15 Things to Quickly Put You in a Good Mood

by Tess on April 3, 2011

 On The Run

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.

Creative Commons License photo credit: rtopalovich

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    { 29 comments… read them below or add one }

    Caroline April 3, 2011 at 10:07 pm

    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…SaturdayMy ComLuv Profile

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    Tess The Bold Life April 4, 2011 at 4:27 pm

    Hi Caroline,
    You are so right, an old friend is like a warm and fuzzy blanket-warm and comfortable. And the trust is there!

    Reply

    fran sorin April 4, 2011 at 5:56 am

    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

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 4, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Awakening Tempest April 4, 2011 at 8:15 am

    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 GazaMy ComLuv Profile

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    Tess The Bold Life April 4, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Steve M April 4, 2011 at 10:03 am

    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

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 4, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Patricia April 4, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 4, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    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.

    Reply

    sheila April 4, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    Gosh! I really LOVE ALL these, but 3.6 and 12 are my favs!
    sheila´s last post…Zen Meal- Homemade Chicken Pot PieMy ComLuv Profile

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    sheila April 4, 2011 at 4:33 pm

    And #9!
    sheila´s last post…Zen Meal- Homemade Chicken Pot PieMy ComLuv Profile

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    Tess April 4, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    Sheila,
    It’s great to recognize what resonates within and is best for you! Thanks for stopping by!

    Reply

    Angela Artemis April 4, 2011 at 6:15 pm

    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 CallingMy ComLuv Profile

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    Cathy | Treatment Talk April 4, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    Wonderful list, Tess. Movement and more specifically yoga puts me in a good mood. Listening to music works for me as well.

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 5, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    I’m going to yoga in 2 hours. I’m attempting to get into a routine. Wish me luck!

    Reply

    Holly April 5, 2011 at 5:10 am

    Reading a good book always puts me in a good mood.
    Holly´s last post…Mind Over Menopause ReallyMy ComLuv Profile

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 5, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    How could I forget a good book? Maybe cuz I have my book addiction under control. Haha!

    Reply

    Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord April 5, 2011 at 11:15 am

    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 WellnessMy ComLuv Profile

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 5, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Little Lessons Under the Big Sky April 5, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    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 DenMy ComLuv Profile

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 5, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    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.

    Reply

    Jonathan Manor April 5, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    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 DateMy ComLuv Profile

    Reply

    Tess The Bold Life April 5, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    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!

    Reply

    Dandy April 5, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    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 angerMy ComLuv Profile

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    John Sherry April 6, 2011 at 7:05 am

    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 BeMy ComLuv Profile

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    Marci | Liberating Choices April 6, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    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 WorldMy ComLuv Profile

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    Suzie Cheel April 6, 2011 at 9:19 pm

    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 PowerMy ComLuv Profile

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    Katie @ Be Extraordinary Today April 7, 2011 at 10:06 am

    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!My ComLuv Profile

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