4. Treat Yourself

Whether it’s taking time out to paint your nails, give yourself a facial, or indulge in a professional massage, it’s so important to treat ourselves sometimes – we’re worth it after all! I had a facial recently and my skin felt so good afterwards I didn’t put on any makeup for days.

  Check out some great Groupon deals to save you dollars. 

5. See A Friend

Coffee with a friend always warms my heart! They listen and I get what I need out of it. Having a community around us is so important, even if you can only manage a phone call to a friend, I guarantee it will lift your spirit.

6. Get Organised

Even something as simple as writing out my meal plan and shopping list for the week helps me to feel a bit more in control – and I always feel so much happier when life is not a total shambles after I get home from work.

  Shop my A4 Weekly Meal Planner here.

7. Get A Good Book

Escape the real world for a while (don’t worry it will still be there later) by getting lost in a good book. I recently read my first book ever and loved it! Check out this blog featuring my reader’s Top 25 Best Books To Read for some inspiration.

  READ MORE: Top 25 Best Books To Read

8. Get Grateful

I’m guilty of racing through life and sometimes forgetting to take stock of all the amazing things I have to be grateful for. Reminding ourselves of all the kick-ass things we have to be thankful for is an instant mood lifter! If you want to go even further, keep a gratitude journal – people who do this are happier and more resilient.  I have a diary where I write in it each day the thing I am most grateful for that day. They don’t have to be big things – even if it was ‘I had enough time to do a face mask’. It’s really good to look back on and appreciate the little and the big things. 

9. Take A Bath

Relax, have a bath with candles, bath salts, and a glass of wine (or bubbly if you’re feeling fun!).

  Read how to make these Citrus Bath Salts here.

10. Listen To Music

Music is a definite go-to for me when I’m feeling a bit flat. I have my happy play lists that help snap me out of my slumps.

  Follow The Organised Housewife Motivation Mix on Spotify here. 

11. Dance

If my happy music isn’t quite cutting it, then I turn it up really loud and have a good dance around the lounge room. There’s nothing like blasting music and bouncing along – a definite mood lifter!  I really like loud music, if you ever see me out and about in my car you’ll probably hear my music (unless the teenagers are driving, in which case we’ll be driving in silence so they can concentrate). 

12. Time With Family

Spending time with the people who know me best – and who love me just the same – can do wonders for my soul. Take the time to hang out with your family, whether it’s hopping in the car to go visit the extended family, or simply playing a board game with the kids, either way I promise you’ll feel happier and more connected because of it.

13. Cuddle Your Pets

I don’t need any encouragement to cuddle my fur-babies… snuggling up with a cup of coffee and my Zoe girl always puts a smile on my dial. She’s a great secret keeper too!

14. Help Someone

When was the last time you did something selfless for a complete stranger? Doing something nice for someone (even someone we don’t know) can help put a smile on their face, as well as yours too! I recently gave a local mum a washing machine to help her and her family – it was the best feeling ever! 

15. Movie or TV Show

Getting lost in a good movie or TV show is my way of switching off my brain from all the things us mums have to do for work and our families. Check out my recent blog, The Best 20 Netflix Shows to Binge Watch, for some inspiration.

16. Bake

I like to bake something naughty – without the kids around! It’s my creative outlet. I think we all have a creative side, so take some time to tap into what yours is, and enjoy getting lost in the art of creation.

  Shop my Lunch Box Recipe Cookbook for some yummy baking ideas.

17. Eat Chocolate

The best part about baking something naughty is getting to eat it – comfort food is the best! If you’re not a baker though, a store-bought treat will still hit the spot.

18. Go Green

Just being in a natural green space will help lift your mood. Stretch out on a blanket under a tree, or if you’re feeling more energetic go for a walk in the park. Exercising helps release all those feel-good endorphins so it’s like a double whammy!

19. Be In The Moment

Being mindful helps keep us in the moment, and is a great way to address anxiety. It’s a form of meditation, but without the need to sit cross legged in the dark for an hour (although I’m sure that would work pretty well too). Being mindful just means thinking about the task at hand and getting lost in that – be it washing the dishes, walking the dog, or something more enjoyable like having a wine.

20. Affirmations

Have an affirmations book on hand for a quick pick me up, or better still write your own affirmations on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them each day – like on car dashboard, bathroom mirror, or above the kettle.

  Shop my Positive Stick Affirmation Labels here.

AND Note: I’ve recently added a new addition to my Today’s 2Do emails. I send these emails each weekday which includes a daily task to complete, such as wiping over your kitchen cupboards or challenging you to declutter the kitchen junk drawer. They are all simple tasks that could be easily forgotten in your typical cleaning schedule. Plus the newest addition is setting today’s affirmation, a happy phrase to encourage your day to be filled with positivity and gratitude. Sign up below.

21. Have Fun!

Do something fun! Tap into the unbridled energy and unencumbered play of childhood. We often forget the art of how to let go and really be in the moment. Kids are naturals at this, so spend some time with the kids and let yourself be sucked into their world of play for a little while.

22. De-clutter

An organised home helps me to organise my mind too, which in-turn makes me feel instantly calmer! For a helping hand with this, check out my Declutter 52 Things In 52 Weeks Challenge, where I break down the challenge of de-cluttering your home into easy achievable weekly tasks.

23. Go Shopping

Even if you don’t buy anything, the simple act of getting lost in pretty things and strangers can help take you out of your own head for a while.

24. Dress Up

Allow yourself to be a bit fancy! Who says heels, bright lipstick and fabulous jewellery needs to be just for ‘special occasions’? If you need a quick pick-me-up, I’m guessing there’s probably one hiding in the bottom of your closet or cosmetic bag.

25. Smile!

If all else fails, simply fake it till you make it! Science says that the simple act of turning your frown upside down releases feel good hormones that actually helps turn your bad mood on it’s head too! So show me those pearly whites ladies.

Whilst a quick pick me up is great for days when you’re feeling low, or for hard weeks, remember it’s not okay to be feeling unhappy most of the time – there are people you can talk to. If you are feeling low more often than not (or know a friend who is) please discuss this with your GP or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You don’t have to suffer alone.

How Do You Get A Quick Happiness Fix?