We all get into bad moods sometimes; it’s part of the human experience. But that doesn’t make it easy. When you’re feeling down, grouchy, or generally out of sorts, it can feel like you’ll never experience happiness again.
A bad mood is isolating—it can block us from enjoying life and connecting with others. However, a bad mood is a choice. We don’t have to choose to stay there. Shifting your mood is simply a matter of shifting your perspective. In fact, you can change your mood in as little as five minutes if you decide to.
If you want to find peace and a sense of connection with the web of life, try these simple mood boosters.
Breathe: Often a bad mood is the result of anxiety and a frenzied lifestyle. Slow down. Acknowledge your bad mood and stop and take 10 long, slow, deep breaths. Breathing deeply is an effective way to relax and promote oxygen flow. The simple act of breathing can help you reconnect with yourself and shift your mood.
Smile: You may think that a smile is a sign of happiness; however, a smile is also a way toward happiness. Smiling sends a message to your brain that you’re feeling happy. So, even if you don’t feel like it, force a smile. You’ll be surprised at the results.
Visualize: Go to your happy place. If you’re feeling out of sorts, pause, close your eyes, and imagine yourself in your happy place. It could be on a beach or on a mountaintop or anywhere. Make it vivid—imagine the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with the place.
Gratitude: Start listing all of the things you are grateful for. Counting our blessings is a way of shifting into a positive mindset and seeing our glass as half full rather than half empty. Start cultivating an attitude of gratitude and feel your spirits lift.
Music: Music is a magical mood shifter. Music has been shown to alter brain waves and trigger a relaxation response. Turn on some upbeat music and feel your mood shift.
Dance: Don’t stop with the music. Get up and shake your booty. You’re sure to feel your spirits lift.
Bake: Baking can be a meditative experience and the aromas trigger a response in our brain that can shift our mood. The best part about baking—sharing the results. You’ll get an extra boost from the pleasure of giving.
Give: If you’re feeling down, one of the best ways to shift your mood is to do something for someone else. Volunteer at a local shelter, help a friend with a chore, drop off treats with the neighbors. You’ll be boosting your mood along with others.
Laugh: You may not feel like laughing, but it’s a sure thing if you want to shift your mood. Watch a funny movie, read jokes, play with kids—just do something to tickle your funny bone and feel your mood improve.
Written by: Diana Price
Source: Originally published in Women: Total Health & Wellness Magazine