Depressed? Down in the dumps? Not feeling quite yourself? Life happens, right? We can’t be a ball of sunshine and a bag of lollipops every day. We all have our down days.
And there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem comes when you let one bad day weave into another and then another. When you let it spiral out of control and consume your life. That’s no bueno!
Today I want to share 19 fun and simple ways to boost your mood so that you don’t stay sad for too long.
Before we get into this, though, I do have to make one point. It’s pretty important and often overlooked.
You are what you eat, so if you are eating crappy food, it’s going to come out on your skin, body and yes, even your mood. Try changing up your diet and eating healthier, and see if that makes a difference.
19 Ways To Boost Your Mood
Some of these ways to boost your mood are free; some of them may come with a cost, albeit small. Take what you want and leave the rest. All I ask is that you at least try.
Just pick one or two of these ways to help you shake off your foul mood and be happy again!
You can check out my eBook here that will help you get started eating healthy.
Do Some Entertaining
Instead of isolating yourself, throwing a little get-together is a great way to eliminate “the blues.” It doesn’t have to be elaborate; just a few friends, simple refreshments, and some indoor or outdoor activities are all it takes to create the perfect mood-enhancing recipe.
Social isolation, if not checked, can spiral out of control. Call some friends and play some board games, watch movies or just sit and chat!
Exercise
Another way to boost your mood is to exercise. Endorphins, the same chemical responsible for feelings of euphoria during intimacy, are also released during strenuous activities such as exercise.
You don’t have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment either. You can work out at home with your own bodyweight and trust me, you’ll feel so much better after!
Laugh
Yes, laugh. Read a funny book, watch some stand-up comedy, watch a funny movie or call up that funny friend. Any of those ways is a fantastic way to boost your mood and turn that frown upside down.
And I know you may not feel like laughing at the moment, but you’ll thank me later. Just try it!
Enjoy Mother Nature
Get outside and get some Vitamin D and some fresh air!!
Great things happen in the outdoors. You can run into a friend or even make a new friend. You may end up chasing a butterfly down the sidewalk or even petting a puppy.
Put your shoes on and go. I know this is hard to do, but you know it’s good for you!
Take A Nap
Not just for infants and toddlers, taking a nap is a great way to help you chill out and boost your mood.
In addition to keeping us healthy, scientists have found that sleep functions as a great stabilizer for our emotions. Get your favourite blanket and a soft pillow, and lie down in a nice, quiet spot.
And don’t feel guilty. You deserve this.
Take Up A Hobby
Whether painting, drawing, sewing, or crafting, getting a hobby (or resurrecting an old one) is a great way to beat the blues and boost your mood.
Not only that, but creating something with your hands and doing something you truly have a passion for is a great boost for your brain health too!.
Use Your Sense Of Smell
Remember how you feel when you smell chocolate chip cookies baking or an apple pie. You smile, right? Smell plays a crucial role in boosting your mood.
When you’re feeling down, try scents that contain lavender, jasmine, clary sage, and bergamot. They are great scents to surround yourself with. Mmmmm.
Use Your Sense Of Taste
In addition to smells, foods can affect your mood. Dark leafy greens, lentils, and whole grains maintain normal serotonin levels in the brain (the hormone responsible for making you feel happy and relaxed).
Even chocolate can provide a mild and temporary effect on your mood (this is undoubtedly why chocolate ranks high on the list of comfort foods).
So when you’re feeling down, try a bowl of spinach, three-bean soup, or a piece of dark chocolate cake (the darker the chocolate, the better). Try to refrain from reaching for ‘comfort foods’ as these will only enhance your bad mood.
Volunteer
There’s nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than volunteering your time and energy to others in need. I’m a huge advocate for volunteering, as that is what saved me from rock bottom.
Focusing on others helps you forget about your problems for a while. The benefits are twofold – someone gets the help they need, and your whole outlook on life changes.
Go For A Walk, A Run, Or A Ride
Get out and blow off some steam. It is a great way to let your problems go and get any aggressions worked out. You can ride your bike until you stop thinking about the bad and focus on the good.
Exercising is a great way to release endorphins and help you get to a better place mentally.
Clean Your House
Ok, yuck, but hear me out.
Cleaning helps you put your negative energy towards something positive. If something happened at work that got you down, getting home and mopping the floor or vacuuming will help you let it go.
You may not get to the whole house before you start feeling better. Put on your favourite tunes and go!
Get Out In The Sunlight
Natural light is another great way to get your endorphins flowing. Whether you just lie out in the sun or go to the park, hanging out in nature makes you relax. Make sure to wear sunscreen, though!
There’s nothing like Vitamin D to help put some sunshine in your soul!
Hang Out With Man’s Best Friend
If you don’t already have one, go find a dog to pet. Seriously!
If you do have one, go outside and play ball with him/her! Not only will it bring a smile to your face, but it’s gonna make your pooch super happy, too.
Your dog may not know what is bothering you, but he will be able to bring you up with the love and loyalty he has for you.
Get Together With A Friend
Your friend or significant other understands you. Not only do they get what makes you tick, but they also know ways to make you feel better.
Sometimes, you just want a shoulder to cry on. Sometimes, you just need a good laugh.
Be sure to reach out and ask for some of their time. No one will say no to that.
Take A Bubble Bath
All you need is soothing music, a warm bubble bath, and maybe even a few candles. As the steam rises from the hot bath, it will help lift the bad away.
Just relaxing for a while can leave you feeling better. Mmmmmm. Make sure to hang the “Do not disturb” sign on the door!
Read A Book
Curling up with a good book will take you into another world and boost your mood. You can let go of your own troubles as you focus on the storyline. Find a great love story, or a horror.
I’m a true crime girl and I love reading those. They help take my mind off my problems and get me solving a murder!
Get A Massage
Yesssss!! If a massage doesn’t boost your mood, then I don’t know what will. This is a great way to just turn your mind off and let someone massage your troubles away.
If you can’t afford a professional massage, some local colleges have students who do them at a drastically reduced price. Ask around about it!
Spend Time With Your Children
Unless they’re the root of your problems..ha!
Although children may never know that something is wrong, there is something about them that is comforting. Maybe they have a funny joke or story to tell. Maybe they just want to run around and play tag or be goofy.
Focus on the laughter and fun that children bring; it will definitely boost your mood and lift your spirits.
Pull Out The Funny Movies
Everybody has favourite movies. Find the favourites that make you laugh no matter what. Laughter has often been called the best medicine.
Or maybe you love those tear-jerking romcoms. Put one of those on and get lost in another story and world.
final thoughts on how to boost your mood
There are many ways to boost your mood. Everyone has a bad day now and again, but you don’t have to let a case of the Mondays get you down. Pick a way and start feeling like yourself again!
It’s ok to be sad and sit with your feelings and feel all the feels, but don’t ever let it consume you.
