5 Simple Joys That Can Brighten Up Your Day

We all go through THOSE daysâ€"you know, the ones when nothing seems to go your way. These days are a part of life, and they can sometimes be unavoidable. However, the great news is, there are several simple joys that you can indulge in to pick yourself up from a lousy day. And the best part is, these little joys aren’t just inexpensive, they’re pretty easy to do too. Check out the list below of small but effective things that you can do to cheer yourself up after a bad day: Treat yourself to a bubble bath â€" Having a stressful day? Then why not draw a nice bubble bath for yourself when you get home? While you’re at it, turn on some relaxing music and just leave the whole day behind as you get in the tub. Soaking up in warm bubbly water for several minutes (maybe even a hour) can effectively take your mind off the stresses of that day and relax your muscles so you don’t have to deal with any emotional stress converting into physical pain. Make yourself a positive mix â€" Think mixed tapes are really cheesy? Well, yeah they probably are, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not effective. A feel good mix can successfully get you out of a bad day, if you let it. Round up your favorite positive songs and put them all in a playlist or CD. When you’ve had a not-so-pleasant day, turn on the music on your way home and just sing along. This is a sure-fire way to get into a lighter mood and give you a better mindset. Music is the panacea of all woes, after all. Sleep early â€" When you’re too tired or stressed out, don’t make it worse by complaining about it. Instead, grab an early dinner and hit the sheets as soon as you can. This will not only put an end to a bad day, it will also give your body the much needed rest it deserves, and it will invigorate you for a better day when you wake up in the morning. Have a marathon of your favorite drama or sitcom â€" Sometimes, one of the best ways to escape the stresses of the real world is to get lost in a fictional realm instead. Consider renting out full seasons of your favorite TV shows and have a marathon at home. If you’re doing way too much at work or at home, then take the chance to be a couch potato for a day. (Just don’t get addicted to it.) Invite your co-workers to happy hour â€" Long day in the office? Then who could relate more than the people that you work with? If you’re chummy with some of your co-workers then invite them out for a drink. A lot of restaurants and sports bars have great happy hour specials, so it shouldn’t create such a huge dent on your budget. Grabbing dinner or drinks with your officemates can bring you closer together and strengthen your working relationship, so give it a try and you might just experience less stressful days at work.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Massage

Being massaged is undoubtedly one of the best treats that a girl can get. Whether you’re a student, a career girl, or a mom, getting a massage every now and then can definitely increase your well-being. Sometimes, feelings of stress can immediately be dispelled by a good back rub, foot rub, or both! Ladies sometimes dismiss the idea of getting a massage because it’s not in their budget. Big mistake. Failing to pamper yourself can lead to even more stress and can prevent you from performing at your best. Additionally, treating yourself to a massage can also free up some emotional blockage and can lead you to be at a happier mental and emotional state. With that said, it’s important that you spoil yourself and indulge in a good massage every once in a while. Not sure where to start? Check out the following tips: Check out daily deal websites â€" Being on a tight budget shouldn’t hinder from treating yourself to a good massage. Check out daily deal websites like Groupon and Living Social as they often have special bargains from spas and massage therapists. You can also sign up for an account at Lifebooker, a daily deal website specifically for beauty and wellness businesses. These sites can give you as much as 80% off, so always shop around for great offers before booking your session. Round up the girls â€" Can’t find a deal that you like? Want to save even more? Then round up your girl friends and look for special group rates. Spas and other massage establishments often provide lower rates if you go with a group, so be sure to ask them for group discounts. Doing so will not only save you some cash, but it can also pave the way for a more enjoyable experience, and can give you a chance to bond with your friends. Why not make a party out of it? If you’re thinking of celebrating a special occasion with just your close friends then perhaps a massage party could do the trick. Read reviews before you book anything â€" Once you find a good place (or a good deal) be sure to do your research before buying anything. The last thing you want is to get a “great bargain” on paper only to find out that the business offers not-so-pleasant services. To make sure that you’re getting a quality massage, swing by Yelp and other review websites to see what customers have to say about the business. Be sure to read the reviews carefully and keep your BS monitor on though, as fake online reviews are becoming rampant. Talk to your massage therapist â€" When you finally arrive to get your massage, be sure to talk to your massage therapist first. Don’t just walk in and lie down without saying a word. Take the time to talk to the person giving you a massage. Ask questions and share any trouble spots in your body. Doing so will allow you really make the most out of your experience and you’ll be able to reap more benefits out of the massage. Image credit: Nick J Webb on Flickr