10 Small Things You Can Do To Instantly Improve Your Mood
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Small Things You Can Do To Instantly Improve Your Mood

Bad moods can be unpredictable and hard to control. Here's what works for me when I'm overwhelmed and need to get out of a slump.

Shaina Francis
Sep 08, 2020
Florida State University
14
10 Small Things You Can Do To Instantly Improve Your Mood
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/feelings/survey-finds-we-are-more-in-control-of-our-happiness-than-we-think-6544236/

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
11287
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
287288
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
86909
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
149544
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
52904
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments