Okay, we all get out of bed on the wrong side from time to time right? But let’s face it: Life is too short to ruin a perfectly good day just because of a ‘silly’ bad mood.
To help you put things right when this happens, here are 7 creative (and simple) ways to put yourself in a better mood and reclaim your right to a wonderful day.
1. Call Up an Old Friend for a Good Chinwag
Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. – Helen Keller
When we are a bit down in the dumps and need cheering up, what can be better than hearing from an old friend – especially one who always makes you laugh no matter what?
You know the sort: The kind of person whose humor perfectly clicks with yours and with whom you spent half the time together laughing and joking and having great fun. Sure they are a rare and special thing, but if you have one, grab your cell phone and get dialing.
2. Listen to Your Favorite Happy Tune
We play happy music, and we make people happy. That’s why they like us. – Chris Barber
Music is one of those strange almost magical things that has the ability to transport you back in time. It can also immediately change your mood. So the next time you find yourself in a bad mood, why not grab your mp3 player and play that tune you really love and always makes you feel happy to be alive.
3. Do Something Fun, Reclaim Your Inner Child
You can be childlike without being childish. A child always wants to have fun. Ask yourself, “Am I having fun?” – Christopher Meloni
Have you noticed that whenever children are playing and having fun, they are completely absorbed and transfixed in the moment. Nothing else seems to exist but the ‘now.’ Sadly, as we get older we seem to lose this magical gift.
If you are having a bit of a ‘downer,’ why not have a bit of fun, act a little goofy, tell a joke, do something silly that you used to like before you became too mature. Dance around the room or juggle some oranges. It doesn’t matter what – just do whatever makes you happy!
4. Remember: You are in Control of Your Own Emotions
A man is but the product of his thoughts – what he thinks, he becomes. – Mahatma Gandhi
Don’t let yourself be conned into thinking that you are in a bad mood and that’s just the way it has to be. Oh no. The truth is that if you change the way you think you can change the way you feel.
The key is to re-frame your negative thoughts into positive ones. Just take some time out, find a peaceful spot somewhere, sit down, make yourself comfortable, close your eyes, and think of a word that makes you feel happy and at peace such as love, harmony or tranquility.
You get the picture. Then breathe in and out slowly and repeat the word in your mind. Try not to allow any other words to ‘pop’ into your head, but most importantly, be gentle with yourself. In ten minutes, your mood should be a lot brighter.
5. Work Out or Go for a Run
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now, and we don’t know where the heck she is. – Ellen DeGeneres
There’s a reason people get addicted to exercise; it’s because it releases a feel good chemical called ‘dopamine’ into the brain. Basically, it’s a neurotransmitter connected to feelings of pleasure, happiness, and feeling good.
The best way to produce it is to exercise. So, when you feel low or are in a bad mood, go for a burn down at the gym or pound those pavements. Your choice. It’s as simple as that!
6. Eat Chocolate
There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. – Linda Grayson
Luckily, it’s now a scientific fact that eating chocolate – in reasonable amounts – is actually good for you (and your mood). Why? Well, it improves your emotional state and helps level out your endorphins.
Plus, it contains valeric acid, which helps to de-stress the body and contains elements that are calming, relaxing and help our overall well-being. You know it makes sense, so go and indulge while improving your mood at the same time.
7. Watch Something Funny
There are things that are so serious that you can only joke about them. – Werner Heisenberg
They say that life is too important to take seriously, and I find most of the time when I’m in a bad mood it’s because I am taking life far too seriously.
So, lighten up and remember what the immortal Bill Hicks said, “It’s just a ride. And we can change it any time we want.”
In fact, do yourself a favor: The next time you are in a bad mood, go and watch some hysterical (but profound) stand-up comedy such as the great Bill Hicks; you will be cheered up straightaway.
So there you have it Queens: 7 creative ways to lift your spirit, put the spring back in your step and banish Mr. Bad Mood from another precious day in your incredibly valuable life!
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