R U OK? Day comes around once a year to remind us of the isolating nature of mental illness and the solidarity and hope that arises when we recognise that it is everywhere, affecting all of us at some point in our lives be it us personally, a loved one, a celebrity or even your furry friends (pets..I’m talking about pet’s people – they have feelings too!). Mental illness is silent, unassuming and often invisible so why don’t we ask R U OK? more than once a year, or better yet, live an R U OK life? Us here at Morlife do this on the daily by adhering to the ethos we hold dear –  that prevention is better than cure and wellness isn’t merely the absence of illness.

So how can we help prevent mental illness and contribute to make everyday a happy day? Of course it is not such a one dimensional issue–but certainly looking out for your fellow homo-sapien (human) and making the conscious decision to generously spread positivity like it’s the new black (or is it orange now?) certainly is a step in the right direction.

Here is 10 simple ways to get your generosity on (without going level 100 Ghandi) to help spread some sunshine daily:

1. Clean out all of your old clothes and donate them to a charity or someone in need.  You’ll feel fresh and your old will be someone else’s new.
2. Send a nice email or handwritten card to someone you know, unexpectedly.. snail mail can be like an outer world experience when used for surprises other than three-hundred-dollar speeding fines.
3. Help out the weary shopper in front of you who needs that extra 5 cents to avoid breaking a 20-dollar note.
4. Treat your fellow workmates to a random morale pick-me-up by brining in some healthful dark chocolate coated treats for no other reason than to show you care – dark chocolate almonds, five berry mix or coffee beans are sure to put a smile on their dials..because honestly who doesn’t love chocolate.
5. Help someone get active.  If there’s a co-worker or acquaintance in your life who wants to get healthy, but needs a helping hand.  Offer to go walking or running together or bring them to your gym.
6. If you see a couple or an aspiring insta-model trying to take a selfie, offer to take the picture for them.
7. Lend a listening ear for a friend to vent over a turmeric latte or chamomile mellow tea without judging or trying to fix everything. Sometimes we just want to be heard and our feelings acknowledged.
8. Smile – sprinkle that business everywhere because it doesn’t cost a dang thang and your light will be contagious.
9. Take a second to be generous to yourself and look after your own needs – being a giver can sometimes leave you feeling a bit exhausted if you’re not putting the right fuel in your own tank. Alkalising with our alkalising greens is an easy place to start so you feel great and can stay on top of your giving game.
10. When someone wants to repay you for something, ask them to pay it forward.