Without a doubt, we’re living in uncertain times – and our resilience is being tested.

From dealing with day-to-day ups and downs, to disturbing world events, the cost of living crisis – not to mention limping out of the pandemic, it’s hardly surprising we’re looking for a little reassurance.

And just as much as it’s OK to feel a bit sad, it’s also OK to be happy.

Having something to look forward to (no matter how small) and releasing those feel-good endorphins can boost our mood – and help us cope that much better when something unpredictable happens.

Here’s what’s giving us good vibes and making us smile right now…

1. Hurrah for a summer heatwave!

Climatologists are predicting this summer’s going to be one of the hottest on record, with a sweltering April on the cards. Great news for seaside breaks over the Easter holidays and spring socials.

An added bonus, you won’t have to worry about having the heating on with energy prices predicted to soar, plus you can reap the benefits of a refreshing cold shower to cool off!

2. An extra Bank Holiday in June

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and a four-day-weekend (for some of us!) means an extra chance to get together with friends and family, or just recharge your batteries. With street parties, The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), more than 1,500 beacons being lit nationwide and a star-studded line-up for a special live concert being broadcast from Buckingham Palace, there’ll be plenty of flag-waving to lift the spirits.

3. Blockbuster movies back on the big screen

After all those delayed releases, there’s loads to look forward to in the cinema stakes right now. From Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – to bring the kids out in squeals of giggles (the first one was one of the highest-grossing films of 2020), to Marvel Studio’s much anticipated Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, not to mention Thor: Love And Thunder; Top gun: Maverick (yep, Tom Cruise is back doing death-defying stunts more than 30 years after he first took to the skies) – not to mention Elvis, starring heart-throb Austin Butler in his breakout role. And that’s just between now and July.

4. Mini skirts are back

We’re not sure if the old adage – when hemlines rise, so does the economy – quite rings true right now, but mini skirts back on the runway for spring/summer 2022. And even if you don’t really fancy sporting a micro-mini, the psychological benefits of getting dressed up and having some fun with your style are well storied. Whether it’s a pair of heels, a pink lippy or hint of cleavage, being body confident and mood-enhancing dressing (aka dopamine dressing) makes you feel good.

5. A summer of sports

Whether it’s a flutter on the horses and crowd-pleasing Grand National, The Epsom Derby or Royal Ascot; F1 Monaco Grand Prix; warming up for Wimbledon and all those Pimm’s parties; the UEFA Champions League Final in Paris (May 28), or major golfing events such as The Masters and US Open, there’s so much to look forward to on this year’s sporting calendar. Mark out your diary, rally your mates – and get booking a table down the local now to beat the rush.

6. BBQ season is just around the corner

With the clocks about to spring forwards and lighter, longer days due, chances are you’re already thinking about breaking out the BBQ and bringing home those hefty bags of charcoals. And if you’re not, you’ll be reminded that your neighbour certainly has, when those enticing aromas start wafting over the garden fence. Thoughts of spicy marinades, rubs, burgers, kebabs and veggie dishes are reason enough to raise a smile and start dusting down the garden furniture – not to mention those ice cold beers. Cheers!