Boost your Mood with 6 Helpful Tips

Some days are just not going to be fun–maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, missed your bus or your boss just won’t stop bugging you. These days happen, and you can’t have blue skies forever. However there are easy ways to boost your mood even when dark clouds are storming overhead.

Turn Yourself Off and On Again

Hey, it works with computers so why not yourself? Sometimes when your day isn’t going great, a nap can be all you need to restart and revamp your mood. Short on time? Try a caffeine nap: Drink a cup of coffee and then sleep for fifteen minutes. The nap will relax you as the caffeine does its thing in your body. You’ll wake up feeling more responsive, less tired, and in a better mood.

Get Moving

Being in a bad mood can make you want to stay home and pout but any type of exercise will do wonders for your body and soul. Getting your heart rate up naturally releases those sweet mood-boosting endorphins we all love so much. But a simple walk in beautiful natural surrounding will calm your mind more than a walk through an urban environment. Don’t have time for a nature walk? Try a garden center in a home improvement store. They are often large enough to accommodate a stroll and the plants and flowers make the air smell good and your brain relax.

Plant a Flower

Speaking of garden centers, working with flowers, whether you are planting them or arranging them, can sooth and calm you. Plus adding a pop of color can provide joy and excitement to your brain. And the act of planting or arranging gives your life purpose even for a few minutes, which can refocus your brain to the positive rather than the negative.

Be a Rule Breaker

Sometimes life’s routine can be a grind and you find yourself looking in the mirror saying. “This is it?”  If you are in a rut, try breaking some of the rules.  Pull a prank on a friend, go skydiving, play hooky from work. These acts of defiance might seem small but they will get your heart racing and boost your spirits. Plus, your friends will be laughing for months over your impromptu silliness.

Pet a Puppy, Even If You Don’t Own One

Research shows that petting a dog or puppy can lower your blood pressure.  Moreover, playing with your pet raises your serotonin (happiness) and dopamine levels (relaxation).[1] In addition, if you’ve got the blues, dogs (and cats) are instant companions that will give you comfort on demand. If you don’t have a pet, ask a friend if you can visit her dog or stop by your local rescue center and share some TLC.

Eat Chocolate and Have Seconds

When all else fails, eat a piece of chocolate. Chocolate has been shown to boost moods and push away feelings of depression and anxiety, especially dark chocolate. Try taking a bite of a piece of chocolate, and then inhaling through your mouth. You’ll savior the chocolate more by enhancing the flavors.

Sign up to receive insider tips, luxury destinations and more.
Treat Yourself to a Spafinder Gift Card!

[1] YourCoffeBreak.co.uk, “Feeling Cranky? Here Are 10 Mood Boosters