Monday Blues? Eight Simple Ways to Make Your Life a Little Better Right Now

To paraphrase the immortal words of Bob Geldof and co. - we don’t like Mondays. If you’re starting into the new week with a bit of a cloud over you,  all the difference when it comes to good mental health, so why not take a few of these suggestions on board and start tomorrow in a better frame of mind. _______________________________ Walk It Off Even when all you want to do is lay on the couch with a blanket over your head, a little bit of exercise really will do you the power of good. Put on those trainers and even if it’s a simple ten-minute walk, you’ll sleep better haven shaken at least some of those cobwebs off. Do Good, Feel Good Helping others doesn’t have to mean a big commitment in terms of time and energy. If you’re on Facebook, donating €10 to relief efforts in the Philippines takes less than a minute of your time and is only a few clicks away. There are so many other charities you can help too, and you don't have to go anywhere to do it. Tears for Fears If you need to cry, do it. There’s nothing wrong with letting some emotion out. Bottling it all up is a bad road to go down, so stock up on the Kleenex, play some musical soundtracks or watch a weepy, and let yourself go. Light a Candle And no, we do not mean this in the way advertisers too, like a simple bit of melting wax suddenly takes all your troubles away. Aromatherapy can have very real benefits, so take time to familiarise yourself with what effect various essential oils have on the body, and introduce the most appropriate ones in to your life in this simple way. Phone a Friend Not for a moan, necessarily. Just place that call to someone you like very much but haven’t spoken to in a while. You’ll brighten up their day, and knowing that will most likely brighten up yours too. Take a Tech Time-Out Now that emails come directly to our phones, there’s rarely any such thing as ‘out of office’ or indeed, out of office hours. Do yourself a favour and switch it off. Ignore the emails, and Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Whatever for at least one hour a night. Don’t worry about us either, we’ll be happy to see you when you log back on. A rest is good. Make a Plan If you hate your job, write a CV. If you’re bored of your routine, plan a trip. It might not be something you can actually take action with on the spur of the moment, but nothing happens if you don’t take that first step. DO something. Dream A Little Dream A good night’s sleep is an absolute necessity when your brain is not your best friend. Give yourself every chance to get a good night’s sleep – avoid caffeine in the evenings, get some exercise, switch off from technology, and make your bedroom as clutter free and relaxing as possible. Give your weary mind and body the rest it deserves. After all, tomorrow is another day.