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Many things can cause or contribute to a bad mood,
even if you're usually an optimistic person. Circumstances such as
stress at work, a disagreement with a friend, or a difficult family
situation can send your mood into a funk. Sometimes, you're just having
a bad day and you need a little pick-me-up. If you feel like you woke up
on the wrong side of bed, here are some ideas to quickly change your
mood and get you feeling better about your day.
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Talk about what has put you in a mood
If you are in a bad mood, then there’s obviously a reason for it.
Pinpoint why you’re in a bad mood and, if you can, talk to a friend
about it. Simply talking about your problem with someone will make you
feel many times better. After all, what they say about ‘a problem shared
is a problem halved’ rings very true. But if you can’t talk to a friend,
try going outside and letting out a mighty scream or having a good cry.
Remember that bottling it all up will only darken your mood — so let it
out for an instant mood boost! |
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Beat a bad mood with exercise
Exercise is a great way to get you out of a bad mood. If you can make
yourself do some exercise, you will reap the benefits. Exercise releases
endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good —
so by doing some exercise you will automatically make yourself feel
better. A game of squash could be a good option, as you’ll be able to
take your bad mood out on the ball. On the other hand, if you take your
sport too seriously and are a bad loser, then a non-competitive form of
exercise may be the best way to go. |
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Get Outside
Being indoors all the time, especially with poor lighting conditions,
can start to affect both your mood and your health. Research has shown
that vitamin D, the "sunshine vitamin," is crucial for physical and
mental health, and most Americans are deficient in this important
nutrient. In a recent study, people who adopted an outdoor lifestyle
showed fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you're just having a
bad day, getting outside in the sun can help to boost your mood. |
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Avoid people who put you in a
bad mood
It might seem obvious, but there are people who just have an ability to
put you in a bad mood. Okay, so some situations can’t be avoided — for
example a work colleague or your boss — but there will be others in your
social life who you can avoid. Some people can drain you and leave you
in a bad mood — including some people who you are friends with! It’s
best to avoid these people when you can — or at least keep your contact
with them to a minimum. |
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Have a Snack
Do you ever get cranky when you're hungry? If you notice you get into
arguments easily when you're feeling peckish, make sure you eat before
beginning a "discussion." Keep the snack healthy, like a banana with
almond butter, or some cheese and a few slices of apple. Avoid
sugar-laden snacks that will lead to a crash later and make you even
crankier.
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Drink a Glass of Water
If you're feeling generally yucky — tired, cranky, and unable to focus —
you may be suffering from dehydration. Studies show that even mild
dehydration can bring on headaches, fatigue, and a low mood. So if
you're feeling a little blah, try downing a glass of water (no, coffee
doesn't count), and see if that helps. |
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Change Your Environment
Along the same lines as changing the colors in your vicinity is the idea
of changing up your environment in general. Sometimes a change is all
you need. Organize your desk, move your knick-knacks around, clean out
the fridge, experiment with your furniture arrangement — the small
changes you make, along with the burst of activity, could help perk up
your mood.
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