How to stay perky all day long

‘Happy hour’ doesn’t have to mean 6pm with a bottle of wine – there are ways to discover that happy feeling all day long. 

According to a study published in Science America, we are at our happiest after we wake up, but this good feeling slowly deteriorates as the day progresses. This pattern is repeated at weekends, although there is a delay of about an hour and a half.

Ultimately, what this research suggests is that for many of us, by the time five o’clock comes around we are in desperate need of a big glass of wine (or two). However, it is possible to maintain your good mood all day long to ensure that rather than losing the will to live, we actually re-discover it (cue better performance at work and more fulfilment).

Here are some fail-safe ways to keep you perky all day:

9am: Make your cuppa green

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who drank four or more cups of green tea per day were 44% less likely to experience depression than those who drank less than one. Packed with anti-oxidants and stress busting amino acid Theanine, green tea is a health fix guaranteed to keep you feeling on a high.

11am: Sit up straight 

Good posture is linked to good mood as it can affect a person’s ability to generate positive and negative thoughts. Make sure your chair is positioned upright to ensure your back is well supported and straightened throughout the day.

1pm: Work up a sweat 

If you find yourself sitting around doing nothing during your lunch hour, take the time to go for a run and indulge in a bit of exercise. Exercise releases endorphins – feel-good chemicals that make us feel happier – and studies have shown that just 20 minutes of moderate exercise can produce mood-boosting benefits for up to 12 hours.

3pm: Take a break 

Simply going outside to get some fresh air will instantly boost your mood. Living and working in areas of greenery has been found to be particularly beneficial for reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress. All it takes is a quick five-minute breather away from the hustle and bustle of the office to perk you up.

8pm: Write it down 

It can be easier to process your thoughts by writing them down, and doing so in a calm and comfortable environment will add to the mood boosting benefits of self-reflection. Take note of all the good things that have happened during the day rather than dwelling on the bad to learn to appreciate the small things in life.

Looking after your health is vital to a long, happy life. The healthier you are, the more energy you’ll have and the more alive you’ll feel. So if you’re feeling sluggish or bogged down, you might benefit from a life coach. To find out more, visit our healthy living page. 

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