A Squirrel Picnic
During the pandemic, my husband found some wood on our street and built a tiny picnic table just for squirrels. We fastened it to our fence and put a few peanuts on top. Nothing brightens my day quite like seeing a squirrel settle onto the little wooden seat, looking over at the house now and then as if waiting for someone to bring out the drinks. If you don’t have as much free time as my husband did during lockdown, you can always buy one on Etsy.
Watching News Bloopers
Maybe it’s the moment BBC reporter Gemma Dawson ends the evening news with a fond “good boy” instead of “good night.” Or when Texas anchor Cynthia Izaguirre introduces the next story with the unforgettable line: “Right after the break, we’ll talk to Erik Weihenmayer, who climbed Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, but … he’s gay … I mean, excuse me, he’s blind.” It’s hard to choose a favorite, but watching compilations of news bloopers is sure to make you laugh in seconds, no matter what kind of day you’ve had. There’s something especially funny about seeing that polished formality fall apart—like getting the giggles during a school assembly. It’s a tonic I’d recommend for almost everyone—with the possible exception of Jeremy Hunt.
A Shared Playlist
Like a lot of people, I’m in more WhatsApp groups than I can keep up with. Staying on top of the endless small talk and average memes can feel like a part-time job. But there’s one group I actually look forward to: my Add to Playlist chat. Inspired by the BBC Radio 4 show of the same name, it works like this: each morning, someone adds a song to our shared Spotify playlist that connects in some way to the track from the day before. Then they hop on WhatsApp to explain the link. There are about 20 of us, most of whom I don’t know very well. Our musical tastes are all over the place, so over the past few months I’ve discovered dozens of songs by artists I’d never heard of. Some are brilliant, some are awful—but that’s not really the point. The thrill of a new song popping up on the playlist, followed by the chat about it, is the highlight of my day.
Joining a Choir
In 2012, I saw a poster in my village for a women’s choir—no need to read music. I showed up a bit nervously on the first night, along with 41 others, and I’ve been going every Thursday since. At first, it was just a fun social evening with some familiar faces and many new ones. But when my partner became terminally ill, Thursday nights turned into a lifeline for me—a few hours just for myself. I could talk with my singing friends if I wanted, but mostly I could lose myself in the music. For a few pounds a week, I get an evening of fun, friendship, and a good vocal workout.
A Regular Run with Friends
I’d tried the Couch to 5k program several times but could never stick with it. Once I finished, I’d always stop and have to start over months later. I’m not a natural runner, so I needed something to keep me going. I convinced a few close friends to join me for our local Parkrun every Saturday. Over time, this little routine has turned into something else entirely—now the running is almost secondary. These days, we jog and chat, then head back to someone’s house for fresh coffee and breakfast, talking about the week that’s passed. We’ve supported each other through illnesses, grief, and work crises. One friend was suddenly made redundant after 25 years. Several have lost parents. The world often feels like it’s falling apart. But this weekly ritual never fails to cheer me up. I still don’t love running, and I make my way around the course at a snail’s pace, but meeting up every Saturday at 9 a.m. always lifts my spirits.
An Adult Swimming Class
I took swimming lessons as a child in Italy and hated them.I was in a rough spot last summer too. I hurt my Achilles and had to stop running, so I gave swimming another try—and now I love it. I swim every Wednesday evening and look forward to it all week. It’s fun, a great way to meet other adult learners, and fantastic for my mental health. There’s something incredibly calming and satisfying about having your head underwater. And to my surprise, I’m actually not bad at it anymore.
Taking my dog to visit people in hospital
The small things that bring me joy are the loving moments with Scout, my beautiful, kind, and gentle four-year-old golden retriever. After she passed all the tests to become a therapy dog, we started visiting a dementia care unit, a hospital, and a retirement home. She brings so much happiness to everyone we meet—and to me as well.
A spontaneous call with a friend
Sometimes I face a long Friday evening alone, too tired from the week to make plans but worried about getting stuck in my own anxious thoughts. My solution? I pick up the phone. Calling out of the blue can feel scary—you might worry it’s bad news—but I have an understanding with a few friends: we try calling randomly, and if the other person is free, we catch up. It feels much more spontaneous and heartfelt than texting, which reminds me too much of work. Stepping into someone else’s world helps me break free from my own.
Karaoke with strangers
After a long school holiday juggling kids, work, and life at full speed, I was exhausted. Then someone I’d only met a couple of times invited me to karaoke with a group of local tired moms. We were mostly strangers, but after two hours of singing pop hits together on a Sunday evening, we all felt energized, connected, and eager to do it again. As one woman said, “It’s cheaper than therapy and five times as fun!”
Urban walking
Walking costs nothing, gets your heart pumping, and lifts your spirits in no time. I remember how calming it was to walk along the canal after a day at work that left me in tears. It doesn’t matter where you are or how scenic the route is—even on your daily commute, there are always new things to see and hear, different paths to try, and little details you’ve never noticed before. Add headphones with a good book or podcast, and what more could you want?
Becoming an IT helpdesk for a day
Whenever I visit my nana, who lives 300 miles away, I always ask if she’s having any tech troubles. There’s usually something to fix: recently, I sorted out her Apple ID, showed her how to use Wallet, explained malware, and convinced her to spend £2 on the ad-free version of her favorite word game (the ads drove me crazy after two minutes—she listens to them every day). It feels great to be treated like a genius while forgetting your own worries for a while. And if they’re like my nana, you might even get cake.
A trip to the theatre
For me, theatre is pure escape. There’s something magical about being in that place, in that moment, with those people—an experience that can never be repeated. I felt that most strongly the day my dad died. I was in the lobby when I got the call, but instead of going straight home, I went inside. I knew the brief break would lift my spirits (and that he’d approve—we used to go to that theatre together). It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. I’m lucky to live in London, where there are plenty of affordable options.That means I get to see amazing Shakespeare at the Globe for just five pounds. Book tickets for previews or opening nights, seek out tiny theatres that often punch well above their weight, sign up for mailing lists, and look for ways to save—like the National Theatre’s Friday Rush tickets. Don’t wait for reviews; trust your instinct. If a show turns out to be a stinker, you can always laugh about it later.
A Cheese Toastie
More than once, a piping hot cheese toastie has lifted my mood—especially one bought from an outdoor shack, ideally by the coast. My spirits are often tied to the weather—I struggle with the cold and damp—but a good cheese pull with garlicky, buttery bread can turn my day around in no time.
Smooth Out Your Sheets
It’s a small thing, but during low periods, making myself wash and iron my bedsheets helps me go to bed feeling like I have it together—like things might just be okay. On laundry days, I’ll turn in early, and the combination of feeling rested and sleeping on crisp, clean sheets always leaves me waking up brighter.
Growing an Avocado Plant
I’ve spent many months at home on sick leave. I walk, read, and sometimes write, but I’ve never been good with plants. Last January, I decided to try growing avocados from seeds at home. It took at least five months to see any progress. Every day, I checked on them with hope until one finally cracked and began to grow. It’s now 80cm tall. Since then, I’ve started sprouting mangoes and bought a small kiwi plant, a fig, and a banana plant. The daily joy of watching them grow is priceless.
Dance Classes
When I signed my six-year-old up for street dance last year, I noticed a line at the bottom of the flyer: “Adult class, 8.30–9.30pm, Thursdays,” at a high school 20 minutes away. I’ve always loved dancing but hadn’t taken a class since school. I decided to give it a try. By 8:10pm on a Thursday, after finishing the second shift of the day—the kids’ bath and bedtime battle, following a full day of work—I fight the urge to collapse on the couch and lose myself in a screen… and I never regret going. How can you not feel lifted after an hour of dancing to a Five megamix? Plus, the class is full of lovely northern working mums, all equally delighted to carve out an hour for themselves each week, strutting to Janet Jackson or my personal favourite, “Dirty Cash.” We’re moving our bodies, having a laugh, and our phones are nowhere in sight. That’s not just joy—that’s wellness! (Even if we sometimes end up at the pub afterward.)
Crochet Hats for People in Need
Ever since I learned to crochet during lockdown, making beanies and blankets has brought me great pleasure—it’s creative, mindful, and low-stress. But there was a downside: bags of half-used yarn cluttering my house. I ran out of things to make and friends to give crocheted hats to. Then I discovered a scheme where my local hospital accepts donated crocheted hats and blankets for premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. Now my yarn stash is dwindling, my hobby has a purpose, and I have the perfect excuse to buy more wool.
Watching Dog Rescues
I’m not a dog person, but I love watching videos by Niall Harbison, who rescues mistreated or neglected dogs in Thailand. Some of the animals are in very rough shape—understandably terrified and wary of humans—but he always manages to rehabilitate them patiently, often sharing almost unrecognisable footage of them thriving in new homes (one, Buttons, was adopted by Liam Gallagher). There’s something about their resilience and gentleness after unimaginable hardship that feels deeply life-affirming and always puts my own problems into perspective.Keeping things in perspective.
Cribbage with friends
I know cribbage had its heyday around 1694, but hear me out. I grew up playing this wonderful game with my Grandpa Len, and no matter how bad my day was, it always turned things around. It’s full of old-fashioned rules and sayings—like “one for his nob” if you turn over a Jack, or “15 four and the rest don’t score”—but we spent so many beautiful hours playing. As his fingers grew arthritic, I moved the pegs on our board and eventually held his cards for him.
Three years ago, I was at a children’s music class when another mom mentioned she was hungover from playing cribbage the night before. My face must have lit up like a power grid, because the next week she told me she’d bought a special three-player board (a rarity!) and asked me to join her and her friend Jen. Now I play every month over drinks, with lots of laughs and plenty of adding numbers to 15. We even have our own personalized pegs. One day, I’ll teach my daughter Lennie to play, too.
Write it all down
When I’m feeling low, I don’t look for a miracle—I lean on rituals. It starts with lists. What began as a way to remember groceries slowly became a way to unload my thoughts and emotions when anxiety crowds my head. Writing things down on paper feels physically relieving; my narrow, rectangular notepads (I’ve lost count) are like tiny confidants where I store worries to revisit later, calmly—alone, with a trusted friend, or, more recently, with AI.
Washing my hair
You know how when your phone acts up, turning it off and on again helps? When I wish I could do the same with myself, I wash my hair. It’s like a reset button: the scent of shampoo, the blast of the shower, the roar of the hairdryer. It’s not really about making my hair look better—it’s about refreshing my mood. It works especially well in the evening when I’m feeling drained; afterward, I have more energy and feel more cheerful. Anya Hindmarch wrote a book of life advice called If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair, and she’s absolutely right. It’s a mantra to live by.
Giving brilliant books to others
I can’t do much to change the current political and social state of the U.S., beyond voting with my conscience and supporting peaceful causes. But I help my fellow citizens understand ideas of equity and justice by leaving books in the Little Free Libraries around my home. If just one person is inspired to be more caring and just, I’ve done something good.
Observing my cats
I share my home with two cats I adore. Amid work and daily pressures, though, it’s easy for them to fade into the background and become part of the furniture. When I’m feeling frazzled, low, or in need of a lift, I make a point of seeking them out and checking in. These moments ground me in the present and wake me up to tiny, rewarding details. I’m left with a renewed appreciation for the life I’ve created and the weird little guys I share it with. They seem to like the attention, too.
Nightclubbing
I know the secret to long-term mental well-being is eating well, regular exercise, and a consistent bedtime—but in the short term, nothing gets me out of a miserable rut like doing a decent winged eyeliner and spending two to eight hours on a crowded club dancefloor. And don’t just take my word for it—it serves a proven biological and psychological need. Studies show that dancing in unison is so powerful that afterward, people report liking each other more. And if you remove creative movement (like dancing) from people’s lives, their mood drops.
A writing group
There’s an inherent loneliness to writing, especially when it’s your first book. My writing group was thrown together during a course last spring, and now we meet monthly-ish to share how we’re doing.I’m making progress, but I also hit roadblocks. Over the past year and a half, I’ve often shown up feeling unmotivated, lost in the details, or even ready to give up entirely. Yet I always leave—a few glasses of wine later—feeling refreshed, inspired, and back on track, thanks to the clarity that comes from seeing things from a new angle.
Watching clumsy clips
I’ve always enjoyed watching videos of people getting hurt… in a lighthearted way. When I was younger, my dad once hung up on me because I was watching You’ve Been Framed! and couldn’t stop laughing. I still turn to this kind of secondhand slapstick when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed. It helps calm my racing mind. I’ll zone out on Instagram, scrolling through compilations of doorbell footage where people tumble down porch steps carrying groceries, or dogs yank their owners across the lawn chasing a cat, or men smack their heads on garage doors or low-hanging flower baskets. What can I say—it relaxes me! And yes, for the record, I do also go to therapy.
Watching live animal cams
Last year, I lost my six-year-old boxer to cancer. Losing a loyal pet brings a unique kind of grief, one that not everyone understands unless they’re an animal lover too. One thing that helped me was tuning into live animal cams on YouTube, where you can watch all sorts of creatures going about their day—from sea otters to beluga whales to snow leopards. Katmai National Park in Alaska even holds an annual Fat Bear Week where the public votes for their favorite chunky bear. How could that not lift your spirits?
Starting a vegetable garden
I never had much interest in growing vegetables—learning something new felt like too much effort. But I decided to give it a try. It was a turbulent time: the world felt like it was on fire, and Donald Trump had just been elected. I found tomato, strawberry, and lemon cucumber plants locally, and picked up romaine lettuce and kale seeds from the grocery store. I watched YouTube tutorials on how to plant them, and it turned out to be surprisingly easy. My garden has been thriving ever since. It’s also helped me connect with neighbors who enjoy the fresh produce—people I might not have met otherwise.
Jazzy nails
I love painting my nails with fun, sparkly colors. Not only is the process itself relaxing, but since I work on a computer all day, I often catch a glimpse of them out of the corner of my eye. That little pop of color adds a touch of joy to my day. It’s a small thing, but these little boosts can really add up.
Tidying
It might sound like a chore, but cleaning actually lifts my mood. Not so much the act of doing it, but the feeling once it’s done. Recently, I had a weekend where I felt completely overwhelmed—stuck on a project, worried about a friend’s health, and surrounded by mess I’d ignored for too long. So I put on my headphones and got to work, tackling all the cleaning I’d been putting off. Only afterward did I realize how much the clutter had been weighing on me. Looking around my tidy space, I felt re-energized and happy. And all it took was some time and effort.
Comfort TV in the bath
When I need a mood boost, I rewatch Grey’s Anatomy in the bath. I lie flat with just my eyes above the water, like a crocodile. I’ve perfected a setup where I prop my laptop on the toilet seat and tilt the screen to a 45-degree angle so I can watch without moving my neck. Grey’s Anatomy is a fast-paced medical drama, but it’s so over-the-top that it never feels too heavy—patients die, but they also come back to life pretty often. The characters are always curing rare diseases…I love losing myself in the drama of “Grey’s Anatomy.” The doctors are saving lives and helping paralyzed patients walk again, all while having plenty of steamy encounters in the hospital. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching it all unfold while I’m soaking in a hot bath. Technically, I’m doing nothing at all. But emotionally, I’m curing brain cancer with McDreamy and kissing McSteamy in the rain. I’m about to start my fourth re-watch.
Acknowledge a Stranger
Driving into town during the morning school rush, I was full of anxiety about an upcoming meeting. My heart was lifted by a young boy cycling to school. In Ireland, we have a culture of small acknowledgments that’s becoming less common in busy cities. As I stopped to let him cross, he raised his hand in thanks and gave a brief nod as he passed. It really cheered me to see this simple but powerful connection being carried on by a new generation. I lifted my hand from the steering wheel to acknowledge him back. We continued on with our separate days, strangers to each other, yet somehow that moment mattered.
Trampolining
If I’m feeling stressed and sluggish after a long day working from home, I’ll join my kids on the trampoline when they get back from school. A quick jumping session gets my blood pumping and wakes me up, but more noticeably, it lifts my mood. There’s something so freeing about flying through the air. We always end up laughing, playing silly games, and having fun together, which is an instant boost.
Sowing Wildflowers
Years ago, when my children were young, we scattered native wildflower seeds in a rough patch behind our house. Every spring, I delight in watching the mostly annual plants sprout up. Each year’s display is slightly different, and I can easily lose myself looking for insects and butterflies or counting how many types of native bees I can find. When I feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, a brief walk through this small spot reminds me of the possibilities of hope and renewal. It gives me the strength to keep loving and caring for this beautiful world.
A Circuit-Breaking Poem
I get so tired of doomscrolling and have found a way to break the cycle. I go to poetry.org and look at the poem of the day. I’m not a big poetry reader, but having one poem to read each day acts as a circuit-breaker, giving me either a bigger or smaller perspective on life and the world. I’m less inclined to go back to news sites and more likely to get out of my chair. I don’t like every poem, but some have completely rocked my world. It’s a very happy way to spend ten minutes a day, even if I sometimes end up crying.
Hits from the 80s
From “Come On Eileen” to Cameo’s “Word Up,” listening to a playlist or watching a rerun of Top of the Pops is the best tonic on a grey day. It transports me back to my youth, and it’s even better if you have some like-minded friends to dance with.
A Big Sandwich
In periods of listlessness, I always turn to a big sandwich: two large slabs of bread, a dangerous amount of butter, and fillings piled high. There’s something about the process of slowly working through it, one chew at a time, that brings me back to life. Either make your own (a pro tip: a potato rosti or hash brown elevates it) or, if you’re feeling particularly low on spirit, head to a professional. I’d recommend Cardiff’s long-running New York Deli, with its giant hoagies and Philly cheesesteaks, or the much-loved Max’s Sandwich Shop in London, whose magnificent Ham, Egg ‘n’ Chips sarnie will revive you in just a few bites.
Sniffing Sunscreen
I’ve borrowed this hack from my brother, who keeps a bottle of sunscreen in his work van. On miserable, cold winter mornings—usually while he’s waiting for the windshield to defrost—a little squirt and a sniff take him right back to happy summer memories.
Joining a Gym
At age 73, I joined a gym. I’ve been ex…I’ve been exercising regularly for a year, and it hasn’t just made me physically fit—it has also greatly reduced my lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression. After a workout, the rest of my day feels full of beauty.
Early in my career, I felt very unfulfilled at work, as if I were losing brain cells by the day. So, I signed up for an Open University creative writing course. It was all done by email—back before Zoom classes became the norm—but the discipline of writing, submitting work, and being graded gave my confidence an amazing boost. It made me feel like I was using my brain again and helped me think more creatively in other areas of my life.
I have a long list of “penpals” who don’t live far away, but I regularly write to them. Sharing everyday things makes me feel connected. I love pretty stationery (Cath Kidston writing sets are a particular favorite) and have a great collection of stickers and washi tape. I live in rural Lincolnshire, so I have to cross three fields to post my letters—an added bonus, as the walk makes me feel like I’m in a Jane Austen novel.
I enjoy random chats with strangers about more than just the weather. Recently, in a bookshop, I noticed the person in front of me in line holding one of my favorite books. Without hesitating, I told him what a great read it was. We quickly started talking about other books we loved, including one I had just finished, which happened to be by an author he knew personally. It was a lovely, spontaneous conversation that left us both smiling.
My husband and I started a new tradition to overcome our empty nest syndrome. One Sunday, when I was feeling down about our newly quiet house, he put on Abba’s greatest hits and started disco dancing to cheer me up. Before long, I was in hysterics. Now we regularly make time to dance together at home—even if it’s just for one song. One benefit of not having the children at home is that we spare them the embarrassment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the topic of simple ideas to brighten your day based on the list of 43 activities
General Questions
Q What is this list of 43 ideas for
A Its a collection of simple lowcost activities designed to boost your mood add a little joy to your routine and help you appreciate the small moments in life
Q Do I need any special skills or money to do these things
A Not at all The ideas are specifically chosen to be accessible Most require little to no money and many like sharing a snack with squirrels or singing need no prior skill
Q Im feeling really down Will these ideas actually help
A They can be a great starting point Small positive actions can interrupt negative thought patterns and release feelgood chemicals in your brain Theyre tools not a cure but consistent small joys can significantly improve your overall outlook
Questions About Specific Ideas
Q How does something like sharing a snack with squirrels brighten my day
A It shifts your focus outward connects you with nature and creates a moment of simple unexpected delight The act of observing and gently interacting with an animal can be very calming
Q Why is writing a physical letter better than a text or email
A Its more personal and deliberate The tactile experience of writing choosing stationery and sending it creates a deeper connection for both you and the recipient making the gesture feel more meaningful
Q Im shy Is karaoke really a good idea for me
A You can adapt it Try singing karaoke alone in your room using a YouTube video or with one trusted friend The goal isnt performance its the fun and release of singing your heart out without judgment
Q How do I even start learning to crochet Is it hard
A Its a perfect beginner craft Start with a simple tutorial for the basic chain stitch on YouTube or a site like Ravelry All you need is one hook and one skein of yarn The repetitive motion is meditative and you get a tangible product from your effort
Practical Application Tips
