Brighten up: 10 ways to get a good-mood home

2. Take some 'me' time

Surveys show lack of 'me' time is one of the biggest things to effect mood: a whopping 70 per cent of us complain we don't have enough time to ourselves, which is linked to increased stress and unhappiness. Splash out on this Banana Republic body oil (£13) from John Lewis for time out. Lock the bathroom door, pour yourself a glass of wine, and have a nice long soak.

3. Banish wrinkles

Fear of wrinkles keeping you awake at night? Well, there's good and bad news. A study by the University of Bath says fear is the best motivator for making you take action (such as doing exercise or maintaining a beauty regime), but something as simple as changing to a silk pillow case can help banish your concerns. Silk glides over your skin rather than rubbing against it as cotton does, reducing the likelihood of wrinkles. It's also easier on your hair (no more bed head!). We like this green silk oxford pillowcase (£29.50) from the Autograph range at Marks and Spencer.

4. Spend time under the sheets

According to longevity expert Dr Michael Roizin at Real Age, studies show that long-term, loving relationships can help give you the same functional age as someone who is as much as 6.5 years younger. Get plenty of mood-boosting quality time with your partner in this fabulous Chesterfield bed from Heal's (£2,995). Certainly cheaper than Botox injections.

5. Have a laugh

Get the gang round for comedy movie nights on this fabulous 26" Philips 26PFL5522D/05 HD Ready LCD Digital Television (£399) from Johnj Lewis; top-quality viewing guaranteed. A study in the health journal Neuron found that laughing triggers the production of the hormone dopamine, which can induce a euphoria similar to that produced by drugs such as cocaine. And having a cackle together is perfectly legal.

6. Help the world

Apparently ‘giving something back’ – whether in the form of something such as buying fair-trade furniture or using recycled materials – can help us feel more socially connected. Research in the International Journal of Behavioural Medicine found that altruistic emotions and behaviours are associated with improved health, longevity and greater emotional wellbeing. Opt for fair-trade and sustainable goods, such as this lovely fair trade shopper from The Lazy Environmentalist (£25). Eco-guerillas can get inspired with our fairtrade shopping list.

7. It makes scents

We are complete suckers for Jo Malone's scented candles (£38). Their jars of sweet smelling wax are just delightful. Your friends will be green with envy when they pop round - smells have an immediate affect on your mood. Lavender, hyacinth and vanilla are calming, grapefruit is refreshing and eucalyptus and bergamot will energise the most lethargic. Just don't do a Duchess of York and leave a scented candle burning in your bathroom (it started a house fire on 29 January 2008). Blaze and glory.

8. Get your heart pumping

It's a great mood-booster, and this Pro fitness Pilates kit (£14.99) from Argos can help home-workers or busy mums get into action. Regular exercise releases endorphins and therefore reduce your risk of depression and anxiety. One study in the journal Health Psychology found that 30 minutes a day – broken up into 10-minute sessions – was enough to improve mood and regulate emotions. Time to get off the couch.

9. Work harder

It's probably not what you want to hear, but researchers at Gothenburg University in Sweden found that hard work is good for emotional wellbeing. Apparently, striving towards achieving a goal is more likely to bring lasting fulfilment than even winning the lottery, which only produces a short-lived high (although we’d settle for that). Until then, this Oak finish colonial desk and hutch (£89.99) from Argos should give you a good reason to get back to some hard graft.

10. Get colour conscious

Paint each room according to its different function and mood. The bathroom, that soothing hub, is calming in seaside colours – think warm coral, pinks, white sand and yellow shells. Fire up the dining room with vibrant golds and red walls. The communal kitchen is best kept cosy and comforting without any overpowering hues. Make concentrating at home easier by painting your study in greens, purples and blues – the least distracting shades which minimise eyestrain. This book, Farrow and Ball, the art of colour (£30) will lead your paintbrush.

The next step to making your house a happier home is to sort out security. Read our guide, Home improvements that will protect you and sign up to our Dream Home group.