In a world that often feels overwhelming, finding small, accessible sources of joy is more important than ever. A recent collection of personal anecdotes from Guardian writers and readers has revealed a treasure trove of simple, effective ways to lift the spirits, offering a practical guide to enhancing everyday mental wellbeing.
Finding Joy in Nature and Simple Rituals
Many of the shared tips revolve around connecting with the natural world or establishing comforting personal rituals. One contributor found immense pleasure in creating a squirrel picnic during the pandemic, building a tiny table for the local wildlife. The simple act of watching a squirrel enjoy a peanut snack became a guaranteed mood-lifter. Similarly, the process of growing an avocado plant from a seed provided months of hopeful anticipation and a profound sense of achievement for someone on extended sick leave.
Other nature-based suggestions include sowing wildflowers in a garden patch and delighting in the changing array of blooms and insects each spring, or taking the time for urban walking, noting new sights and sounds even on a familiar commute. For those with pets, the act of observing cats or taking a therapy dog to visit hospital patients provides grounding, rewarding connections.
Simple domestic rituals also proved powerful. The act of washing and ironing bedsheets can create a sense of order and comfort, leading to a better night's sleep. For one person, washing her hair acts as a full 'reset button' for her mood, while for another, the meticulous process of painting her nails with a sparkly colour provides a recurring pop of joy throughout the day.
Community, Creativity and Shared Experiences
A strong theme across the suggestions is the profound mood boost that comes from connecting with others, whether friends, strangers, or a community. Joining a choir provided a vital lifeline and a chance to get lost in music during a period of personal grief. A regular Saturday run with friends evolved into a crucial support circuit, where the running became secondary to the shared coffee, breakfast, and conversations about life's challenges.
Creative and social pursuits featured heavily. Dance classes for adults offer a phone-free hour of fun, exercise, and camaraderie. Starting a shared playlist with a diverse group of acquaintances exposes participants to new music and sparks daily discussion. For those seeking escapism, a trip to the theatre – especially using cheaper ticket schemes – offers a unique, shared experience, while karaoke with a group of local parents proved to be 'cheaper than therapy and five times as fun'.
Even low-tech connections bring joy. Reviving the art of being penpals with local friends, using pretty stationery, fosters a sense of connection through shared everyday details. A random phone call to a friend, as opposed to a text, can feel more spontaneous and heartening, breaking the cycle of anxious thoughts.
Humour, Learning and Acts of Kindness
Laughter, intellectual stimulation, and generosity are also powerful antidotes to a low mood. Watching compilations of news bloopers, where formal presenters make hilarious mistakes, is a guaranteed tonic for many. Similarly, watching clumsy clips of people taking harmless tumbles on doorbell cameras provides a peculiar but effective form of stress relief.
Engaging the brain in new ways brings satisfaction. Taking an adult swimming class or joining a gym later in life can rebuild confidence and improve mental health. Enrolling in an Open University course can combat professional stagnation and spark creativity. For a daily circuit-breaker from doomscrolling, reading the poem of the day from poetry.org offers a fresh perspective.
Finally, acts of kindness, both big and small, elevate the giver's mood as much as the receiver's. Crocheting hats for premature babies in hospital gives a mindful hobby a powerful purpose. Leaving books about equity and justice in local 'Little Free Libraries' is a small act of civic hope. Even the simple, almost-lost gesture of acknowledging a stranger with a nod or a wave can create a fleeting but meaningful connection that cheers both parties.
From the sensory joy of a piping hot cheese toastie by the coast to the nostalgic comfort of 80s pop hits, the collective wisdom underscores that boosting your mood doesn't require grand gestures. Often, it's the small, intentional acts of connection, creativity, and kindness woven into daily life that provide the most reliable and uplifting results.
