We all get moody at times, it’s just part of life. It can also be easy to let a bad day get us down and put us in a negative mood. The good news is that we don’t have to stay there. Keep reading to find out how to turn your mood around even on the worst of days.
How to get in a good mood and stay there
What is a “mood” anyway? A mood is a temporary feeling or state of mind. Generally speaking, our mood is described as being good or bad and can be influenced by several factors. Stress, fatigue, interactions with others, world events and even things like hunger or the weather can affect our state of mind. It may be hard to define mood, however, most of us know when we are in a more positive state of mind, feeling happy or optimistic versus a negative state of mind where we feel sad, anxious or even tired.
Turn that frown upside down
The first place we can start to turn our mood around begins with how we think. The practice of mindfulness can be very helpful. This method involves deep breathing, mindful observation and appreciation. Being mindful is also focusing on the present moment. By doing this, we can reduce the anxiety and stress that can lead to our bad mood. Try shifting your focus to the positive things in your life. This can improve your mood.
Talk to yourself
Often, we speak to ourselves in a very negative way. Challenge those negative thought patterns and replace them with positive self-talk. Start treating yourself like your own best friend. Speak to yourself as if you were giving advice to a close friend or family member. Be kind to yourself and focus on your accomplishments.
I got you babe
Humans are social creatures. We were designed to be with each other, and we need the feeling of being close to and connected with those around us. The emotional support we receive from our friends and family can boost our mood. The feeling of being loved and cared for is crucial to humans. Make time for activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Watch a funny movie together. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are known as the happiness hormones. These are the hormones that give us that positive and energizing outlook on life.
Creative juices
Creative outlets are another great way to boost your mood. Do you enjoy playing an instrument? Painting, drawing? Find a hobby that you enjoy and spend some time pursing it. Journaling can be especially helpful in elevating your mood as well. Try writing down things you are thankful for each day. Or, try reading something that you enjoy. Any of the creative processes are mood lifters that will have you smiling in no time.
Move it
Regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, yoga, and dancing are all great ways to put yourself in a positive state of mind. Exercise is another great way to release endorphins, which not only can improve mood but can also reduce your stress level.
Food and your mood
Our daily diet can greatly affect our mood. Unhealthy eating patterns can cause an imbalance in our nutrition as well as our blood sugar levels. Our minds and bodies don’t operate well under these conditions. Try eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. Remember to drink plenty of water and limit the number of foods containing sugar and caffeine.
Sleep on it
Mood swings are common for those who don’t get enough sleep. In fact, a lack of sleep can cause crankiness and anger. To keep your mood elevated, it is crucial that you get a good night’s rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. For even better results, establish a bedtime routine and create a comfortable sleep environment.
Connect with nature
Sunlight and nature are two of the best negative mood busters! Spending time outdoors and soaking up some rays will boost your mood and your energy. It also reduces blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones.
Be kind
Kindness is key. It has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy, and compassion, and improve mood. Helping other people creates a sense of purpose in life and boosts your mood. Try engaging in acts of kindness or volunteer work. Making someone else happy can make you feel happier as well.
Finally
There are many ways to improve your mood. Different strategies might work better for different people. Try some of these different techniques and find what works best for you. Remember that we all can be irritable at times and be in a bad mood for a few hours or even days, that’s just life. Accepting that you will have some bad days will lessen the impact of a bad mood. Taking an optimistic approach and being conscious of how you feel will help you to improve your emotional state.
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Barbara Bauer is a Georgia-based blogger obsessed with inspiring others in the pursuit of self-development. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, drinking way too much coffee, and speaking with a British accent whenever possible.
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