Our moods are fickle things. You could be having a great day, but you stub your toe and drop your phone. Those two seemingly small things can be enough to leave you feeling sour. But here’s the good news: the reverse can be true. With some tools in your back pocket, you can boost your mood when you need a pick-me-up.
Even better, a lot of these ways to inject a little happiness into your day are quick, easy, and free. Let’s look at five ways you can boost your mood today.
Smile
Just turning up the corners of your mouth can give you an instant lift. When you smile, it triggers a chemical reaction in your brain that releases dopamine (the neurotransmitter that helps us feel pleasure) and serotonin. Medical researchers link low levels of serotonin to depression.
Try it for yourself. Crack a big smile and notice how you feel.
Get some sun
Speaking of serotonin, a little sunshine can help there, too. Some time in the sunshine boosts your serotonin production, elevating your mood. (But if you’re going to be outside for more than 15 minutes, put on some sunscreen or protective clothing layers.)
Perform a random act of kindness
As it turns out, when you do unto others as you want them to do unto you, you do yourself a favor. Science has linked lending a helping hand to feeling happier and less stressed. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your mood, hold the door for someone, buy a friend a cup of coffee, take someone’s dog on a walk, drop off some flowers — the options are endless.
Get social
Humans have been choosing social groups over isolation for as long as we’ve been around — and for good reason. The science shows that when we’re engaged with the people in our lives, we’re happier and we live longer. Call up a friend for a great way to boost your mood and theirs.
But get off social media
While researchers haven’t found a direct relationship between social media and unhappiness, the general consensus is that time away from your devices helps to boost your mood. You might want to try a day or two offline, then check in to see if you personally benefit from a little digital disconnection.
These tips can help you turn a bad mood around. But if your sense of feeling down lingers, it might be more than a passing mood. We can help. Here at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center, our team offers a bunch of different services, from talk therapy to art and music therapy, to help you on your path to happier days and better mood regulation. Call or email us to get started.
