5 surefire tips to get you in a good mood
When the cold creeps under your skin, when you're too tired to do anything, or when you want to gather family and friends in an inspiring and cozy way, a bonfire is the perfect choice. Try one of our favorite tips for getting in a good mood—or try them all.
Aromatherapy
The use of various scents and essential oils for therapeutic purposes has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. When you breathe in the air, the scent molecules travel from the olfactory nerves to the sensory center of the brain, where they can affect our mood.
You can use scented candles, fragrance sticks, incense, an oil burner, or a diffuser with a few drops of essential oil.
For example, try apple, which has a wonderfully calming effect, can reduce stress and also relieve migraines; citrus ( especially yuzu), which can counteract bad moods and relieve symptoms of tension and depression; mint, which can both sharpen your memory and calm the nervous system; or any other scent that you enjoy.
Home spa
If you feel stiff, have sore muscles, or need something to de-stress, then a home spa is the solution for you. Fill the bathtub with very hot (but not scalding) water and pour Epsom salt into the water while you let the water run. Epsom salt comes from natural sources in England and dissolves into magnesium and sulfate in the water.
Epsom salt has been used for generations as a home remedy for various ailments and can be purchased at health food stores and many supermarkets. Light some candles and place them around the bathroom, listen to soothing music, and let your body relax in the water.
Dinner by candlelight
Nothing is as enchanting as candlelight. And if you decide to really be present, something as simple as preparing and enjoying a meal can be an act of love. Be sure to choose your ingredients carefully and prepare the food with care. Arrange the food beautifully on the plates, light some candles, and take your time to enjoy the meal.
Lighting a fire
Whether at home in the garden or on an adventure in nature, gathering around a campfire awakens primal instincts. Hot dogs or marshmallows on a stick, musical instruments, and good stories. That's all you need to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Reading aloud
Now that we're talking about stories. Do you remember when one of your parents or another adult read aloud to you before bedtime when you were a child? If you do, it's probably a fond memory, and if you don't, it's never too late to make new memories. Before streaming services existed, it was common for people to gather and read aloud to each other to pass the time.
There are many good reasons to revive this tradition! If you are one of the lucky few who have access to a wood-burning stove or fireplace, then just light it up. Otherwise, you can create a cozy atmosphere with candles and perhaps incense while reading aloud. (Remember to provide good reading light to avoid straining your eyes.) Gather family or friends, choose a really good book full of adventures, and read aloud to each other!
