1. Listening to music – especially uplifting, dancey, bouncy music – dance or rock or cheese mostly. (Any acoustic guitar poignant stuff is liable to have the opposite effect)

2. Dancing – or exercising I guess. But music is generally involved – it can make running on a treadmill feel like less of a chore and I can  imagine I’m in a music video

3. Cuddles – from anyone really. Don’t think we get enough in this lifetime. That’s why I try and cuddle my children whenever they (or I) need it.

4. Fresh air. Definitely getting out of the house gives you some perspective and being in nature helps you realise that life goes on and is pretty beautiful no matter what idiotic things are screwing up  your head at the time

5. Nice smells. Aromatherapy oils (refreshing ones like rosemary, lavender etc) or joss sticks - can remind you of happier times

6. Feeling desirable – whether its wearing clothes that are a bit feminine or putting on some make up or perfume, anything that stops me thinking that I’m “just” someone’s mother or wife and have no intrinsic value definitely lifts my mood

7. Writing my diary – something that’s probably more neglected than the gym-going but probably more hepful to my sanity. My diary allows me to process my thoughts and help me get some perspective on whats really important. Plus its great to read further down the line (and I can laugh that I got wound up about such small things). Plus it helps me excrete all the mental crap in my head before I go to sleep! (and no – its not the same as blogging…)

8. A cup of tea