All of us have days when we're out of sorts. You just wish you were in a better mood. Even more so with the worldwide situation , many of us are struggling to maintain a positive and happy mindset. You may currently be trying your hardest to get yourself into a better state of mind but struggled to achieve it.
Sometimes we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood. Many people have found them useful. Some of them may surprise you!
1. Go for a walk.
Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of the country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll. Here in the UK this is something that we are still able to do (for now) so definitely make the most of it. Wrap up warm and step out to get some much needed fresh air. To make it even more eventful, set yourself some personal goals like a point to walk to or better still wear a calorie counter to see how much calories you can burn off with each walk.
2. Listen to quality music.
Music can shift a listener's state within moments. It's effect can be nearly magical. Dig out that CD you haven't listened to in ages (for all you old school music lovers) or tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before. Creating playlists automatically improve our mood. We love Apple music and have a number of playlists loaded and ready to go for that much needed daily boost. A song a day, without a shadow of a doubt takes the blues away. (No pun intended).
3. Open yourself to discovering something new or revisit a favourite.
Read something (printed, not on line) different than what you would normally watch. There are a ton of different types of magazines can you get these days. Visit your local convenience store and browse through a magazine rack. Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You may discover something wonderful. If you don't buy magazines but tend to read blogs online. Set some time aside to binge read some of your favourite sites/content and take your mind to a happier place.
4. Find something to laugh at.
I have fallen that much more in love with comedians now than ever before, thanks to endless hours in lockdown. Instagram particularly REELS has showcased my favourite comedians giving out daily helpings of laughter which has done EVERYTHING for my mood. Get onto social media for short clips or watch a full length sketch on YouTube. There are also so many comedy classics that you can switch to and in a matter of minutes you will have your mood heightened. Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. If you really feel like being bold, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others.
5. Simple breathing meditation.
Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.
6. Doodling for the fun of it.
Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists. Whoever you are get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts. To take things up a notch, colouring-in books are a great wait to settle a busy mind and lift your mood. The bright colours you use and the beautiful imagery you can create can make you feel that much happier almost instantly.
7. Think of others less fortunate.
The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. At times this may be hard to believe, but if you can read and have access to the internet, just those two things alone means you are better off than most people in the world. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival. There are people in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow. Keep a gratitude journal and appreciate all of the things that you're grateful for now. Revisit these daily and they will act as a daily reminder of how many things you already have that make you happy.
These are all pretty simple. There's nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the things you need.