Seven Techniques to Buy Yourself Good Moods, All Free of Charge
We all seem to be stuck in a rut, entangled in tight schedules to get more jobs done, make more money, and fulfill more ambitions. We tend to rush from activity to activity, doing whatever it takes to make our lives better and better.
How can we keep ourselves in a good mood without spending much time and money so that we can keep going with the plans we have made and the goals we have set? Try these seven unbelievable techniques to win the silver lining in your hectic day, and enjoy good vibes all day long.
1. Hug those you love
According to research, the benefits of hugging are not just limited to the warm feeling of holding someone in your arms. Hugs bring hearts closer and pump up moods by triggering the brain to release feel-good and antidepressant hormones that reduce feelings of stress and loneliness. Make hugs a regular part of your day. A few firm squeezes lift your mood, especially when they are accompanied by some loving and kind words you whisper in the ear of the one you are hugging.
2. Express your gratitude to God verbally
Be grateful to God for what you have and what you do not have. Highlighting things you have in life, including your good health, talents, skills, family and friends, job, home, car, reputation, etc., and feeling thankful for them helps you elevate your mood. As for things you do not have in life, remind yourself of the worries, pains, and problems you see in others but are absent in your life. Be thankful for not being sick, not being in debt, and not being infamous, among others. Say all these things aloud so that you can hear yourself, and be sure of the good mood that follows. The trick is to make this appreciation an integral part of your daily activities.
3. Take the lead to show your love and respect to others
As social beings, we benefit greatly from active relationships and positive social interactions. You can buy yourself good moods from the moment you wake up all the way to the time you hit the hay. All it takes is a quick smile and a few kind words to the people and even things around you. Say hello to your house plants or pets and talk to them. Smile and salute the traffic officer on your way to work. Let other drivers pass first. Take the lead to greet your coworkers warmly, pat them on the back, and ask how they feel. Compliment people on their hairstyles and outfits. Make some happy gestures to help them feel good. Say thank you when they do something for you. Bend down to pick a coworker’s pen and simply harvest and glean all the good mood and energy out there on the field.
4. Try daydreaming
There is a myriad of benefits to daydreaming, the most important of which is feeling happier. Your daydreams can take different forms — a mini-vacation you take with someone you love to la-la land, a party you throw with your best friends, a quiet, gentle walk in the woods, a success you like to celebrate, a day in the future when you are happy for something you have done, anything. Let yourself indulge in a bit of play, and see how your mood changes for the better. You can do this on the train or bus or during your coffee or lunch breaks. It feels good to get lost in the positive moments you create in your mind, and you’ll find yourself smiling during the cruise.
5. Add a dose of variety to your life
As well said by William Cowper, “Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all its flavor.” Start with your appearance and clothes. Try wearing different clothes during the week, stand in front of the mirror, and compliment yourself on your appearance. Stop following the same routine every weekend — spice things up a bit by visiting places in the neighborhood and city. Try different foods, especially foods from other countries. Check recipes on the Internet and cook up a dish you find interesting. Turn the TV off, stop watching the news, disconnect from the Internet for a while and do a broad range of other activities instead. Variety can definitely boost your mood.
6. Text someone you care about for no reason
Random texting of those you love is a great way to lift your mood and that of others. Not only can this help you feel better, but it can also improve your relationship with others. Make a list of those you care about and reward yourself by texting or even calling them for no reason. It will not take much time but makes a massive difference in your emotional life. In your message, remind them how important they are to you, ask them to meet for an evening coffee or any pursuit of interest, or simply wish them a beautiful day. This effortless act of love and admiration can serve as the biggest charity to make someone else’s day and a considerable step to feeling better.
7. Challenge yourself mentally
Mental exercise can be as invigorating as physical workouts. Instead of listening to negative self-talk and critical inner voices that tend to sap your energy, make sure you use your brain healthily. Certain memory training exercises can keep your brain and mental health in tip-top shape. Learn something new to tickle your brain a little bit, read something nice or do puzzles. They all keep your brain active and boost your mood.
Although we cannot be in a good mood all the time, learning how to put ourselves in a good mood quickly is a skill we all need to master. It is sad to admit that life is challenging and stressful and harmful moods often strike and ruin our moments. Employing one or two of the techniques above helps you build-in mood-boosting habits to help you manage and shake off bad feelings. It might take you a while to get used to doing them, but it is worth the effort.
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