Cure for the Mid-week Blues #9

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

I can't believe I'm at my ninth cure for the Hump Day hangover. I don't know how long I will keep doing these posts but I'm really enjoying them so far! This week, I'm recommending something that always helps give me a little bit of get-up-and-go, and it comes in MANY shapes and sizes...

The great thing about inspiration is, it can come from anywhere and be about anything, really. Some people like a quiet afternoon in the art gallery, soaking up some great pieces and making a pact with themselves to be more creative.  Others like to do a little window shopping and be inspired to put together a gorgeous new outfit! The burst of energy and enthusiasm that comes from inspiration can feel so uplifting, and encourage us to try something new which can lead to even more excitement!

This week, I will be finding my own inspiration back in Shoreditch and in the company of my fellow Blogcademy classmates. Being in a creative and positive atmosphere with so many like-minded and talented ladies is a sure-fire way for me to feel inspired and I can't wait to get brainstorming and giggling with them all! Plus, regular readers of my blog will remember that on my last trip to London I fell head-over-heels with Shoreditch, which is itself a wonderful area that celebrates the unique. I can't wait!

Have a fantastic week, and tell me: what inspires YOU?

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #8

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

In my last post I blogged about my trip to the zoo. Spending a day in close proximity to so many animals made me really happy and from what I could see, it had the same smile-inducing effect on the other visitors too! It got me thinking about animals and people and I was inspired to write this week's post on beating the blues. So this week's tip is...

Some people get a kick out of holding a baby, but I'd rather be cuddling a kitten or playing with a puppy (no offence babies, it's just the way it is). Spending a bit of time around animals can be really relaxing - for example sitting with a cat purring on your lap (such a nice feeling!) or watching some tropical fish swim around (I know fish aren't technically furry but still...). Going for a long walk with your pooch can also be a great way to clear your mind. I've been reading articles about how the relationship between people and animals can be so strong and have positive effects on our moods. This is especially true with domestic animals, which can often sense when you need cheering up (aww).

I don't have a pet at the moment, so for me a trip to the zoo recently was an awesome treat (I wanted to take all of the bears home...now that's a car journey I'd love to see!). I also love the fact that some of my friends have pets! In the West End, I've made many little trips to the Botanic Gardens to watch the koi fish and think about nothing for five minutes. The hypnotic effect is really soothing!

So this week, make a bit of time to hang out with an animal (or a whole menagerie!) and feel the furry - or scaly, or feathered - vibes!

Have a wild week!

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #7

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

Each week when I come to write this feature, I consider what makes me feel happy, inspired , relaxed or motivated. Some of the activities I write about involve taking the time to do something with a positive payoff at the end, and others are virtually effortless. Some of them involve other people, and some of them are a solitary exercise. I have suggested things that can take place outdoors and others that you can do at home. This week, I'm going to suggest something that you can do alone, with others, indoors, outdoors and (BONUS) it's one of the most simple tips yet...

 I love to laugh. Not much makes me feel happier or more like myself than having a good old giggle until my sides hurt and tears are welling in my eyes. They say laughter is the best medicine and I don't know if it was a qualified doctor that coined that phrase, but whoever it may have been was one smart cookie. This week I am encouraging laughter in all forms, so have a think about what has you in stitches. Is it that cleverly written article you just haven't had the heart to throw out? An episode of your favourite comedy series that you've seen a million times but still has you screeching with laughter? Maybe it's that awful joke that you shouldn't laugh at but you still do. Take the time this week to do whatever it is that tickles you.

Spending time with good friends and laughing about all the daft things you used to get up to when you were younger (or maybe just stuff that happened last week!) is one of the things that makes me happiest. I did it this week and I felt totally content. I think laughing is good for the soul (maaan) and I try to do it as often as possible. I have also found that laughing can help me on paticularly chaotic days as a minute or two of humour can have a surprisingly soothing effect!

So this week, make sure you go get your giggle on. It can be as quick or time-consuming as you like and no matter how much of a mid-week slump you're feeling, I can almost guarantee you'll feel amazing after letting out the laughs.

Have a fantastic week and let the LOLs out!

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #6

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

 At the weekend I watched For A Good Time, Call... , a sassy comedy about two girls that decide to set up a chatline together. Now, don't jump the gun - I'm not suggesting that you cheer yourself up this Wednesday by going into the phone sex business (although it does involve using the telephone)! Something that really stood out to me when watching the film was the friendship between the two girls and their phone conversation towards the end of the film is hilarious, touching and just a little bit gross! It got me to thinking about this week's cure for the mid-week blues, so my tip to you this week is...

I'm sure, like most people, you speak to your best friend every day. Maybe barely an hour passes without a jokey email, an "I seen this and thought of you" Instagram post or an emoji-filled (if you're anything like me) text. You guys are in touch all the time, right? But I'm not talking about texts, tweets or emails. I mean call her (or him!). When was the last time you sprawled out ontop of your bed/ couch/ floor and talked about everything and nothing on the phone? It's totally different to typing, trust me! Don't get me wrong, I'm all about using social media - it's so quick and easy and you can write a message to anyone in seconds. But taking half an hour out of your day to catch up on the phone takes minimum effort and feels AH-MAZING!

So this week, give this a go. Your bestie might be halfway across the world, or just in the same city as you. You might have a heart-to-heart, a gossip-fest or just giggle endlessly for the entire call. Either way, I bet they'll get as big a kick out of an old-school (and it's a shame that we call a phone call old-school now, but I digress...) phone conversation as you!

Have a smashing week, and get dialing! 

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #5

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

This week's blues-buster is about music. When I'm in a funk, putting on some of my favourite tunes will snap me out of it quicker than you can say "Wanna Be Starting Something". I'm sure I'm not the only one, so this week my tip for a wonderful Wednesday is...

Did you ever make mix tapes? I adored making mix tapes of my favourite songs and some of you reading this might even remember the magic of making a mix tape for someone else, or better yet - the excitement of getting one made by someone else for you! There's definitely a certain happy nostalgia when I think of mixtapes and making one to jam to (yes, JAM) come the mid-week is sure to keep you smiling.

So maybe that double tape deck bit the dust a long time ago, but that's OK. There are lots of websites that you can use to put together a motivational mix tape masterpiece for free! For example, 8tracks not only lets you create your own playlist but you can also listen to other people's themed mix tapes too. You can even search by keywords to find something that suits your mood. Making your own mix is always fun and even choosing which songs to include can lift your spirits. You might decide that you need a dose of Walking on Sunshine cranked up to 11, or maybe something from your favourite musical so you can belt it out too! Or perhaps there's that one cheesy pop song that reminds you of your school discos (Backstreet's Back, anyone?) and always makes you laugh. Whatever it may be, make sure you include it in your midweek mix.

As for me, I've just been reminded by The Boy that Prince songs from different albums jumbled up is NOT a real mix tape. He may be right on that one. My ideal mix tape would still include lots of Prince, but with some groove-tastic 80s tunes, classic rock and a few wild cards thrown in too for good measure.

Have an awesome week - and turn it up LOUD!

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #4

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

This week's cure for the Hump Day hangover is best enjoyed on a sunny day but can really be appreciated anytime...

When we are going about our daily business, especially in the city, we usually focus on what we need to do next, where we need to go and how to go about getting there. You've probably heard the expression 'stop and smell the roses', and my tip this week is kind of like that. If you're rushing around and feeling like you have a never-ending to-do list, stop. Just for 30 seconds. Stop. And look up. The first time I noticed the beautiful buildings (particularly the rooftops) in my city and took a few seconds to look at them, it was inspiring. So many intricate carvings, massive windows, winding church towers and balconies. I'd been so busy going in them, I hadn't bothered taking in what they looked like.

Glasgow (and OK, call me biased) has such an eclectic range of buildings, with the very old and historic right next door to contemporary masterpieces. It's the same in so many towns and cities, so try having a look up next time you're out and about. You might even feel a sense of calm like I did after doing something as simple as looking up (make sure you stop walking first though, I don't want anyone walking into walls!).

Have a fantastic week and enjoy the view!

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #3

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

This week, I have a Wednesday winner that is not only totally FREE, but it will also make you, and other people, feel good at the same time (consider it a two-for-one deal)...

That's right. Spread the love this week and pay someone a compliment! I read that compliments are like verbal sunshine, they brighten up everyone's day whether you are the one giving OR receiving. Think about the last time you got an unexpected compliment - I bet you felt like a rock star and had a little sass in your step for the rest of the day. So how awesome would it be to let someone else feel like that too? It's easy to fall into a bitchy subculture, especially in a world full of gossip and (often imaginary) points-scoring. But who has the time (and energy) to be so negative? Not me! Plus, when you see the reaction of the person receiving your compliment it'll make you feel great too (and that's where your Hump Day pick-me-up comes in).

It might be that girl that gets on the subway at the same time as you everyday with the wicked eyebrows, or your work colleague that has gone for an adventurous new haircut. Maybe that guy in front at the queue at Starbucks with the hat (and he could be secretly thinking, "can I rock a hat?") or a loved one that has just cooked you an epic dinner. One tip though - be sincere! Whether you know the person like the back of your hand or not, if you're thinking something nice, tell them! It'll make their day, and yours too.

Enjoy your week, and enjoy the sunshine (verbal or otherwise)!

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #2

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

This week, my advice to help keep the spring in your step on Hump Day is:

 This is actually something I believe in doing every day, but it can be particularly uplifting during the midweek slump. Now, I know that it may not be possible to rock up to work in your frilliest party dress and killer heels but to me dressing like it's your birthday is a state of mind. What I'm getting at is wear something that makes you happy. When an entire outfit isn't possible (especially if you have a dress code to adhere to), wear something small that will make you smile. For example, a vintage brooch that reminds you of that time you and your best bud went thrift shopping, or that new nail polish you've been dying to try out. It could be a new pair of shoes or your favourite sauciest underwear. However big or small, throw your chosen item(s) into the mix on a Wednesday and you might just feel like the birthday girl (or boy!) every week of the year.

Enjoy your week, and keep on celebrating! 

Cure for the Mid-week Blues #1

Wednesdays. The mid-week hump. Where the weekend seems like a happy memory and you've still got the rest of the week to go. Some people are saying that Wednesdays are the toughest day of the week to stay feeling energised and it's easy to see why. But I'm all about staying positive, so in my Cure for the Mid-week Blues mini-series, I'll be dishing out my top tips to keep those warm and fuzzy feelings going all week long...

So to start us off this week, my inaugural tip to stay smiling on Hump Day is:

That's right, boo. I'm pretty sure that the muscles in my brain, mouth and stomach are all connected because eating something yummy is sure to put a smile on my face every time. Whether you decide to treat yourself to a meal somewhere fabulous, whip up something awesome at home in your kitchen (my mid-week speciality is one of my XL sandwiches, a triple decker of whatever my heart desires) or even go on a morning cake run for you and your work buddies, it's guaranteed to make that mid-week mountain seem more like a molehill.

Enjoy your week and bring your own fork!