5 Quick Ways to Lift Your Spirits

Today is a dull and dreary day.

I make this pronouncement not because of bad hair or impending dental work, but because even though we have slipped into Spring in the Southern Hemisphere, there is not even a hint of sun in the sky this morning.

I live in a beach town that has convinced itself it is a capital city. But at its heart it is still defined by the sweep of coastline to which we cling.

In summer, when the temperature rises to the point that the sand mutates into hot glass, we gravitate to all things wet like a mosquito bloom.

But today is a grey day with neither a mad dog nor an Englishman in sight.

It is hard for me to be inspired when there is not even a glimmer of the desert sun…

So the challenge is clear: I give myself five minutes to construct this post. There will be no researching or word-play. This is inspiration without angles.

Five Ways to Life Your Spirits Starting Now:

1. Celebrate Small Stuff - Instead of reciting all the old chestnuts of health, a loving family, enough food in the fridge and matching socks, sit somewhere quiet and think of the one little thing that only you have. The special thing that no one else you know can boast of. As you discard the obvious - a man that loves to iron, fingernails that grow like winter grass, a cat that can open its own tins of food - you will not only be amazed by your abundant wealth of blessings, but will also get to engage in a fair few eye-rolling exercises as well.
2. Hit Something - I recently discovered the joys of boxing. Forget channeling your rage (I seriously have none) and focus instead on your fancy footwork and sharply accelerating heart rate. This is definitely not the sport for wimps, so keep it to yourself. Punch a bag instead of an opponent and revel in the sweat. No one can hold back a smile when that Rocky theme song lodges in the back of your brain.
3. Get Sensual - This is actually another game for the solo player. How often do we really indulge our senses? All the time, you say? Well in my less hedonistic world, I rarely get to treat my senses all in one day! So try the Super Indulgence Package and immerse yourself in epic music, dark chocolate, frangipanis, a steaming bath and a few verses of your own poetry. If that doesn’t trip off your tongue, indulge your sense of speech by giving it a rest.
4. Have Your Perfect Holiday @ Home - So it’s perfect weather to get a new post code, but you’ve got no time, no money and no imagination to get away… That doesn’t mean you can’t go on holiday. Work out the one thing that really creates the holiday mood and commit to doing it every day for a week. Or be greedy and choose a few! Partner massages feet Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Partner does dishes Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Partner makes daiquiris and tries to entice you away from your partner…
5. Get Wet - There is nothing like water to invigorate. Forget straightening your hair. Hang the water restrictions! Who cares about bathers with the seat worn out of them? Get a thorough soaking and feed your skin. If a natural water source requires crossing state boundaries or hacking a hole in the ice, settle for a bucket over the head or a dash through the sprinklers.

Well, I don’t know if you are inspired, but I’m already feeling much better.
It may be due to writing this post - or the fact that I had the radio on the background and just heard the new weather forecast for the day… Bring on the Vitamin D!

PS. Okay, so finding the pics took more than five minutes!

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