If we’re honest with ourselves, most of us don’t really want dramatic change. Sure, we may dream about it, but moving to a different part of the country, switching jobs, or spouse-cleaning a relationship is all very stressful and even scary. A better approach is to take the things we’re relatively comfortable with and tweak them a bit. Here are eight simple ways to give the routine parts of our lives a little boost.
Your shower: When you’re having a rough week, try shower therapy. Tell off your boss, your mother, that telemarketer that keeps calling. Hold nothing back. Threaten them with your back scrubber. Throw the loofah. We guarantee that when you emerge, you’ll feel twice as clean and refreshed.
Your commute: Tilt your car’s rearview mirror up a smidge. This forces you to sit taller in order to see traffic, which counteracts slumping and soreness. You’ll arrive everywhere feeling fresher. Or, imagine that somebody just dumped ice-cold water down your back. Your reaction to that—shoulder blades back, spine tucked—is the way you should drive all the time.
Your home: Drive to a hardware store and buy a couple of gallons of pale blue latex paint. Head home and paint the ceiling of the porch, bedroom, or wherever you spend a lot of time. It’ll feel fresh and lift your mood—researchers say that staring at the color blue helps relax you.
Your lunch hour: Find the nearest Chinese restaurant that delivers. The next time you’re having a rough day, call and order the ginger chicken with broccoli for lunch. Studies show that ginger and broccoli help relieve depression. Imagine that!
Your mind: Visit the website of your local community college and peruse its noncredit courses. Pick a subject you’ve always been interested in but never had time to pursue, then register for it.
Your relationships: Hug your pets, kids, husband, friends, stuffed animals, even yourself. The simple act of squeezing something—anything—will make you feel less squeezed and more connected.
Your sleep: Keep a notebook by the side of your bed. Instead of collapsing into sleep, end the day by jotting down what went well that day—whether that’s 25 things, 10 things, or (some days) just 1. It’ll help you toss off the cares of the day and get ready for truly restful sleep. Hey, being happier is often as simple as being well rested.
Your whatever: Wherever you go, carry some Bubble Wrap. Put a sheet in your purse, the glove compartment, a desk drawer at work, or even just your coat pocket. Whenever stress builds, pop a few. Instant smiles.
I love you Grandma!!!
showers are definitely a wonderful therapy...sometimes I'll get the extra nice handmade vegan soaps that smell so lovely for an 'escape'
It really takes your mind off things, not to mention getting out in the fresh air. Hopefully, we'll all lose some weight and shape up at the same time! 
your day arranged. He knows just whats going to happen. He'll be there with you while you go thru the day. Halleluiah!
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