This post is sponsored by FreshFlowers.com.au
We all have times when it doesn’t feel like anything is going your way, and all you want to do is run away and join the circus, but unfortunately that’s not generally an option! Thankfully, there are lots of simple ways to brighten your week that don’t involve taming lions or performing high-rise stunts, which is probably a good thing! Here are my current five favourite week – brightening activities, and I’d love to hear yours as well!
1. Take time out to read a good book
It’s so easy to fall into the habit of mindlessly watching shows on tv that you might not even be interested in, or to put off starting a new book because there’s something else you think you should be doing. Taking some time out to really settle into a good book and immerse yourself into another world or someone else’s life is one of my favourite ways to bring some joy into my week. Sometimes the vacuuming just has to wait! I’m on a bit of an inspirational-real-life-story bender at the moment, and I just finished the Kurt Fearnley autobiography, which was incredible, so if you’re looking for some inspiration I recommend you to give that a read!
2. Get yourself (or someone else!) some gorgeous flowers
If you follow me on Instagram you’ll already know I’m a sucker for gorgeous flowers and will take any excuse to buy some for myself, especially if I’m having a not-so fun week. I usually split the bunch up into a few small vases and distribute them around my apartment, that way I get a little burst of colour and happiness in every room!
I also like to buy them for other people when I know they might need a pick-me-up, which in turn helps to brighten my week as well! Fresh Flowers (the lovely sponsors of this post) make it super easy to get gorgeous flowers delivered in Melbourne and across Australia (check out these gorgeous tulips!), and they even have a nifty reminder function so you will never miss a birthday or anniversary again! How handy is that!
3. Collect some friends and hit a pub for trivia
The combination of good friends, a beer or two, some tasty pub food and a lot of laughter make an evening of pub trivia the perfect way to brighten my week. Most pubs run food and drink specials on trivia nights so it’s an inexpensive way to have a mid-week night out that is usually even more fun than just heading to the pub. Plus, you don’t even have to be any good at trivia to have a good time (although I will admit, I do tend to get a little competitive!). It really is just good old fashioned fun, and you might even learn a thing or two along the way. Bonus points if you can come up with a witty team name as well!
4. Go for a long walk, stopping for coffee or a glass of wine along the way
Even in this chilly weather, there’s little better than heading out into the fresh air and going for a long walk to lift your spirits, just be sure to rug up first! The combination of the fresh air and exercise will leave your head feel clearer, increase your endorphins and reconnect you with the world around you, which is guaranteed to make you feel a whole lot better. Stopping for a coffee or a glass of wine is obviously not mandatory, but I would definitely recommend it (particularly somewhere with an open fire!), even just as a way to get you to start the walk in the first place!
5. Watch a documentary on something fascinating or inspiring
When I’m having a lousy week and I want to vege out on the couch for a while, instead of binging on crappy tv (although that can have its place!) I try and watch documentaries on something I find inspiring or fascinating. This isn’t the time for tear jerkers like Dear Zachary, but rather things like March of the Penguins, Man on Wire or 20 Feet from Stardom (which is next on my list to watch!). Some other excellent options are Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Bill Cunningham New York and Exit Through the Gift Shop, and I’d love to hear what you’d recommend as well!
I find these kinds of documentaries engrossing, distracting me from anything that might not be going to plan, and reminding me there are plenty of amazing things happening in the world!
So there we have it, my top 5 simple ways to brighten your week, no matter what might be happening! I’d love to hear your go-to tips as well!
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
merilyn
June 24, 2015 at 10:42 am (9 years ago)yes flowers are great to brighten one’s mood!
and those other tips thanks liz!
I like to draw and paint it out of me!
colour therapy helps me always!
walking and dancing is good for serotonin!
I also like yoga and mindful meditation!
if all else fails go to a day spa!
treat yourself kindly hun!
you are worth it! … love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 24, 2015 at 9:31 pm (9 years ago)They all sound like excellent ideas Merilyn! I would love a day spa visit!
Tahlia Meredith
June 24, 2015 at 4:33 pm (9 years ago)Excellent tips! Basically anything that makes you feel a bit special and/or gets you laughing does the trick I find – a quick pedicure, take yourself out for a lovely lunch, or catching up with friends.
Those flowers are gorgeous!
Tahlia Meredith recently posted…5 easy ways to eat more vegetables
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 24, 2015 at 9:31 pm (9 years ago)Yep, laughter really is the best medicine hey!
Sonia Life Love Hiccups
June 26, 2015 at 9:20 pm (9 years ago)A long walk where you stop for a glass of wine on the way? SOLD! that is so my kind of walk 🙂 xx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted…Gratitude Triumphs
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 27, 2015 at 11:06 am (9 years ago)Feel free to join me for a walk & wine whenever you like!
Mrs W
June 26, 2015 at 10:20 pm (9 years ago)Flowers are a surefire mood-saver for me! I also like to cook up a storm, I find it takes my mind off things and at the end, I have something delicious to eat. Perhaps with that glass of wine you mentioned earlier….
Mrs W recently posted…25/52 – A portrait a week
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 27, 2015 at 11:07 am (9 years ago)Yes, cooking definitely does that for me too! Combined with flowers and wine and we’re on a winner!
Trish
June 27, 2015 at 10:07 am (9 years ago)Love these tips.
I like Asutralian Syory for an inspirational doco in 30 mins.
#4 sounds the best idea.
Trish recently posted…Cancer that doesn’t go away.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 27, 2015 at 11:07 am (9 years ago)Yes, I love Australian Story as well, an excellent addition! Thanks Trish!
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers
June 27, 2015 at 1:26 pm (9 years ago)Love these tips. Fresh flowers always brighten the day don’t they and a walk on the beach. Co-incidentally my daughter was in her school play this week which was all about running off to the circus!
Vicki @ Boiled Eggs & Soldiers recently posted…Weekend Rewind – Sass with a side of Swagger and other stuff
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 27, 2015 at 7:47 pm (9 years ago)I wish I lived closer to a beach to walk along! I hope the play didn’t give your daughter too many ideas!
Karin @ Calm to Conniption
June 27, 2015 at 9:27 pm (9 years ago)I love watching documentaries too. I have just discovered a heap on Netflix which I got very excited about.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption recently posted…The Ultimate Rabbit Hole #24: Wave Your Weekday Worries Away
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 29, 2015 at 9:38 am (9 years ago)Yep, I’ve just started heading down the docos rabbit hole on Netflix as well! Any particular ones you’d recommend?
Karin @ Calm to Conniption
June 29, 2015 at 12:42 pm (9 years ago)I love the themed TED talks and have been watching a few dinosaurs ones of late because I am amazed at how they are done.
Karin @ Calm to Conniption recently posted…Motherhood in a Third World Country
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 2, 2015 at 8:58 pm (9 years ago)Ooh I’ll have to check some of those out! Thanks Karen!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me
June 28, 2015 at 1:30 pm (9 years ago)An hour’s peace, without my 3 asking me a 1000 questions or fighting, reading outside with a nice cuppa!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me recently posted…Brought to you by Durex.
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 29, 2015 at 9:39 am (9 years ago)That does sound pretty wonderful!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
June 29, 2015 at 7:41 am (9 years ago)Excellent tips! I love flowers too. If I’m in a funk I like to bake a cake or go for a run (but not at the same time!)
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…Vodka High Tea at Food Society
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
June 29, 2015 at 9:40 am (9 years ago)That would be mighty impressive if you could do both at once! I’m not so big on the running, but I do love baking!
Sally
June 29, 2015 at 10:50 am (9 years ago)These are great reminders to just enjoy the simple things. I am particularly loving diving into the world of books in place of television at the moment and it has made such a positive impact on my life! You have reminded me to pick up the Kurt Fearnley autobiography, he is one of the most inspirational people and I can’t wait to read it!
Sally recently posted…Why I Love Flying
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 2, 2015 at 8:57 pm (9 years ago)It’s a seriously fantastic read Sally, I hope you love it as much as I did!
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages
June 29, 2015 at 1:15 pm (9 years ago)I love lists like this! I love a good book too, a coffee and fresh flowers always brighten my day without fail.
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages recently posted…Thai Chicken Balls
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 2, 2015 at 8:58 pm (9 years ago)It’s amazing how much of a difference a bunch of flowers can make, isn’t it?!
Bec @pinchmebeautiful
June 30, 2015 at 2:04 pm (9 years ago)Flowers, so simple they always brighten up my day 🙂
Bec @pinchmebeautiful recently posted…Breakfast Time // Apple & Honey Pikelets Recipe…
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 2, 2015 at 8:59 pm (9 years ago)It does seems to be a very popular week-brightening technique!
Shannon@ my2morrows
July 3, 2015 at 7:35 am (9 years ago)I rarely buy flowers for the house but after reading this today I think I will. It’s flower Friday! Xx
Shannon@ my2morrows recently posted…Taking Stock: June
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
July 10, 2015 at 5:35 pm (9 years ago)Flower Friday sounds like an excellent tradition to start!
Elly Camron
October 26, 2020 at 4:51 pm (4 years ago)Thanks for sharing