If you’re feeling tired, cross, out of sorts, too hot or just plain blue, here are four ways to boost your mood that will cost nothing or next to nothing:
1. Move your body. Go for a walk, go for a run, take a tin of beetroot out of the cupboard and pretend you’re on the Shake Weight infomercial (*ahem* *cough* I have never done this. Repeat: this has never happened), put some dance music on Spotify and clean your kitchen floor with that ratty scourer that needs to be thrown out anyway. Note to self one: this post is now far too personal. Note to self two: Must buy new scourers. Move your body.
2. Socialise. Call a friend. Text a friend. Email a friend. Go to church. Go to a meeting. Join a group. Organise a party. Be political. Volunteer. Go sit in the park and make friends with the pigeons. Note to self three: Harry said he wanted more birdseed last time we spoke. Socialise.
3. Set a goal and move towards it. Set a big goal. Set a little goal. Set one hundred goals. Set one goal. Make a to-do list. Make a have-done list. But decide something you want to achieve and take some step towards it for a reasonable period of time. Note to self four: must get into training to swim the English Channel. Note to self five: When I get to England, must look up where to see badgers. Note to self six: Must find out how normal it is for a 140 kg woman to swim the English Channel. Wouldn’t want to step on any toes.
4. Give someone a hug or a pat. If you’ve got a spouse, hold them close. If you’ve got a pet, pat them gently. If you’re alone, moisturise and use a body brush on your skin. It will make you feel warm and tender and relaxed.
Those are four simple ways to make yourself feel better for zero dollars. For those looking for low-cost exercise, Fr Dave Smith does boxing in Mundine Gym on Tuesday and Thursday nights. For those looking for social connections, South Sydney Uniting Church is open with services at the Factory Community Centre every Sunday at 10am. There’s a free feed every week and groceries to take home.
