Instant Mood Boosters
We live in an extremely demanding era where expectations are high and there’s little time for the “self”. For the most part, we keep our heads held up high and find happiness in the small things, revelling in our achievements and finding comfort in our loved ones. But every so often, our mood takes a nosedive and we find ourselves way, way down in the dumps. Sometimes we cannot pinpoint what altered our mood whilst during other moments, the weight of our problems sits heavy on our shoulders.
Yes, this intro sounds utterly morbid and might have lowered your spirits in itself. Before those frown lines deepen, however, you’d be interested to know that your demeanour is in your control. You can keep the blues at bay and turn a bad mood around almost instantly with the use of the right techniques.
To help make the world a better place or at the very least, to leave our readers with a happy heart, we’ve gathered a list of 10 instant mood boosters that are easy to implement and actually work!
1. Make Peace with Your Sour Self
The first thing you need to do is stop feeling bad about feeling bad! We all have sour moods and in essence, we are entitled to them. If we didn’t have “lows”, how would we ever be able to truly appreciate the “highs”? We, therefore, encourage you to make peace with your mood, embrace it even. Give deep thought into why you are feeling that way and remind yourself that the feeling is not constant. Giving yourself permission to feel the way you do can act as a reminder that you are in control of your own thoughts – this control can be an instant mood alleviator.
2. Phone a Friend
Friends are there for the good times, but they are also there when we need an ear to offload on. Yes, it’s their job to listen to us whine and complain. Even if you don’t feel like talking about “feelings”, simply having a casual chat with a buddy and you’ll soon discover that the light-hearted banter is pushing you into a better state of mind.
3. Buy Something Silly
Please, whatever you do, do not read this as an excuse to splurge and waste away your life’s savings. A little retail therapy won’t hurt, however, and our suggestion is to treat yourself to something small and silly. Something that you would never normally buy but will surely put a smile on your face, or at least the hint of one. We’re referring to the likes of a funny magazine, a DVD of your favourite stand-up comedian, or a hilarious trinket that will get tons of attention in your home.
4. Force a Smile
When you’re wallowing in self-pity, it might be very hard to find the energy to do a simple thing like smiling. We encourage you to give yourself a shake and do whatever you can to force a smile, yup, force it! Studies have indicated that when we smile, whether it’s a fake or the real deal, our brain releases feel-good endorphins throughout our bodies. These endorphins are the “happy food” that feed our souls and lighten our spirits. Just try it.
5. Take a Walk
The phrase “just walk it off” holds more value than you might think. In fact, any type of brisk exercise can help to boost your mood and give some fresh perspective. Venture out into nature or simply meander around your neighborhood. The point is to get your blood pumping so that you feel rejuvenated – and fresh air will do you some good too. Grab your dog or your partner, put on your walking shoes and walk!
6. Make a List of All the Good Things
Sometimes we tend to get so focused on all the things that have been going wrong that we completely forget just how many things have gone right. Grab your diary planner or a clean sheet of paper and a writing pen and start jotting down all the things you love about life. Make note of your achievements, your loved ones, and the good things you have going for you. Read your list out loud and remind yourself that whatever you are going through at that moment WILL pass.
7. Do an Act of Kindness
If you’ve ever done a kind deed (and as humble as you try to remain) there is no denying that the feeling that comes with doing something good is simply euphoric. Doing something for others is sometimes a reminder that your problems are not so big after all and that it is in your power to make a difference. Just remember to also be kind to yourself, you’re just as deserving of good deeds and if you ever need help – please do ask.
8. Take a Nap
This idea sounds just lovely, right? By taking a short nap you can recharge your batteries and have an almost immediate energy boost. This energy will give you the drive you need to overcome your bad mood and move forward despite the fact that you might be feeling like a lump of coal. Many scientists agree that a good night’s sleep or a power nap in the afternoon has tons of mental (and physical) health benefits.
9. Eat Better
What you put into your body has a huge effect on the type of mood you’re in. If you follow a healthy diet then you’ll be less likely to fall into the pits without a substantial reason. Stick to meals that are loaded with fruits, vegetables, and nuts and you will have enough energy to get yourself through the worst of times. And if the blues do find you, treat yourself to something delicious – like your moms’ best dish of comfort food or a few blocks of smooth dark chocolate!
10. Let Music Lift You
Empower yourself with a powerful playlist! Inspirational music that’s accompanied by a foot-stomping tune sets the scene for a good mood. It’s amazing how a good song with meaningful lyrics can instantly uplift your spirits and sometimes even inspire you! We suggest that you put together a go-to playlist for whenever your spirits are low. Fill the list with songs that always cheer you up or if you’re short for time, check out Spotify and borrow someone else’s tunes. After all, music has been scientifically proven to improve focus, lower anxiety, and stimulate those endorphins that make us feel oh so good!
Sources:
- 23 Instant Mood Boosts You’ll Want to Make a Habit, Reader’s Digest
- The 25 Best Instant Mood Boosters, Best Life Online
