I think it’s safe to say, not all days are created equally. Truth is, we all have our days where we feel down and just want to curl up into our shells. As someone that has struggled with depression in the past, I know how real this feeling is. But one thing that I learned and that I’m constantly working on is to not let those bad days consume me. But, with just about everything in life, your bad mood is temporary and it will not last forever! That doesn’t mean that you have to wallow in it, why not be proactive about your healing and happiness instead? Here are 20 things you can do to instantly boost your mood when you’re feeling low.
The Key to Happiness
Before diving into the list there’s one thing that I want to remind you – your happiness is a choice. It’s up to you and me to make the active and conscious decision to be happy! Most of the time, it’s all about your mindset friend. Please remember that and use the things listed below as tricks to help you get your mind right so that you can choose your happiness!
20 WAYS TO INSTANTLY BOOST YOUR MOOD TODAY
1. Get your body moving
According to Psychology Today, simply moving your body can “reduce stress and improve depression and anxiety.” So the next time you feel you feel yourself feeling upset or down, take 20-30 minutes to ride your bike, go for a swim or to burn a sweat.
2. Breathe deep
Believe it or not, taking a minute or two to take a few deeps breaths can help you improve your mood especially when you find yourself in the middle of a less than desirable situation. Deep breathing is one of the most recommended ways to help reduce bodily stress. If you really want to kick things up a notch, have a full-on meditation session.
3. Let the music play
Anyone love getting lost in a good playlist when they are feeling down? What’s a song that just speaks to your spirit? Play it and play it again until you feel better. Take it a step further and dance (body movement, remember?) it out!
4. Pay it forward
Do you ever notice how good it feels to do good for others? The next time you’re feeling crappy, pay it forward by doing good for someone else. Pay for a friend’s lunch or donate to a cause that you love.
5. brew some tea
Don’t neglect the benefits of a soothing cup of hot tea!
Did I mention that I sell mugs, which are perfect for your tea? Click below to shop!
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Master-Minding Mug$17.95 -
Working Gal’ Mug$17.95
6. Write it out
I’m sure that you knew this was coming…. I mean I AM A WRITER! When I’m feeling low, I love being able to pick up a good ole’ fashioned pen and paper to journal and write out my feelings. Journaling has a number of benefits including it is stress relieving, you can process and make sense of your feelings, it is a healthy outlet, and can inspire creativity.
7. mind check 1,2,1,2
Sometimes we just need to check in with ourselves and our minds. How is your current mindset serving you? Click here to read my post about mindfulness and why it matters.
8. flick it up
One of my favorite things to do when I’m not in the best mood is to put on a feel good movie. What’s a movie that no matter how many times you watch it, it brings a smile to your face? Put it on and watch it!
9. or light it up
I’m talking about candles boo! Studies have shown that what we smell can have a direct effect on our mood. The top scents that evoke feelings of calm, and happiness? Jasmine, Lavender, Peppermint, and Rosemary.
Here are some candles to check out!
10. Do something you enjoy
What’s something that you do that instantly brings a feeling of peace and happiness to you? Is it roller skating? Pottery? Going to museums? Do that thing and enjoy the hell out of it!
11. who do you love?
When we’re feeling down, it’s important to remember that we are not alone. Take some time to reach out to the ones you love and talk to them about what’s going on in your life, seek their input and advice, or just catch up and enjoy the exchange!
12. Link up with friends
Or better yet, why not schedule a date to link up with your friends and loved ones. Quality face time is so important, especially when we’re not feeling our best.
13. Go outside
Get outside and soak up the sun. Getting some much-needed sun increases your serotonin levels which may be all you need to instantly boost your mood.
14. so fresh and so clean
Another thing you can do to boost your mood is to tackle a problem you can fix at that moment… like cleaning! Take this time to sort through your thoughts and freshen up your space.
15. Be present & Give thanks
Remember when I mentioned earlier about getting your mind right? Take it a step further by choosing to be present in the moment and to choose to acknowledge what you do have along with what you’re grateful for rather than focusing on the negative in your life.
Click here to read my blog about gratitude.
16. speak it and affirm it
Combat the negative feelings in your life with some positive words and thoughts. After all, we are what we think and say, so make sure you’re coming correct! Speak and affirm all the good that is meant for you and coming your way and find happiness and comfort in that.
17. SLeep on it
I don’t care what anyone says… a good nap or sleep session may be all you need to improve your mood. Sometimes I find the best solutions to my problems in my sleep… am I the only one?
18. read through it
If you ask me, reading solves a whole lot of problems! The next time you’re feeling down, pick up a book to read! Here are some recommendations.
19. smile and laugh
Ever heard the phrase “Fake it, till you make it.” Well, that can be applied here too! Sometimes you need to smile and laugh until you believe it and it feels good. Now it may feel silly at first, but that’s the point right?
20. self-care it up
Treat yourself with some self-care. To me, there’s nothing a nice relaxing massage, facial or pedicure can’t fix!
We all have those days when it feels like the universe is out to get us and we’re feeling down. I sincerely hope these tips are helpful to you when you need to give your mood a boost!
