Every now and then, you need a little something to make you feel better and give you a boost of cheer. Whether it be a compliment, a piece of chocolate or even a nap, a little pick-me-up can go a long way, especially when you’re a mom. Here are some of my tips to make any mom feel good.

Tackle the Difficult Task: Have you been dreading organizing your daughter’s closet? Spend a couple hours and do it. It feels amazing to get something done that you have been putting off.

Be Grateful: Write a gratitude list in your journal or spend time talking to your child about what it means to be grateful and discuss what you can be thankful for. It changes your perspective on the world around you and makes your happier.

Girls Night: Plan a night away with girlfriends and have fun! Sing karaoke or eat sushi. Nothing is more energizing than leaving responsibility at home and getting a night away.

Escape: Grab a novel or watch the latest Hallmark movie. Escaping into another reality leaves me feeling refreshed and energized.

Remember the Early Days: Take out those old photo albums and family videos and just reminisce. Seeing my kids as babies makes me realize how fast they grow up and how much I need to enjoy and cherish each moment.  

Take a Walk: Endorphins are released through exercise, which are a natural pick-me-up. Plus. getting outside clears fog out my mind and keeps me centered.

Ignore Social Media for a Day: Social media is awesome for connecting with people, but I think it has as many cons as pros. As a SAHM, I will lose hours on social media, getting lost in other people’s lives. I often find myself feeling down because I’m comparing myself to my friends. No, I didn’t plan the next week of meals using only organic food or go on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise. Taking a break from social media helps me get off the Internet and stay grounded to my kids without comparing myself to my peers.

Give a Little: Paying for a stranger’s gas or coffee is a wonderful experience. Every time I’ve done something for a stranger I feel so happy and free. The person giving gets more pleasure out of it than the person receiving. Pay it forward — nothing is better than coffee karma!

Go on a Date: Plan a date with your spouse. Don’t wait for them to be romantic. Just do it! Schedule a babysitter and go out for a night on the town. They were there before the kids and will be there after the kids leave, so spend time rekindling the fire.

Laugh Out Loud: Figure out your laughing triggers and pull them. My favorite to search for are laughing babies, awkward family photos, and Pinterest fails. Life can be hard and exhausting, find something to laugh at and your mood lifts.