The sun’s shining, flowers are blooming, nature’s bursting out into its warmer-months glory – but that doesn’t always mean we have the happy mood to match. The fix, however, is easy: capture some of the great outdoors’ radiant energy and bring it into your body, mind and home. The perks? Elevated mood, a summer-ready living space and an instant dose of positivity. Read on for our tips and get ready to light up your life.
1. Find your light
Take a quick walk around your house. Which are the spots that get lots of natural light? Which rooms feel dark and gloomy? The simplest way to harness a sunny feeling is by working with the light you already have. For those of you lucky enough to have lots of windows, embrace them! Consider rearranging the furniture to make your view star of the show.
If your lighting is limited, you can create the illusion of more by adding in mirrors or layering textural elements such as plants and natural textiles that nod to the great outdoors. If your decor revolves around rich, heavy textural elements such as dark velvets and moody tones, consider swapping in small elements such as breezy linen curtains and fresh flowers. Having a few areas where you can change up the décor as your mood calls for it can make a big difference towards creating a cheery mood.
2. Summer-ready scents
Now that your surroundings are light-filled and vibrant, look to the other ways you interact with your home. Does it smell happy? Do you get a positive vibe whenever you open your door and breathe in? Fragrances can work as an instant mood booster, instantly putting you in an upbeat mindset. Citrus scents are the ultimate energisers, bringing a boost with every sniff, but for a true dose of summertime attitude, look to fragrances with light happy floral aromas.
Want to switch up your home scent? Try our fragrance sticks from The Ritual of Karma.
3. Eat right to get happy
That’s right – use your food to boost your mood! Researchers have found that a diet rich in vegetables can give you a major dose of long-lasting happiness. So, while you may think that snacking on sugary treats or chips is giving you a lift (we’ve all been there) turning to a veggie-based bite instead will keep you feeling fuller and happier longer in both body and soul.
4. Salute the sun
If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, chances are you’ve done a sun salutation. There are dozens of variations of the energising sequence, but they’re all connected by the idea of paying homage to the sun. Practiced every morning, the flow has myriad benefits, from toning and strengthening your muscles to subtly improving your digestion and kidney function, and even helping you stimulate your prana, the Sanskrit term for your life force. Also, any yoga practice has the benefit of helping you feel more present and centred in your day. If you’re seeking an introduction to sun salutations, our expert teacher Deborah breaks down two flows here.
5. It’s all in the attitude
The final secret to getting a sunny disposition? It’s all in your approach. Even if you’re nowhere near a beach, get into a summery mood by cultivating positivity in your outlook. It may seem daunting, but happiness is truly about the small things, whether it’s about starting the day with a meditation, taking a few minutes every day to cherish meaningful moments in your life, or tapping into a joy-inducing creative pursuit, such as journaling or drawing. Look inside yourself to find what makes you feel light and sunny and take the time to make it a regular part of your daily routine.
