The old adage goes ‘a little of what you fancy does you good’, but we’re firmly of the opinion that if you enjoy something, you should have it in plentiful supply! As long as it's not damaging your health or bank balance, you should be doing the things that make you happy. Here are five things in life you really should have plenty of, and how to make it happen…
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1. Time With Friends
With the busy lifestyles so many of us lead today even our closest friendships can fall by the wayside for weeks at a time. Invariably when a group of close friends meet up and spend hours laughing, everyone leaves in better form and resolving to not leave it so long next time. Set aside one single hour a week (in which you usually watch terrible television, admit it) to meet a friend you haven’t seen in a while. If meeting in person isn’t feasible, call or Skype. It will do both of you good and set you up for the week ahead.
2. Getting Busy
Sex is good for you! Even in the most loving relationship, though, people can go through dry spells. It takes just a little effort on both parts to regain that intimacy, time well spent when you consider that some time under the covers together has proven physical and psychological benefits.
3. Food, Glorious Food
January can be a bit of a miserable month for many, as so many of us are watching what we eat and denying ourselves our usual treats. But healthy food doesn’t ever have to be dull or boring! Use those quiet January weekends to become a bit of a kitchen whizz. Look up some lower calorie recipes and experiment with some more exotic foods. Sitting down to a tasty meal made by your own hands is a real treat, so have fun finding out what new foods you can introduce your taste buds to in 2014!
4. Let The Music Play
Your automatic nervous system, mood and memory have all been proven scientifically to respond well to music. Listening to music releases endorphins, the natural feelgood hormones, so start turning up the volume in your life. Pump up the tunes when you’re walking to work, taking on a workout or simply cleaning the house for a natural mood boost. Keep an eye on smaller local venues for bargain nights out to see up and coming acts too.
5. Travel Adventures
When we’re cutting back on spending it’s often holiday time that suffers first, but it really shouldn’t be. Travel is good for the soul and broadens the mind, and it really doesn’t have to cost the earth. Start a small savings kitty where you put loose change at the end of every day, and set up an email address simply to sign up to all the travel agent deals newsletters. While you’re saving and planning for some time abroad, discover your own country at every opportunity. Have you seen The Giant’s Causeway, or the Book of Kells? If not… what are you waiting for?
