YOUR FAVOURITE MTV SHOWS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON PARAMOUNT+

20 Life Hacks To Brighten Up Your Mood This January

1. Stare at pictures of Harry Styles for hours...

Sometimes the grind of life can make us feel slightly worn out and it doesn't help that January isn't really anyone's favourite month.

Don't fret, because we've come up with a whole of of simple (and sometimes silly) life hacks to boost your mood andturn yourself a sunny shade of yellow again. HURRAH!

1. SCREAM “TODAY IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DAY!” IN THE MIRROR EACH MORNING

Wake up early, have a good shout, then reward yourself by having a small nap afterwards. That still counts as seizing the day, right? Whispering works too if you're afraid of waking up the whole neighbourhood.

2. SET YOURSELF A REALISTIC GOAL... AND ACHIEVE IT

Even small successes have huge mood payoffs. So even if that goal is eating two whole pizzas in one sitting, you’ll still be basking in the glory of achieving it (with some possible bloating too)...

3. PRANCE AROUND LIKE YOU’RE THE STAR OFA MUSIC VIDEO

Channel Beyonce and perform like the ultimate diva in the comfort of your own bedroom, 'cause dancing fills you with all of those happy endorphins. Hey, you can even do it naked if you like. Just make sure those curtains are securely shut.

4. TREAT YOURSELF NOW AND AGAIN

Had your eye on that new eyeshadow palette or a pair of trainers you really want but probably shouldn’t buy? JUST BUY THEM. Although, remember that a full-blown shopping addiction will make your bank account very unhappy.

5. DO SOMETHING KIND

In line waiting to pay for a coffee? Give the cashier an extra couple of quid to treat the person behind you, or perhaps find a worthy charity and donate to it. Even if it's a tiny gesture, knowing that you've made other people happy will fill you with warmth.

6. FIND THE NEAREST PET AND CUDDLE AWAY

Because what else makes you more happy than hugging your dog until it literally can’t take the affection any more? Nothing. Cuddle and kiss it because it’s so damn cute, then repeat this process again until said pet gets annoyed and tries to run away.

7. DECLUTTER

Your environment affects your mood so if your bedroom is just one massiveheap of clothes RN, this one's aimed atyou. You may have heard of Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up’ which is a book on Japanese cleaning method, Konmari, which takes tidying to the next level.

You might even get round to pairing up all of those odd socks and it’ll feel GREAT. Plus you'll save stress in the morning trying to find something to wear.

8. MOVE THOSE BUNS HUN

And we mean this literally. Any kind of exercise, whether it's walking, yoga, dancing, playing sportsor doingHIIT, you'll be getting your blood pumping and releasingall that tension. Extra points if you can somehow not look like a sweaty mess like Nicki Minaj in the 'Anaconda' video, although we realisethat wouldn't be human.

9. MAKE A GRATITUDE JAR

Shift your mindset from the usual stresses and to-do lists to reflect on the good already in your life.Stick a jarin your room or on your desk,write something that you’re thankful for eachday and put each note in the jar.At the end of the month, read everything that’s inside and thenburst with happiness and appreciation.

10. RECRUIT YOUR BFFS FOR A PICK-ME-UP SESSION

What are friends for? Ranting to each other about our troubles and liking each other’s Insta pics when no one else has, of course. So phone 'em up, get together and laugh the night away.

11. HAVE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Make long and short term plans with friends and family. Even if it's a weekend away, sitting down to eat dinner with your housemates or going shopping with your mum, it'll make you feel excited about everything you have coming up.

12. MAKE A POSITIVITY PLANNER

Write down of a list of all the things which are good in your life - it's effective because it gives you an outlet for your feelings. The Happiness planner (£28 from Anthropologie) let's you reflect and gives you space to set goals or you can simply make your own.

13. BE NICE (EVEN TO YOUR SIBLINGS)

So, your sister has taken your favourite skirt and you really want to strangle her right now. But trust us, it’ll make you feel better if you let it slide. If you're nice, generally everyone will treat you nicely too. Hey, your sis might even let you borrow her favourite dress next time. Or not. Whatever.

14. STARE AT PICTURES OF HARRY STYLES

Obviously this pastime fills you with joy, so perhaps take it to the next level by carrying around a photo of him in your purse and introducing him to everyone you meet as your long-distance BF. It'll make the fantasy seem all the more real.

15. GET YOURSELF AN SAD LAMP

If you’re unlucky enough to live somewhere where the weatheris dull most of the year round, you don't get enough Vitamin D and you feel particularly unhappy during winter, it may be worth getting yourself an SAD lamp.

The Lumie Starter Bodyclock (£59.95 at Lumie.com) wakes you gradually with increasing natural light so you will no longer wish death upon your morning alarm.

16.RUN BAREFOOT IN THE GRASS

Ok, so we appreciate it may be the middle of winter right now so running anywhere barefoot is going to be a solid NO THANK YOU.But you get what we mean - evengoing for a walk (with shoes on)in the fresh air and natural light triggers ALL the endorphins.

17. VOICE YOUR FEELINGS

It’s always better to get your worries out in the open. Whether its opening up to a trusted friend, family member, work colleague, teacher or doctor, it’s much better out than in. If you’ve been feeling low for a longer period than usual, it may be signs of depression so don’t be afraid to seek help. The Mental Health Charity Mind's website is a great place to start.

18. HANG AROUND WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE

Be drawn to the friend who never stops smiling or the colleague who makes the working day so fun. Surrounding yourself with positivity will make you feel positive too.

19. HAVE A DUVET DAY

Stick on a your favourite TV series and accept your fate with a big tub of Ben and Jerry’s - which is eating thewhole tub. Trust us, you'll feel super relaxed.

20. GET SOME ZZZZZZ’S

Getting your 8 hours sleep a night (and even takinga sneakynap in the afternoon) can transform your mood. Feeling that little bit more recharged will make you less aggy and people will thank you for it.

Happy January!

Now watch girls and guys trying to guess what weird sex toys are for below!

Latest News