Photo Michael Gardner
Everyone struggles with a bad mood now and then. It's a part of life, especially when too many irritations or inconveniences happen all at once.
You may over react when a coworker fails to call in, your gas tank is on empty, the babysitter cancels, or a store clerk is rude.
It's your responsibility to turn things around and enjoy your day.
Read on for tips to help you put more spring in your step and happy in your mood.
1. Move!
The number one tip experts give for changing your mood is to exercise. Choose something you enjoy doing, yoga, walking, rollerblading, or a dance video workout,
A short and fast workout can relieve stress and release feel-good endorphins. Think of your athletic shoes as happy shoes!
2. Choose healthy food. Small healthy snacks throughout the day keep your body satisfied. Eat less white rice, pasta, bread, sugar and potatoes. Incorporate grains, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet.
3. Speak your truth. You'll feel authentic, heard, and confident. Withholding what you think can cause feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
4. Do nothing. The less you do, the better you’ll feel. Take one thing off your plate each day. Instead of multi-tasking practice being present. Do one task at a time, mindfully.
5. Make memories. Spend your money on experiences. Sign up for a painting class, go to the museum, or a concert. Experiences create wonderful memories.
6. Get out in nature. Go to the big room with the blue ceiling and green floor. Take a walk in the woods or watch a sunrise. Sitting outside for five minutes a day is enough to feel good and change your mood. Five minutes!
6. Touch. Physical affection is powerful. Give and receive a kiss, a hug, a pat on the back, a touch on an arm or go for a massage. Touch is transformational. Warm fuzzies feel good.
7. Stop procrastinating. The anxiety you feel about a chore is worse than the actual chore itself. Get rid of dread and do what’s on your to do list: wash your car, make a phone call, cancel a date.
8. Be kind. Look for a way to compliment someone. Anticipate and meet the needs of the people around you. When you bring happiness to others you also bring it to yourself. The smallest act of caring can cause a mini-bliss explosion.
9. Look for good. Look for what’s good in your life. Look for reasons to be thankful. Focus on the positive. You can't be unhappy and positive at the same time.
10. Recharge. Go to bed and get up at the same time everyday. Creating a routine and getting seven hours of sleep will allow you to wake up on the bright side.
11. Stop. Look. Remember. The photos you framed or plastered on the refrigerator are meant to be looked at. Savor your good memories. Read the motivational quotes you taped to your mirror.
12. Make a happy face. Smiling makes you happy even when you’re feeling sad. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Smile at the people you love and even the ones you don’t. We underestimate the transforming power of a smile.
13. Listen to music. There's not much a great song won’t cure. Runners listen to their iPods while running marathons because it’s less painful.
14. Wear stuff that fits. Shoes and clothes that are too tight create pain. Don’t sacrifice your health to look hip.
15. Love. Dwell on love. Feel love. Send love to people in trouble or in pain. Send loving thoughts to your family and friends. Speak lovingly and take loving action.
What puts you in a good mood? Please share below.
photo credit: rtopalovich
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I would add talking with an old friend. Nothing cheers me up like a gal pal…or someone who will just listen when I need to vent. Great list Tess!
Caroline´s last post…Saturday
Hi Caroline,
You are so right, an old friend is like a warm and fuzzy blanket-warm and comfortable. And the trust is there!
Hi Tess,
Great posts ….lots of gems to mine….as I’ve learned over several years…any one of them can be useful at any given time…
A way to cheer me up? Laughing…loud and raucuous….uncontrollable until I’m crying…talking about a cleansing, de-stressing process….
I’m looking forward to reading more of your thoughts. Fran
Hi Fran,
Yes it depends on my mood on which one I’ll use. And I love laughing as well. My laugh is naturally loud so it’s easy to do. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I appreciate you.
Thank you for sharing this, all that you have mentioned should be done normally irrelevant of being in a bad mood or good mood. One thing I do when I tend to get into a bad mood (not often) is to drink ‘water’ and plenty of it.
Water has immense positive effect on human behaviour and eradicates many problems which often people seem to just live with.
Awakening Tempest´s last post…Revisiting Israel’s Terror War on Gaza
Yes water is a good idea. I’ve never thought of using it for a bad mood but I my gut instinct says you’re correct. It makes sense. I live in the desert so it’s good for me to always be drinking it anyway.
Lovely post Tess – getting out in nature is definitely the main one for me, for lifting my mood. This time of year is great too, with everything starting to come to life, and with the anticipation of the summer. I love it!
Steve
Hi Steve,
Oh yes, spring. I saw 6 ducklings swimming with their mom today as I ran along the canal. I stopped and took the wonder and beauty in. What a joy.
I am fasting today and for awhile to come and I am doing it with a group of people and it makes me feel positive and as though I am actively doing something to help others. ( Bread for the World fast)
I listened to my neighbor this morning with intention and was able to offer her some good words about her grief process as her husband just died last month. Now that all the company is gone she feels confused, fragile and as though she can begin grieving – I told her she was “right on” and protecting herself and allowing herself to be renewed in her life – remake her life and set new goals….I felt it was some of my best words at just the right time….my huge “fear cloud” was surrounding me before I met up with her – now I feel calm and as though I am moving ahead – forward and lighter.
Hi Patricia,
You are such a doll. Yes there’s nothing like serving someone else when we are stuck in fear. How wonderful for both you and your neighbor. And good for you for fasting. Wow, I admire that.
Gosh! I really LOVE ALL these, but 3.6 and 12 are my favs!
sheila´s last post…Zen Meal- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
And #9!
sheila´s last post…Zen Meal- Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Sheila,
It’s great to recognize what resonates within and is best for you! Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Tess,
I especially loved do nothing, and make memories. Great advice and great list!
Angela Artemis´s last post…Why Do We Resist Our True Calling
Wonderful list, Tess. Movement and more specifically yoga puts me in a good mood. Listening to music works for me as well.
I’m going to yoga in 2 hours. I’m attempting to get into a routine. Wish me luck!
Reading a good book always puts me in a good mood.
Holly´s last post…Mind Over Menopause Really
How could I forget a good book? Maybe cuz I have my book addiction under control. Haha!
And another: Read This Blog! (smile)
Lately I’ve been using nature to reconnect. A suburb girl by nature, and indoors at that, I’m learning more and more about the powerful healing abilities of grass, trees, sky, wind, birds… Centers me, brings me to life, and makes me happier.
Plus, after reading Robin Easton’s book, how could anyone NOT trust in the powers of Mother Nature?!
Love you, Tess, and LOVED THIS POST!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…One-Day Healing Workshop w- Simon Hay and Oneonta Wellness
Hi Megan,
Oh yes her book is the best. I was blessed to grow up in nature on the farm.
Thanks for your eternal support.
Number 16. Read THE BOLD LIFE.
Tess I love your site. Thanks for the lists…which I always love. Especially when running and music are both present:) Love your ideas, and I always feel better after reading your posts:)
Love,
Jen
Little Lessons Under the Big Sky´s last post…Today at the Den
Jen
Thanks! I’m up to 5 miles and can’t find my iPod since I moved. Augh! Still waiting for it to turn up. To cheap to buy another. Thanks for reminding me of running and music combo. Grateful for your encouragement and support.
When you said “create experiences” I was hoping you’d mention something about taking pictures. Down the line you did, and I absolutely feel the same way. I went to Portland last week and I didn’t have a camera. It seems like I don’t have a camera for a lot of the pieces in my life. When I look back I think it’s okay, memories are supposed to be lost and forgotten. But when I look at my facebook page, I notice that I don’t have much to show for my life. I have nothing I could share. I’m simply a lame mystery that’s all talk, no evidence.
Jonathan Manor´s last post…Yes- Women Still Prefer To Be Taken Out On A Proper Date
Jonathan,
No you arent’! It’s all one big illusion anyway! I mean all photos are of the past that doesn’t exist right? It’s never to late to get that camera out if that’s what you really want. Now I’m going to check your FB page!
Hi Tess,
I love the positivity of this list! Everyone encourages us to take better care of ourselves. Sometimes we just need something extra to help us get through the day and it’s ok. It’s ok to need more attention from ourselves to ourselves. Thanks so much Tess!
Dandy´s last post…Women and anger
Seeing people smile and hearing laughter puts me in a top mood Tess so if it’s not available nearby I create it like using You Tube to watch an old comdey. Just hearing the audience laugh makes me giggle like a drunken school boy. Oh and there’s a #16 that makes me feel good – your awesome blog here at The Bold Life! Love ya kiddo!
John Sherry´s last post…If You Could Be Anyone Who Would It Be
Moving is at the top of my list too. Combine moving with nature and music, and I’ve hit the jackpot of good moods. And, of course a hug and snuggle is a little dollop of good vibes too
Marci | Liberating Choices´s last post…Top 5 Focusing Tips in a Distracted World
Hi Tess,
No 1 : take a salt bubble bath, so soothing, light candles put on a meditation or music and even treat yourself to a face mask
No 2 Swim in the sea- always a mood lifter
No3 Cook- I just love to cook and make up new recipes
Like the getting into a routine- let me know how it goes
Suzie Cheel´s last post…Do You Feel You Own Power
This is such a great list Tess! I had to share it and nominate you for a Stylish Blogger Award. Thanks for being such an amazing inspiration!
Katie @ Be Extraordinary Today´s last post…Inspiration Blogosphere 4-7-11 Stylish Blogger Award!
I loved that post, I do all those things, but sometimes I just can’t help and I feel depressed anyway. My favorite one was, spend your money on memories and do nothing, speak the truth is also very good advise. The only problem with that, is a lot of people don’t want to hear the truth. Sad. But true.
Tatianna´s last post…Snapshot Beauty Thursday
I really think #7 is my down fall. I am sitting here at work knowing that I need to go to the gym in about 15 minutes, yet I keep trying to come up with all these things I NEED to do, even though they could probably wait. WHY? Because I am procrastinating the gym….. but the gym makes me feel good and when I don’t go out and get active I get in bad moods. Yet, I still do it to myself. But after reading your post I am determined now and I will be going to the gym and feeling great for the rest of your night. Sometimes we need these posts to give us a little afternoon motivation. Thanks!
Procrastination is something I struggle with. I’ve been playing piano for over 9 years. You would think that would cover most areas in my life (for procrastination), but not hardly.
Great list.
Thanks.
Dakota
Dakota,
I am giving away a fabulous book called the PROCRASTINATION EQUATION on the 28th of this month on Patricias Wisdom…one just needs to comment to be entered to win. The author is an expert on motivation and his techniques and examples of how to change procrastination patterns are wonder full.
This is a great list! Tess is so bold and brilliant!
FYI
Thanks Patricia,
Since I do struggle with procrastination I can really use the book!
I will try to make sure to leave comments before the 29th.
~Piano lesson girl,
Dakota
Feel Fine Rhyme
Do you find you want to feel “up-beat”
Be more in control – not full of defeat?
This Rhyme is here to show us how.
Take a shot of these small steps right now
Firstly don’t rush things try to slow down-
Always wear a smile never a frown
Do a good deed-maybe give up our seat-
gives off good vibes to all we meet
Treat yourself and others just right
Get plenty of well earned sleep at night
Then all this won’t be such a Plight
Try not to put on too much weight
There’s no room here for self hate
Be at one with nature’s blue sky -
put a spring in our step and give dance a try
Work-outs release endorphins to the brain.
Some say there’s no gain without pain!
Don’t fail to dare instead dare to fail,
this may stop us going off the rail
Why worry-just take it in your stride
Eat healthy snacks to keep us satisfied
There’s a food for moods guide
This will all help to get Motivated
Not feel down in the dumps and deflated
Give ourselves some brain train
No time now for being mundane
Take a bath or shower-get revitalised
Go to the shops and find some bargain buys
Speak the truth we’ll feel confident and heard
Get organised being chaotic is absurd
Have a Positive Mental Attitude -word
Think of others before ourself – continue being kind.
Decorate with tranquil colours as we find-
It has an effect on our body and mind
Start a hobby or something to help you unwind
Create wonderful memories do incredible things
Don’t dwell on the past but live like kings
Always compliment and show that we care,
stand tall and take pride in what we wear
Clear all clutter-it only hampers our head-
Motivational quotes are there to be read
Run to a schedule – try not to be late
Get things done – don’t procrastinate
Making more time for felicitous fun,
maybe a picnic outdoors-soak up some sun
Keep yourself and things neat and clean-
Your world will stay soothed and serene
Chillax, keep calm – stay reem,
Doc’s say it’s dandy to daydream
Touch is transformational so have a massage
Listen to music and live it large
Look for the positive things each day,
be thankful in life come what may
Banish Bad Karma – keep morose at bay-
Please remember to continue with a P.M.A.
yes …
actually i was searching 4 how 2 be in a good mood. i found this site helpful.
im 16 and unfortunately i’m fed up with myself. of course there are good things about me but the bad thing is whenever i want 2 do something new , i don’t have the motivation and desire.
like i study science at school and for entrance exam i MUST STUDY hard, but the problem is that i don’t.i really want 2 but the mood doesnt come and whenever i study i feel sleepy.
also about being in shape , im not fat but if i use eating like now, i’ll get fat in 6months. i’ve tried to be in shape , even i went 2 doctor 4 it. but i didn’t do as i was suposed to do.
THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THAT WHAT EVER I START TO DO, I DONT FINISH IT . I STOP IT .
thanks for your post,they are all useful, and for me thinking about what i like to be in future makes me feel happy.
thanks,
zahra
I would start with making an appointment with your physician and rule out depression. What gets in your way of doing what you’re suppose to do? What are the payoffs for not following through with your commitments? Is there an adult, a teacher or a mentor that you can go to for help? Begin with answering these questions.
Just think of happy moments with the pets you’ve loved. Do this until one’s attention is no longer on the negative. Really works! If all else fails. listen to happy music, not nestalgic or slow, but upbeat. And decide to have a super new year. Succumbing is not an option. Good luck.
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