Longer days are here, and things are starting to look brighter. Still, it’s easy to feel a pang of uncertainty right now with world events playing out beyond our control. Niamh O’Reilly looks at 10 things to focus on, to keep us feeling positive.

There’s no doubt about it, we are living in very uncertain times. In fact, many of us feel as though we’ve had quite enough of living through so-called ‘once in a lifetime world events’. From record-setting rises in the cost of living, to worldwide pandemics, global warming and geopolitical conflicts, it’s been a testing time for all and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

However, keep in mind that just as much as it’s OK to feel a bit sad, it’s also OK to feel happy. In fact, having something to look forward to (no matter how small) is the key to refilling those reserves of strength. Knowing good things are coming will help to release those feel-good endorphins, that will in turn boost the mood, and help us cope that much better when something unpredictable happens.

Here’s what’s giving us good vibes right now…

1>> HURRAH FOR A SUMMER HEATWAVE

Get the sun cream ready folks, as climatologists are predicting this summer’s going to be one of the hottest on record, with a sweltering spring on the cards for starters. Great news for seaside breaks over the Easter holidays and spring socials.

As 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>> GREEN THUMBS UP

We spent a disproportionate amount of time in our gardens over the last couple of years and while many are now keen to explore more exotic locations, plenty of us have been bitten by the gardening bug and can’t wait to get stuck back in.

This time of year, there’s plenty to be done, with weeding, cutting back, tidying up and new planting. Veggie patch enthusiasts will be rubbing their hands together as they decide which seeds to put down this year. There really is nothing like harvesting your own crop of veggies; no matter how small, they always taste better. If you’re a newbie, why not try something sure-fire and simple like peas. We’re betting they won’t even make it into the house, as they taste so sweet right out of the pod.

3>> BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES ON THE BIG SCREEN

After all those delayed releases, there’s a glut of big blockbusters to look forward to in the cinemas right now. From Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – to bring the kids out in squeals of giggles, to Marvel Studio’s much anticipated Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness, not to mention Thor: Love And Thunder; Top Gun: Maverick (yes, 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 miniskirts are 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 dressing up (aka dopamine dressing) will make you feel good.

5>> A SUMMER OF SPORTS

Whether it’s a flutter on the horses at the Punchestown Festival, being pitch side as the GAA Allianz League comes to its thrilling conclusion or settling in to watch a major golfing event like The Ryder Cup, big sport is back.

For the adrenaline lovers, there’s the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. Tennis stars will be warming up for Wimbledon and the UEFA Champions League Final takes place in the city of blinding lights in May. Big sport lifts the spirits and as we found out, the audience really is the invisible key player.

Mark out your diary, rally your crew and get booking a table down the local now to beat the rush.

6>> BBQ SEASON

Come on, admit it. You’ve been thinking about it for a few weeks and now that the clock has finally sprung forward, you’re itching to clean the BBQ, get the charcoal going and dust down the garden chairs.

We’re certainly with you. There’s nothing like dining outside in a bit of sunshine, as the smell of the BBQ dances in the warm air as you sip on your favourite refreshing beverage.

Who else is ready to get lathering on those delicious marinades, get creative with some skewers and even try that beer can chicken recipe?

7>> FESTIVAL FEVER

Festivals are back with a bang and it seems the Irish are more than ready to dig out the wellies, pull on the shorts and embrace the mud once again. With Electric Picnic (electricpicnic.ie) recently selling out in record time after its two-year absence, there’s a real appetite for spring and summer music festivals once again.

Other old faithful are back too, such as Longitude (longitude.ie), Body & Soul (bodyandsoul.ie) and Forbidden Fruit (forbiddenfruit.ie), as well as lots of regional arts, theatre and jazz festivals. Plus, The National Ploughing Championships (npa.ie) will make a return to Ratheniska, Co Laois later in the summer. For the singletons out there, who’ve had it particularly tough during the last couple of years, Lisdoonvarna (matchmakerireland.com), the ultimate match-making and craic festival will also be returning in September.

8>> FOODIE HEAVEN

Of course, it’s not just music events that are making a very welcome return to the summer calendar, it’s foodie festivals too! The likes of Taste of Dublin (tasteofdublin.ie), A Taste of West Cork (atasteofwestcork.com), West Waterford Festival of Food (westwaterfordfestivaloffood.com) and many more are all poised to come back to whet our appetites. There are few things more pleasant than mooching around in the sunshine, nibbling the best of food and sipping your tipple of choice, as you watch a masterclass or chef demonstration or just a chat with friends. It’s pure heaven.

9>> THE CALL OF THE WILD

For those who love to participate in a bit of competitive action, the last two years have been tough.

But the call of the wild can never be ignored for long and there is so much on offer to get that competitive streak going again. Running is the ultimate endorphin-releaser, but when it’s in company it’s even better. To kick things off the Connemarathon (connemarathon.com) takes place on April 24 in Galway as well as the return of the Cork and Dublin Marathons to name but a few.

On the other end of the scale, Ironman Ireland (ironman.com) will see competitors from around the world flock to Youghal in Co Cork to literally test their mettle against each other over a gruelling course, featuring a 3.8km sea swim, followed by a 180km bike course, ending in a 42.2km marathon run.

10>> HOLIDAYS

While some of us are still feeling a little hesitant about booking in that Easter or summer break, there are certainly a lot more options open to those who are desperate for a bit of a break away.

Be it at home or abroad, there are a huge variety of packages to entice and with many tour operators, travel insurance companies, and airlines more cognisant of, and more prepared for, unforeseen changes or cancellations, many travellers can make plans with confidence.

There really is nothing more moodboosting and exciting than having even a small break, be it close to home or not, marked in your diary.

10 Things to Look Forward to Now