We've all had those days where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed and feel like a storm cloud is following us around wherever we go. While everyone is entitled to having a bad day, it can be frustrating when it seems like the bad day never ends. Here's something to remember: we have control over our minds and the ability to change our attitudes. No matter what happened to put you in a bad mood, you possess the power to overcome those negative thoughts and regain a positive attitude.
Here are a few tips to help that storm cloud pass:
1. Take a walk, a run, or a drive.
It can do wonders to separate yourself from whatever is causing you stress and give yourself mental space to think it through. Often when we are stuck in a bad mood, it is because we have not given ourselves time to breathe and process the situation rationally. An added bonus of walking or running is exercise, which allows the body to release tension physically instead of bottling it in emotionally. Plus, exercise floods the body with dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that allows us to experience pleasure and happiness.
2. Listen to happy music.
Of course listening to some of your favorite music can lift your mood. But, combine it with walking, running, or driving and you've got a recipe for happiness. Specifically, focus on music with encouraging and motivating lyrics. Here are a few suggestions:
-"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & The Wailers
-"Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae
-"Classic" by MKTO
-"Geronimo" by Sheppard
-"Feeling Good" by Michael Buble
-"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
-"Love Shack" by The B-52's
-"Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson
-"Can't Sleep Love" by Pentatonix
-"Be OK" by Ingrid Michaelson
3. Light a candle, eat an orange or go outside!
Our sense of smell has a powerful connection to our brain and our memory. Thus, went we smell something that reminds us of a happy memory in the past, we are likely to feel happy all over again. Specifically, scents like pine, citrus, sunscreen, fresh-cut grass, flowers, rosemary and peppermint have all been proven to lift our spirits. So, find a scent that makes you happy (but not something that you smell every day, like your current perfume), and save it for moments when you're feeling blue.
4. Write in a "Thankfulness" journal.
It is much harder to be sad or stressed when we think about everything we have to be thankful for. Start a journal where you can simply keep track of your blessings and happy thoughts. When you are having a bad day, pull out the journal and try to write down at least 10 things that make you happy or grateful. If you are unable to come up with 10 happy thoughts, look back to past journal entries you've written to be reminded of what has made you joyful in the past.
5. Smile!
Seriously. Take a break and do something that will guarantee laughter. It could be spending time with a goofy friend, watching YouTube videos of laughing babies (nothing cuter), or remembering an embarrassing moment where you can laugh at yourself. Even faking a smile when you are are feeling sad can be enough to release "happy" chemicals in your brain to boost your mood. Tickling your funny bone could be all you need to break free from that storm cloud and enjoy the sunshine again.
Next time you can't seem to see the bright side, try a combination of these tips to turn your frown upside down! Happy Smiling!
NOTE: Sometimes, feeling sad can be out of our conscious control, especially if the feeling of sadness lasts for extended periods of time and does not have an apparent cause. In this case, you may be experiencing depression, which should not be taken lightly. If you think you might be facing depression, talk to your doctor or counselor as soon as possible.
