While it would be nice to hit the lottery or take a vacation to Hawaii, your mood can get a significant boost by more likely, simple, and economical means. There are small actions that can result in a big boost in your mood. Your mood is largely a result of your thinking, attitude, and physiology. All of these are accessible via convenient methods.
A good mood leads to having a good day and enjoying life much more. You have more control over your mood than you think.
Give your mood the boost you deserve with these strategies:
- Hydrate. Few things can bring down your mood like dehydration. If your mood has seen better days, try drinking a big glass of water. You might be surprised to see how much your mood improves in just a few minutes. The results can be striking. Many people don’t experience thirst as strongly as others, but the results of dehydration are obvious.
- Try a small piece of chocolate. Chocolate lights up the pleasure centers of the brain like few other foods can. A sour mood isn’t an excuse to eat a pound of chocolate, but a little bit can do a lot of good. It can’t hurt to try! Do you have another food that boosts your mood?
- Be grateful. It’s easy to overlook how much you already have. Take a moment and make a mental list of everything in your life that makes you feel grateful. Your mood might get a huge boost in no time flat.
- Listen to your favorite song. Skip the sad songs and look for something upbeat and positive. Music can have a powerful impact on your mood. Who doesn’t feel better after listening to their favorite song? Make a list of your favorites and keep them handy.
- Get a hug. Find someone appropriate that you wouldn’t mind hugging and give them a big hug. A hug causes a release of endorphins which feels wonderful. A hug is free and rarely refused.
- Take a walk. A walk can be a great way to clear your mind. If you want to give your mood an even bigger boost, try skipping. When was the last time you skipped? Consider walking with someone that always seems to put you in a good mood.
- Remember a positive memory. Think back to a time that you greatly enjoyed. Try to relive that moment in your mind. Remember what you saw, but also remember the smells, air temperature, sounds, and emotions. Make it as realistic as you can.
- Slow, deep breaths. One way to affect your physiology is to change your breathing pattern. Slow, deep breaths will fully oxygenate your blood, slow your pulse, and put your mind at ease.
- Chew gum. Gum is a great way to redirect your attention. Gum brings your attention to the present. You’re actively chewing and also experience a unique flavor in your mouth. Chewing gum is fun, too.
- Sing. Sing a happy song. Sing a silly song. Sing your favorite song. Get someone to sing with you. Sing along with your favorite song. Singing feels good and will pump up your mood.
Your mood isn’t entirely under the control of your circumstances, other people, or luck. You can control your mood effectively and intentionally by means that are under your control.
The list above is just a beginning. Think about the things that make you feel good and include them in your life. In fact, don’t just include them, schedule them. Make it easy to feel good at least once each day.