GirlsGuideTo | 11 Ways to Cheer Up!

Summer is supposed to be a time of fun and happiness – I mean, it was vacation time growing up, the pool is calling your name, and all the sun’s vitamin D is supposed to kill the big, bad blues right? All that is true, but with those extra hours of daylight comes extra activity: Weddings, vacations, barbecues, happy hours. An extra busy schedule can mean extra stress. It’s important to take a step back and do a little something for yourself so you can keep your sanity and enjoy the season. Here are 11 ways to stay on the sunny side of the street this summer, thanks to SavvySugar.

Control outer chaos. One of the simplest ways to feel better is to tidy up your space. I know when my desk at work gets cluttered I start to feel agitated and can’t calm down until I clear it off. Insane? Maybe, but it’s true. A neat closet, organized drawers, and a clean desk can do wonders for your mood. Pressed for time? A quick 20-minute cleanup at the end of each day can be enough to maintain an orderly, uncluttered environment.

Get moving. Remember Elle Woods’s rant about endorphins and happy people and not shooting husbands? Increase your endorphins and loosen up by sticking to a regular exercise schedule. Stay sane by taking a short walk during your lunch breaks or join a fitness class with friends to boost the relationship benefits, too.

Eat well. If you're eating badly, chances are you'll feel bad — both physically and emotionally. Do your body and your mind a favor by eating regular, balanced meals that leave you energized.

Catch plenty of Zs. Running on empty is a surefire way to feel stressed, so do whatever you can to get at least seven or eight hours of sleep each night. I know it’s tough, but Facebook and your DVR will still be there tomorrow. Wind down early, follow a consistent sleeping schedule, and try to force yourself to wake up at the same time each day.

Minimize screen time. The TV is on, your phone is beeping, there are seven windows open on your laptop — staying connected can be overwhelming. See if you can limit the hours you log online each day, then turn off push notifications on your smartphone to gain a bit of peace and quiet. Another idea: pencil in screen time as if it's an appointment, then commit to tuning out as soon as the time's up.

Stick to your budget. Money worries can stir up strong feelings of guilt and anxiety, so keep your finances in check to avoid unnecessary tension. A good starting point? Try some of these painless ways to save or start eating in/taking your lunch to work more often.

Make time for friends. It's important to stay on top of things at work and at home, but it's just as important to spend time with the people you care about. To keep from getting caught up with your to-dos, schedule a weekly coffee date with pals to help yourself unwind.

Be a planner. Feeling rushed can kick-start a bad day, so try to think ahead to avoid hectic mornings. Write lists, pack bags the night before, and stay generally organized to be on top of things and dodge the last-minute chaos.

Focus on balance. The key to staying sane is balance, so steer clear of ultimatums and extremes. That all-or-nothing attitude can quickly backfire, so don't let yourself get too wound up with work or play. Instead, do what you can to shift your mind-set and make moderation your go-to plan.

Take breaks. With a go-go-go lifestyle, you're sure to burn out. Use your vacation days, and don't forget to get away every once in a while. There’s a bar in town that feels like you’re on a beach vacation (right in the Midwest), so my friends and I go there every so often to get a few hours of R&R. Even if it's just one night at a hotel in your city, that feeling of escape will help you relax and recharge.

Acknowledge the good. Every so often, remember to step back and take some time to feel grateful for all the positive things you experience. Whether it's great feedback from your manager or simply a stretch of sunny days, make an effort to soak up the good whenever you can.

Do you have any go-to tips to boost your mood? Share them in the comments below!