10 Ways To Improve Your Mood
We’re mid-way January, I know; time flies, right? If you’re still experiencing New Year’s high vibes, good for you, and keep it up.
Today is one of the saddest days of the year. I don’t know who named it the saddest day, but it’s doing the rounds.
If you’re starting to notice the New Year seems like a distant memory, read on.
Add A Bit Of Zing To Your Day
I know exercise is significant, but I’m not adding it to my list.
Here’s my list of ten things you can do quickly to improve your mood.
- Take stock of what you have now instead of what you don’t
- Reach out to someone either via email/phone/social media
- Breathe
- Eat a nice meal
- Wear something nice
- Treat yourself
- Write it out
- Put your phone down
- Pick up a new skill/hobby
- Get out in the open
- Take Stock
Sometimes, it’s easier to focus on what we don’t have instead of what we do. Once you do that, your thoughts go on an auto loop, and it takes mental energy to break the cycle.
Instead, get busy counting your blessings; this way, you’ll stay in the moment and appreciate what’s happening instead of worrying about tomorrow or the things you don’t.
Don’t forget that your thoughts impact your actions, which shape your behaviour.
2. Reach out to someone
We’re so connected, yet so unconnected, if that makes sense. With all our communication channels at our fingertips, you’d think we’d ace keeping in touch. It is far from the truth.
When we’re busy each day, it’s easy to forget about connecting with people who matter to us. Why not reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to/connected with in a while and let them know you thought about them?
3. Breathe
Yes, you read right. Breathing is what humans do, right? Learning some breathing techniques can be a game-changer for many who are against it.
I know this from experience as a coach who works with clients facing many challenges, goals, and opportunities.
Getting them to think about their breathing significantly when up against it has impacted many essential conversations, deals, challenges or setbacks they have faced.
Understanding and incorporating mindful breathing practices can profoundly affect an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, leading to improved performance and overall success.
4. Eat A Nice Meal
Maybe cook yourself something unique/different, perhaps even one of your favourite dishes. You’ll feel better for it, especially with the effort you put in.
I’m a big fan of breaking bread with family and friends. These meals are very special because beautiful memories are made.
If you don’t want to cook, take a takeout or visit your favourite restaurant. You might even invite a loved one/friend.
5. Wear Something Nice
If you’re working from home, try wearing something you haven’t. It’s easy to put on something comfy and warm on a cold winter’s day.
No one would blame you, either. However, wearing something colourful, lovely or different can lift your mood.
6. Treat Yourself
Don’t go overboard, but a little bit of something you enjoy will perk up your mood. When we treat ourselves to something we like, it releases endorphins in our brains.
I’m not suggesting sitting with a box of chocolates and wolfing it down in one sitting, though.
It doesn’t have to include food, it could be doing something you enjoy.
7. Write It Out
As you know, I’m a big fan of journaling because it leads to clarity, which helps make informed decisions. It helps clarify some of the chaotic thoughts in our heads and gives us a break to process the information.
Try the Five-Minute Journaling Exercise. Answer these questions.
What am I grateful for today? (Morning) / What was I thankful for today? (Evening)
- Write down 1–3 things. They can be as simple as a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or a kind gesture from a friend
- What would make today great? (Morning) / What went well today? (Evening)
- In the morning, list one or two things you can do to make your day successful. In the evening, reflect on what went well during the day.
- Daily Affirmation (Morning) / What did I learn today? (Evening)
- Morning: Write a positive statement about yourself or your goals. Evening: Reflect on a lesson learned or an insight gained.
8. Put your phone down
It’s easy to scroll aimlessly and end up in a social media rabbit hole. In fact, on average, people spend up to 2.5 hours on Social Media a day.
According to RescueTime, an app created to monitor phone use, the amount of time we spend on our phones is 3 hours and 15 minutes. For some, it can be much longer, depending on their phone use.
Thus, it’s hardly surprising that we seem even busier than ever. The question is, how active are you on social media, and when you are there, what consumes your time?
9. Pick Up A New Skill/Hobby
You know as well as I do that it’s easy to get distracted with 24/7 information bombardment. Who says learning has to be via textbook? I believe learning should be fun and comes in different forms.
Make learning a new skill or starting a new hobby a priority. Why? It’s great fun; you’ll learn many things and gain transferable knowledge and experience.
10. Get out into the Open
It might be winter in the Western Hemisphere right now, but don’t let it stop you from getting out and about.
A brisk walk in the park or around the block may raise your spirits. It may lift you from slumber mode and trigger new ideas for projects/opportunities.
Who knows, you might bump into someone you know and reconnect for a few moments, which is always a plus point.
Parting Comments
I believe we have more control than we give ourselves credit, and we have the power to shift from one state to another.
The small steps can be a game changer because each helps build momentum. Over time, you’ll notice the difference and be inspired to shift gears.
Whatever you decide to do, be kind to yourself because your choice of words makes a big difference.
Thank you for your attention.
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Pervin
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