10 ways to feel happy every day

Sometimes the littlest things can have a negative impact on our emotions and leave us feeling down. With a few small changes you can overcome the negativity and feel healthy, happy and cheerful every day.

Smile

Even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing, smiling tricks your brain into thinking that you are happy and has been scientifically proven to improve your emotional state and make you feel happier. Even when alone make sure you have a big grin on your face!

Start the day right

Rushing in the morning can set the day off badly. Make your breakfast and lunch the night before and prepare your clothes and daily essentials. Get up 15 minutes earlier to allow yourself time to wake up properly and mentally prepare for the day ahead.

Practise gratitude

Take a moment to list all of the things that you are thankful for, sometimes it really is the little things that make a difference. Try thinking of 3 things that make you happy each morning or write a list of positive things that happened during the day before bed.

Give a compliment

Be kind and compliment someone new each day. Being nice will not only make someone else feel good but will also leave you feeling better, and you may even get a compliment in return which is a bonus.

Take the stairs

Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel good. Small changes such as taking the stairs, getting off the bus a stop early or going on a short walk at lunchtime can count towards your recommended 30 minutes each day and make you feel happier.

Declutter

Mess and clutter subconsciously make us feel stressed. Take some time to have a clear out and create space. Whether its spring cleaning your house or organising your work desk. Decluttering will provide a feeling of accomplishment and create a positive environment.

Take a break

Sit quietly for 15 minutes or take a short walk, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Make sure all other thoughts are pushed aside and focus on what you can hear, smell and feel. This short meditation exercise is a quick way to relax and recharge when you’re feeling stressed.

Sing and dance

Singing and dancing are associated with being happy and joyful. Similarly to smiling our brain associates these activities with being happy which will automatically enhance your mood. The dancing will release the same feel-good endorphins that we experience when exercising.

Try something new

Whether it’s a new breakfast option, a different drink to your usual coffee or an alternative route home. Variety is key and it’s important to mix things up and break the routine. If you’re feeling adventurous why not sign up for a new class such as cooking, gardening or learn a language.

Switch off

Most of us are constantly surrounded by technology and it can be hard to escape. Try spending at least 1 hour a day without it. Turn off your phone, computer and appreciate your surroundings. Relax in a bubble bath, read a book or enjoy some delicious food.

Minimal Chic Moodboard

Whether it's art, interior, fashion or beauty I just love minimal style. Monochrome, open spaces and clean, straight lines feel so laid back and look effortlessly chic. 

Simplicity really is beautiful.

John Frieda Go Blonder Haircare

Shampoo RRP £5.99 - Mousse RRP £5.89 - Conditioner RRP £5.99

After recently going lighter I decided to invest in some products that would enhance my new colour and prevent the colour from fading so quickly to keep it looking fresher for longer. John Frieda seemed like the go to brand and were also on offer at the time which made them my firm choice.

The shampoo and conditioner lather up nicely and have a pleasant smell - it's not amazing but it's not bad. Unlike some shampoos the texture is thick and creamy so you avoid the risk of the product slipping through your fingers before its reached your hair. The conditioner is also quite thick so I only apply it to the mid-lengths and ends to avoid it getting greasy and weighed down. It does the job and leaves my hair silky smooth and tangle-free.

The mousse is a violet colour which works to enhance and brighten blonde hair. The consistency is quite wet and liquidy which is kind of a good thing as it prevents build up and doesn't feel sticky or leave hair greasy like some other products, but I would prefer it to be a little thicker and have more texture. Although the mousse claims to add volume I don't really notice much volume after using it however I still think it helps to enhance the colour and tame my hair when blow drying so I have kept it in my routine.

My blonde highlights look bright and non-brassy which is the look I was hoping to achieve and with the help of some natural sun rays due to the beautiful weather we have had, my colour looks light, vibrant and doesn't appear to have faded at all since having it done. Result :-)

Have you tried the John Frieda blonde range? Can you recommend any other good products for blonde hair?

Holly xx

July

July has been another beautiful month and I have definitely been making the most of the heat wave and have even managed to get a little tan. Unfortunately I have been a little poorly this month but fingers crossed I am now on the mend and feeling a bit better!

 I started Pilates classes at my local gym which I really enjoy and have also been busy shopping and buying essential items for Uni. So far I have some pots, pans, towels, glasses and a kettle. I still have quite a few things to get but it feels good to have made a start.

Time is going scarily fast and I am torn between feeling excited and scared about leaving home and starting something completely new, but as a whole I am looking forward to beginning a new chapter in my life and hopefully meeting some great people :-)

What have you been up to this month? Any exciting plans for August?

Holly xx

Testing L'Oreal's Casting Sunkiss Jelly, blonde hair, delicious salmon & spinach pasta, green smoothie, strawberry goodies from the Body Shop, John Frieda blonde products, super salad, Pompeii Purple nails, black & white.

Salmon, quinoa & broccolli, yours truly, Lindt dark chocolate, More Issues Than Vogue tee, Monday mani, new RI2K handbag, yummy breakfast, sunbathing, me again.

Clean, green lunch in the garden, ready for Pilates class, sweet peach nails, Mediterranean salad al fresco.

See more pics by following my Instagram @misshollyamber