Sometimes, any small inconvenience can completely ruin your mood. Maybe it's a bad test score. Maybe it's just been one of those days where it feels like you're losing all of your battles. We all have these days, but they can't gain total control of our lives. Over time, I've figured out some tasks I can do that can take me out of this slump. The task may not be complete, but they'll give me the time that I need to reset and recharge.
1) Go For A Walk/Exercise
Whenever I'm in a bad mood, if I don't keep myself distracted, I'll focus on whatever it is that's putting me in a bad mood. But, the moment I go for a walk or start exercising, I focus on the coordination of the action that I'm doing. It raises your endorphins to chemically put you in a better mood, and it'll distract you from your troubles.
2) Call A Friend
When I'm on the phone with my friends, I can often end up talking for hours. So, call a friend and ask what's new with their life. You'll focus in on what they're saying, and lose the attention on whatever is putting you in a bad mood. It's a way of escaping your current reality for a little while.
3) Watch Your Favorite Movie/TV Show
Watching something is mindless. You get to be comfortable, cozy up and view media that will bring you joy. Even if you don't have time for a full movie, a tv show gives you a break from what you're doing to invest yourself in someone else's problems rather than your own.
4) Take A Nap
Sometimes, all of my crankiness can be rooted back to the core issue that I'm tired. So set an alarm for yourself and take a nap. A nap even as short as thirty minutes can provide the rest that's needed to carry on with the day.
5) Stretch
There are some days where there isn't time available to pause what you're doing and allow for relaxation. On days like those, stretching may be part of solving that bad mood. Stretching increases blood flow, plus we don't always realize how tense we are until we start stretching. It only takes a couple of minutes but can make the biggest difference.
6) Have A Snack
I personally am very guilty of getting hangry(hungry and angry.) So having a snack can sometimes change my mood when I don't even know it needs changing. Plus, it's a quick escape from whatever task is at hand.
7) Check Something Off Of Your To-Do List
Obviously, finishing something that's on your to-do list is a sign of success for that day. Even if it means finishing the most simple task, that act of finishing something that needs to be done is a definite mood booster. Once I start the act of being productive, it can end up being addicting.
8) De-Clutter Your Space
Often, a crowded space leads to a crowded mind. If everything around you is disorganized, it can end up frustrating and only distract you further. By taking 5 minutes to put away what doesn't need to be out, can declutter your mind and help you focus back on what needs to be done.
9) Listen To Your Favorite Music
The music that we love is often sentimental, or emotion-bringing. By listening to music, even while continuing a boring task, it can make the objective seem more attainable. This could also mean just sitting down with headphones in and listening to the songs that make you happy. It's a mindless activity linked to positive influences on your life.
10) Take A Shower
This is an activity that is completely centered on yourself. Sometimes when I'm in a bad mood, I have a million things that need to be done and I don't know where to start. By taking a shower I have now found a productive starting point, and from there I'll have a more clear idea of what needs to be done.
