How To Improve Your Mood
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Ways To Get Out Of A Rut And Improve Your Mood

Shake it off.

41
Friends

There's no easy cure for the rut you're in, but there are a few easy things you can do right now to lower your stress levels, ease anxiety, and improve your mood while you wait for the universe to give you a break.

Eat something

Honestly, half the time when I find myself in a bad mood I'm just hungry. We all know that eating consistently is important for our body to function normally, but it also regulates our mental stability. Now, I don't mean eat anything, try for something healthy. Trust me, when you put good things in your body, you'll have more energy and will feel so much better.

Get some sleep

A good night's sleep, or even a short nap in between classes, can make a huge difference in your mood. When I lose even just two hours on a random night I'm distracted and annoyed by the smallest things — not to mention way more likely to miss my 8 AM class.

Declutter your space

Simple, I know, but it really can make an immediate difference in your mood. You don't have to do anything major, but cleaning your room or apartment has been proven to lower stress levels. Remember, clear space equals clear mind.

Get ready for the day

Going through your normal morning routine, even when you really just don't feel like it, can set the tone for the day. Put on a nice outfit, style your hair, do your makeup (if you're into that). If you don't have a morning routine, try someone else's and start the day feeling a little more put together than usual.

Change your environment

Literally go somewhere else. If you can't study where you usually go, find a new spot. Grab a coffee, go for a walk, get some sun — try to get out into the world and breathe new air.

Take some me time

Take a bath. Reread your favorite book. Pamper yourself with a spa day. Find some time in the day to let yourself relax and recharge. It's important to check in with yourself every once and a while — nobody functions well when they burn out trying to do everything for other people.

Do something nice for yourself

Take yourself out to lunch. Buy yourself flowers. Do whatever you think will make you feel a little bit better. It's not about being selfish or materialistic — it's taking care of yourself and knowing that you deserve nice things, too.

Feed your mind

This one ties back to my point about eating healthy: if you put good in, you get good out. The same thing applies to your mind. Feed your mind with positivity and it'll show in your own thoughts and actions. Yes, it can be good to invite distractions sometimes, but you want to keep track of the kinds of media you consume — not all of it is beneficial to you. In fact, a lot of it has the opposite effect. Try an inspirational podcast or a good book instead of binge-watching another reality TV show.

Do yourself a favor and get off social media for a second — it's only stressing you out.

Re-center

The best way to stay positive it to stay present — even when you really don't want to. Letting your mind wander and daydreaming about a "better life" is only bringing you down. Try some breathing exercises. Meditation is a good way to focus your mind back on reality. Just spending a few minutes focusing on your breathing can get you to chill out and really improve your outlook.

 Achieve a goal

Even a small success can yield big results. Set achievable goals and allow yourself to feel proud when you complete them. Even if it's just putting away your laundry or remembering to call your mom, cross off as many items on your to-do list as you can.

 Be realistic about your progress

Even with all these tips and the thousands of others scattered across the internet, it's important to remember that improvement is always a gradual thing. You might get worse before you get better, but know that you're on the right track, and never blame yourself for bad days.

At the end of the day, you've just got to give yourself time. You can't force yourself into a good mood, but if you find yourself stuck in this particular rut for more than two consecutive weeks, it might be time to contact a health professional. It could be a sign of depression, but whatever the cause, you'll be better off addressing it instead of ignoring it.

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

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

18448
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

1603
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Fibonacci Sequence Examples: 7 Beautiful Instances In Nature

Nature is beautiful (and so is math). The last one will blow your mind.

237757
illustration of the fibonacci sequence
StableDiffusion

Yes, the math major is doing a math-related post. What are the odds? I'll have to calculate it later. Many people have probably learned about the Fibonacci sequence in their high school math classes. However, I thought I would just refresh everyone's memories and show how math can be beautiful and apply to physical things everywhere around us with stunning examples.

Keep Reading...Show less
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments