Ten things that lift the spirits

1. Looking up and smiling. I think there is a physiological reaction to these two simple gestures that makes the heart light and the temple smooth.
2. The right music. Elizabeth Mitchell “I’m so glad I’m here…” when I question the wisdom of motherhood. Joni Mitchell “I wish I had a river…” when life is just too much. Beautifully sad melodies for when you’ve forgotten there can be beauty in sadness.
3. Trees and thinking about the oxygen they bring us. The bigger and more majestic the tree, the better. This is useful for passing exams too (as my A-level results testify).
4. Books. Some good old-fashioned escapism.
5. Honesty and frankness in thorny situations. The short term effect is often explosive, but the long-term benefits merit the upheaval.
6. Attention to small details. 5 minutes watching ants in their travails gives you illuminating perspective on your own petty burdens.
7. Chocolate. Not fancy pistachio creams or mango delights, just hearty slabs of the dark stuff.
8. A cup of tea in bed in the morning. It’s the upside of being woken at 5am by the baby when she drifts back into sleep leaving me wide-eyed and seeking recompense. About as decadent as life gets for me these days.
9. Dancing. I’m a great believer in dance therapy, silliness and breathlessness a must. Elvis, salsa, Incubus, Kate Bush… I’m a musical turncoat.
10. Finding silver linings and putting trust in them.