Feel-Good Music All Day Long
Whether it’s with your preferred streaming app, a record player, or even that trusty cd-playing boombox you still have around, adding upbeat music to your day can have a positive and immediate effect on your mental statelegal bug2. It helps release dopamine in the brain which makes us feel good. So next time you’re stuck in the haze of work or chores, take a second to let the beat go on, and on and on.
Positive Living through Podcasts
It doesn’t have to be just music. Listening to podcasts throughout the day can help improve your spirits as well! The bonus is, whatever topic you happen to be in the mood for, there’s more than likely a podcast for it. So, whether you want to learn something new, be inspired, get motivated, or simply be entertained, take a dive into the wonderful world of podcasts. We even have our own Podcast called “Go-To-Grandma” that helps listeners with money matters through their grandparenting years with insights and advice. Listen to the episodes here.
Movie Magic
Picture yourself with a little extra me time at the end of the day. A great way to wind down is with a feel-good movie. Choosing the right one can almost work as a form of therapy to bring our minds back to a positive state, especially after a not-so-positive day. So, pop some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy the show!
Nature Connectivity
Do you ever find yourself going through the day without spending any time outside? That disconnect does play a role in our happiness. The good news is that watching nature videos can help to increase contentedness, joy, amusement, and curiositylegal bug3. Many great nature documentary options exist on popular streaming services, but they can be easy to find on YouTube and social platforms as well.
Puzzles, Please
Many of us spend nearly all-day solving problems and may not want to solve any more by the time we get home. However, puzzles can be that missing piece to improve our day. It’s been shown that puzzles help regulate mood and optimism, while also improving focus and short-term memorylegal bug4. And of course, they’re fun!
Story Time
There’s nothing like getting drawn into an engrossing book with your kids, one that sets the perfect tone, is rich in character and plot, and triggers both your imaginations. But story time isn’t just something that helps deepen their love for reading, it can reignite yours, too! Explore new options here for you and your little ones. Happy reading!
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
