Could you do with a magic way to boost your mood? If we are honest, most of us have times when we feel low and just don’t know what to do about it. While reaching for another tub of ice cream might be tempting, it isn’t the best way to feel happier – and you’ll subject yourself to a sugar high, too. Whatever has made you feel low, these methods are tried and tested to boost your mood, so give them a try and you’ll soon be smiling.
It sounds far too simple, but this absolutely works. Whether it’s plans falling apart, work stresses or just general life, stop yourself before you snap at anyone, and go for a quick walk. You only need a few minutes, and it doesn’t need to be fast – just get your blood pumping, and you’ll boost your mood effortlessly. The calming is amazing.
Having a stressful evening, or a horrible morning? Jump in the shower, and let the hot water strip away your stresses. Pick up some nice shower gels or scented bath bubbles, and promise yourself that you’ll stop stressing as soon as you step in the shower. Just let yourself be. You’ll feel much better for it, and it only takes a matter of minutes.
Sometimes, your mood can be affected by food – low blood sugar can lead to tiredness and crankiness, and eating the wrong foods can also cause problems. But before you reach for the nearest comfort food, carefully consider what to have. While ice-cream or chocolate might be the most tempting, it is likely to lead to an energy and mood crash. Instead, opt for fruit, oatcakes, a salad, a sandwich…
Okay, it might be best to do this somewhere relatively private, rather than right in the middle of the classroom or office! Most people store tension in their hips, and letting it out can be a huge relief. Bend down to touch your toes, and hold for a minute while concentrating on your breathing. Slowly roll yourself back up – your tension and mood will have disappeared.
Music is amazing for boosting your mood – but it has to be the right tracks. Take some time to build a playlist for those times when you need a boost, and keep any sad, emotional or sentimental songs for another list. You need songs that get you singing – and dancing, if you can! Singing and dancing activates the part of the brain hardwired for pleasure, making it a mood-boosting miracle.
Really need a boost? Try doing something spontaneous. Meet someone for a coffee in a posh new coffee house. Treat yourself to a gorgeous new blouse. Immerse yourself in a new book, dye your hair a brand new color, get a temporary tattoo somewhere no one can see it. Even using whipped cream on your coffee will give you a smile, and novelty is a great mood booster.
It’s one of the oldest ways to boost your mood, but it’s also one of the best. Do something lovely. At a very minimum, smile at everyone you speak to today. Pay for the next person’s coffee. Text your friends a reason you love them. Send someone spontaneous flowers. It’ll give you a boost like you never knew.
If you find your mood is a little lower than normal, try investing in some flowers for your house. Research shows that being around colorful flowers makes us happier, increases calmness and relieves stress – unless you are a hay fever sufferer! How do you boost your mood when you’re feeling low? I’d love to know!