Inexpensive ways to make your life better

Life can drain us sometimes so it is important to do what we can just to make it that little bit better. Here are some inexpensive ways to perk up your day.

1. Burn oils or scented candles in your home. 
Try lavender for relaxation, rosemary for concentration or lemon and ylang ylang for a refreshing homely feel


2. Declutter your home  
One room at a time. Having clear space will allow you to relax better (and find things). As you begin to declutter keep a notepad handy to write down things you need to help you stay organised - eg a key hook for car keys, folder for tax documents and pen holder.


3. Indulge in homemade
Try a  homemade honey, cinnamon and nutmeg facial mask. Equal parts of each. 1 teaspoon per person. Rinse off and moisturise if needed. Make sure while the mask is on to wear a towel around your neck to catch any drips. Great also for clearing pimples or as an exfoliant.

4. Get outside. 
Take a walk and get the blood pumping. Exercise release the feel good hormones called endorphins and you can never get enough of those!

5. Play music.
 Just about any low mood can be lifted with favourite track. Combine it with exercise and you will be feeling doubly good.

6. Change your bedsheets. 
There is nothing better than hopping into a fresh clean bed. Invest in a good quality pillow to help you off to dreamland zzzzzz.

7.Surround yourself with colour.  
Colour inspires things in us. Blues and greens calm, bright red can evoke aggression, deep red passion. If you can't paint, use things such as plants, home decor or artwork to bring in colour.

8. Spend time with animals.
There is long standing evidence to suggest that having animals or pets increases our longevity and can also help to reduce stress levels so go take Fido to the local park or beach.

9.Re evaluate your finances. 
There is nothing worse than having no idea where your money is going and it can cause a lot of stress. Set a budget and shop around for the best deals on your household bills. What you have leftover could be used towards a holiday!

10. Phone or get together with a friend. Too often we rely on texts or social media to be updated on someone's situation. Get connected properly and see how much more fulfilled you both feel

11. Quit smoking. 
If you have already, well done, or if you never did, congratulations. But for those of you that haven't yet, consider why not. As soon as you stop smoking, within 20 minutes your health will begin improving as your body begins the work to reverse the effects. You will feel better, look better, smell better and probably have more money. What's not to like?

12. Get more sleep.
Turn off and unplug all electrical items and artificial light in your bedroom. Artificial light and the electrical currents have been known to interfere with getting restful sleep. Try reading before bedtime instead of watching TV. You could also try going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. It helps promote restful sleep.

13. Have a cold shower. 
After having your normal shower, just before you step out blast some cold water over your body. It will do two things; increase your circulation for good blood health and it will also make you feel warm when you step out.

14. Drink more water. 
Water has so many health properties for our bodies.The can help flush out toxins from our bodies, boost our metabolism and keep us hydrated. It is important to remember that once we feel thirsty we are already dehydrated. Also we often mistake hunger when in actual fact we are thirsty hence drinking more water can prevent us from overeating.

15. Get some sun. 
Being low in Vitamin D can affect our moods big time. Just remember to be sun smart.

16. Do something for someone else. 
It will help them feel better but it will always make you feel better. Everybody wins.

17. Stretch. 
Stretching releases tension, keeps you flexible, helps prevent muscle injuries and feels great. Why not?

18. Meditate for five minutes a day. 
Five minutes is basically a blip in your day, so just close your eyes, breathe deeply and try to not let your mind flit to other things. Try it and see the difference it makes.

19. Stop procrastinating. 
Face something head on that you have long been avoiding. Whether is be a tricky conversation, asking for a promotion or just tackling the jungle that is your backyard. Procrastination gets you nowhere and you will probably feel a lot better after getting it done.

20.Learn to say no. 
We often become tired and stressed trying to keep up appearances or make other people happy. Let me just say as a mother, you cannot help others without helping yourself. Take a break. It's okay to make yourself a priority every once in a while.

"Don't be so busy gardening you don't have time to smell the roses. "