When a day seems to be going anything but your own way, it’s time to pull up your sleeves and do something about it. It’s easy to get stuck in a state of depression, anger or frustration, but just a bit of effort and inspiration can have you bubbling again in no time!
We all have the power to focus our minds on whatever we want to and to choose what it means to us, which equates to having the power to change how we feel about anything. Here are 10 ways to get yourself out of a funk and pick up your mood in minutes:
1. Get Your Sweat On
A burst of exercise, even if it’s just for five minutes has been proven to release endorphins and increase energy levels, which makes it one of the top ways to break out of a negative mood. By pulling your hair up and putting on some colorful trainers, you’ll feel much better, and sooner than you thought possible!
2. Pump Up the Volume on Some Good Tunes
Music has the ability to lift the soul, or at least to make your butt wiggle. Pick a few of your favorite songs, light a candle, and feel your negativity melt away. If you can combine exercise or dancing with your playlist, you’ll really be powering through to positivity.
Even though it may be the last thing that you feel like doing, it’s one of the best ways to feel good again. A bubble bath and a face mask or painting your nails can help to make you feel put together again, boosting your confidence and getting you out of a bad mood (and maybe even out of the house) for a better day.
4. Clean Up Your Space
Whether you’re at the office or slumped on a couch at home, cleaning up your space helps to make you feel proud and productive, as well as lifting the energy of the room. If that’s too much to ask, maybe try cleaning up your phone or computer: adding an inspiring background and sharing an uplifting quote on social media can help to turn things around.
5. Watch a Funny Video or Movie
There’s so much information at our fingertips today that there’s no doubt you can access a funny video or movie in a matter of minutes. Watching something funny will (eventually) make you laugh out loud, which helps to elevate your mood and bring you back to having a big, bright smile.
6. Smile at Yourself in the Mirror
While it sounds ridiculous, it really works! When you smile at yourself in the mirror for a few minutes your brain triggers an emotional response that you simply cannot ignore. Saying something really silly or pulling a few funny faces can take your mood lifting strategy to the next level!
7. Connect with Someone You Love
Whether it’s a phone call, a text or a nice big hug, connecting with someone you love can help you to feel better instantly. Expressing yourself or just allowing someone’s new, positive energy to fill you up are great ways to get back on your feet.
8. Have a Go at Journaling
Research has shown that journaling can help to vent frustrations and negative thoughts so effectively, that once they’re out on paper you’ll feel lighter and brighter almost instantly. If you don’t have a journal, grab a piece of paper and express yourself in words: a bit of doodling can also go a long way!
The darker chocolate, the better you’ll feel. Cocoa has been proven to stimulate serotonin in your brain, which makes you feel plenty of pleasure and joy. Couple it with a glass of red wine, and maybe even a candle and you’ll be feeling mighty chuffed in seconds.
10. Do Something Nice for Someone Else
There’s nothing better for changing your mood than doing something nice for someone else. It helps to out your problems and frustrations into perspective and leaves you feeling all warm inside. Contribution and gratitude are key to turning into a madly joyful one.
There are so many ways to get yourself into a better mood!
Sit in the sun, visualize a dream holiday or bake something delicious- all it takes is movement and action to get your neurotransmitters buzzing again, shifting them to a lighter, brighter place!