With a little effort, you can boost your mood and make yourself feel happy – or happier.
But, sometimes, you lack motivation when feeling down.
Luckily, we’re here to help. And the best part?
These tips and tricks work instantly.
But First, Reflect on Your Feelings
Emotions come and go, but they always mean something.
Are you feeling unhappy? Well, there’s likely a reason why.
Practicing self-reflection allows you to investigate your emotional world, paving the way to understanding. But to really control your emotions – they first need to be understood.
Pay attention to your feelings. Let them flow their natural course.
Whatever’s bothering you, focus on it. Learn from it.
And if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, you’re in the right place.
1 • Get Up and Get Moving
Simply standing up is one of the best ways to improve your mood.
Get out of bed. Get out of that chair. And get moving.
No, you don’t need to run a marathon (unless you want to).
Some light stretching and maybe a short workout will do wonders for your spirit.
Even a 15-minute walk outside can be an instant mood-lifter.
2 • Fake a Smile
Although this gets mixed results, it’s worth trying.
Fake a smile for a minute or two – but try to really mean it.
Tell yourself you’re happy. Think it. And manifest it through sheer will.
Faking a smile can trick your brain and instantly lift your mood.
Make it even better by straightening your back and squaring your shoulders.
A good posture directly manifests a good mood.
3 • Sleep or Take a Nap
Sleeping isn’t just a time skip. Waking up gives birth to a new you.
You declutter your mind. You feel refreshed.
And if you were feeling angry, you probably no longer feel that way.
You’re more at peace, clear-headed, and ready for any challenge.
But, sometimes, it can be so hard to convince yourself to go to sleep.
And it’s even more challenging when dealing with intense emotions.
So, find a way to see through the fog and the haze. Cling to reason.
4 • Talk to a Friend
And, no, we don’t mean just talking about any old thing.
Tell your friend how you really feel. Pour your heart out.
Let them empathize with you and connect with your pain.
A good friend can instantly lift your mood and, sometimes, offer advice.
They’re there for you. So, don’t hesitate to give them a call.
And always make sure to check up on your friends, too.
5 • Listen to Music (And Dance!)
Music is powerful. It heals wounds, lifts moods, and inspires.
There’s really no limit as to what music can achieve.
So, when you need a pick-me-up, it’s the obvious choice.
There’s music for just about any mood.
And if you’re up for it, move your body, too. Start dancing to the groove.
Moving your body in rhythm to the music is practically synonymous with joy.
6 • Take a Hot Shower
Sometimes, a hot shower is really all you need.
For many, it’s a mental reset, a brief escape from stress and anxiety.
The water can wash your worries away and make you feel good again.
It’s an instant recipe for peace of mind.
And that’s without mentioning the physical benefits.
And why showering is essential to every self-care and self-love routine.
7 • Meditate to Declutter Your Thoughts
Meditation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but it can be.
It takes practice, but even the first time can feel rewarding.
Meditation is a great way to destress and reorganize your mind.
So, if you’re overwhelmed, we highly recommend giving it a shot.
But there are various meditations to try. So, it’s best to do your research.
Find what aligns with your personality.
For some, mindfulness exercises are more beneficial than meditation.
And for others, it’s yoga that can make a real difference.
8 • Count Your Blessings
Anyone who’s ever been happy will tell you that gratitude is the key to happiness.
Gratitude cultivates a life-loving mindset and manifests joy.
So, when you’re down, count your blessings.
Notice the good things you already have going on.
Most of the time, we neglect these things. For some, it’s friends and family. For others, it’s their job. But you can be grateful for the little things, too, and create your happiness there.
9 • Train Your Willpower
Now, this sounds more like work, but work is always rewarding.
Getting something done feels good. That’s why going to the gym helps.
But how do you train your willpower?
Well, it’s a lifelong journey, but here’s a little tip. Start small.
Let’s say, you’re lying in your bed right now, reading this.
Convince yourself to get up and do a few pushups.
Or get up and go to the kitchen just to turn the lights on and off.
Don’t feel like it? Perfect. That’s how you train your willpower.
By doing the things you don’t feel like doing.
10 • Do Something – Anything
The best way to lift your mood is to keep yourself busy.
Sometimes, yes, life sucks.
And the more you think about how much life sucks, the more it will suck.
So, keep yourself busy. Go back to your hobbies. Cook. Take a walk.
Do anything, really, to have something to look back on at the end of the day.
Do this and you will always go to bed feeling proud of yourself.
Wrapping Up
So, this is how you boost your mood and cultivate a positive attitude.
It takes but a few minutes to make a real difference in your daily life.
Never pass on an opportunity to make yourself a little happier.
Sources:
Painting and writing – these are two passions that I have been perfecting for a decade.