DAN MACKAY: Plenty of ways to feel good – and all of it available free
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Apparently, there are 14 ways to enjoy yourself in 2023 without spending any money!
It must be true because I read it in the i newspaper – an independent tabloid which I rate highly.
And goodness knows we need to discover things which will cheer us up from the otherwise depressing news we are bombarded with each and every day in Broken Britain.
In any case, I thought I’d “spare” you all the mudslinging we now associate with the House of Windsor. Talk about happy families!
No chance of a reconciliation any time soon for Harry, who seems on a self -destruct mode.
But, come on, enough is enough!
We have a cost-of-living crisis in this country yet the internal machinations of a self-obsessed and over-privileged elite dominates the news agenda.
Get rid of the lot of them, I say. Phew, I’m glad I got that off my chest! I feel better already.
So, how to be happier?
It’s time to brush off the winter blues and look ahead to the future more positively, I say.
As always, it’s the simple things in life that can make all the difference.
Yes, it’s that time of year when the collective wit and wisdom of psychologists, therapy-types and health gurus bring to life a clear focus that, even if we just take some of it on board, could bring a little more light and joy into our lives.
And amen to that, I say!
I’ve always been a believer in the potential of the great outdoors to salve the soul.
Now we are being reminded to take “savouring” walks to reconnect with the sights, sounds and smells of nature.
I love the beach especially: the sound of the rollers pounding on the shore, the salty tang of sea air, some wind in the face – magic.
And its free!
You may prefer woodlands, or have a barely suppressed desire to take to the hills.
They all work and though it is still wintry out there, remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothing…
It’s too easy to text or send an email, we are reminded, but a more personalised handwritten note to someone shows that you care and have taken the time to reach out to them.
Trust me on this one I know from personal experience having had a period of some ill health.
There is nothing better than a letter dropping through the door, those personalised notes and cards can mean so much.
Other things like looking through old photos.
Think of the memories, the nostalgia…moments to laugh and cry. Good old days to look back on.
Maybe even an opportunity to put a scrap book together for another rainy day – or to share with a loved one.
Yes, it is the simple things in life that make all the difference.
Even changing daily routines to break out of old habits to find new motivations and opportunities might work.
Or those old acquaintances you’ve been meaning to catch up with for a coffee and a blether.
One suggestion is to copy your cat, if only I had one. Apparently, they like nothing better than to curl up and nap.
Even people have an innate need for some hibernation.
Some rejuvenating slumber – but I never needed any cat to tell me that one!
