Things feeling a bit stale? These small tweaks to your routine will turn things around, boost your mood and could even make you a better person …
1 Go on that second date
(Remember, people are often nervous on their first.)
2 Borrow a dog
It will force you to get outside, says Rhik Samadder. “If you want the joy of a pet without the expense and commitment, mooch with someone else’s pooch. Try BorrowMyDoggy, or a more informal arrangement. There’s a trend for house- and pet-sitting – which is how I come to be in charge of my friend Chris’s labrador, Mumbles. Taking a dog for a walk is instant serotonin. You play with the dog, plus you’re plugged into a community of dog people. Everyone talks to me. I feel like a California mayor, or a minor celebrity. Only when we return home do I recognise I’m flush with fresh air and social interaction, and have more energy. ‘Who’s a good boy?’ I say, ruffling the golden head, before realising it’s me. I feel good.”
