It happens. You’re going about your business and — bam! — a bad mood strikes. But that doesn’t mean you have to wallow through the remainder of your day. In fact, there are a bunch of relatively easy things you can do to kick your sour temper to the curb. Here are five you can do right now.
Be selfless
Want to stop thinking about your bad mood? Stop thinking about yourself, period. (Not forever — self-reflection and self-care are so important!) Find a way to do something nice for someone else, whether that’s bringing a friend a coffee at work or volunteering for a cause you care about.
Studies have directly connected giving to other people and feeling happy yourself, so banishing your blues could be as simple as performing a random act of kindness.
Do your to-dos
If you’re down because you feel worthless or unproductive, it’s time to prove yourself wrong. Accomplishing something — even a few small tasks — is enough to show yourself that you’re capable.
Make a to-do list of all the things rolling around in your head. Now, pick a few of the easiest ones. There’s something inherently satisfying about crossing a to-do off your list and giving yourself easy wins early might just motivate you to tackle the rest of your list. And if it doesn’t, don’t stress. You still accomplished something today!
Address your physical needs
Your blues could be a symptom of your body not getting what it needs. Feeling tight? Do some stretching. Feeling tired? Take a nap. Feeling hungry? Eat something healthy. This is a great opportunity to check in with your body and see what it’s wanting. Taking care of yourself in this way helps you feel better overall.
Get moving
Exercise is directly linked to mood enhancement. When you do something that gets your heart rate up, your body releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of happiness. In other words, getting active is a surefire way to get more of the good mood chemicals moving in your brain.
And don’t worry. You don’t have to go for a serious run or lift a bunch of weights to reap these benefits. Even a brisk walk is enough to trigger your body’s release of dopamine. Do it outdoors for an extra mood boost.
Practice gratitude
With stores already offering Halloween decor, we all know that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. But don’t relegate your giving of thanks to a single day a year. Scientific research shows that being grateful can make you happier.
If you’re feeling down, try writing three things you’re thankful for on a piece of paper or in a note in your phone. Now, sit for a few minutes and think just about those things. Really reflecting on the good in your life and resting in that sense of gratitude can help you turn your mood around.
Bad moods are normal. But weeks and months where you don’t feel happy aren’t. If you’re struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to talk to someone about it. Our dedicated team of caring, understanding mental health professionals are here to talk! Get in touch with us today.
