Sometimes, we can’t help but feel a little down in the dumps. There are days when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and we’re instantly in a bad mood for the rest of the day.
There are other days when we wake up in a positive mood, but something happens on our way to work that turns that smile upside down. There are a lot of things that can affect how we feel. Often, circumstances that make us feel emotional are beyond our control.
However, research shows that our thoughts and actions can control 40 % of our emotions. That means that there are things we can proactively do to turn bad days into good. Here are quick and easy things you can do to improve your mood.
Take a short walk
When things are becoming a little too much to handle, both mentally and emotionally, it’s ideal for taking a little quiet time for yourself. Going for a short walk will help you get away from all the noise of the world, and spend a few minutes thinking and relieving your stress.
A mild exercise, such as walking, can help lift your spirits. Moreover, taking a walk will give you the light exposure you need to keep you alert and productive and enhance your mood.
Organize your things
The stacks of paperwork and documents you have on your desk might be contributing to your bad mood. They serve as a reminder of things you need to get done, and this causes you to feel panic and stress.
Organizing your things and decluttering your desk will go a long way in improving your mental and emotional state. The organized appearance will help clear your mind and boost your spirits.
Focus on the good things
When things are going bad, it’s a natural reaction for us to keep going through the negative events and overthink them. Our minds are powerful and can affect how we feel throughout the day. The more you dwell on bad things, the worse you feel.
Try to focus on good things. Think of happy moments and relive them in your mind. Doing this will help you revisit pleasant and stress-free emotions and can instantly improve your mood.
Have a good laugh
As they say, laughter is the best medicine. True enough, laughing increases our dopamine levels, the chemical that boosts our mood. Studies have found that laughter can help increase oxygen levels in our bodies, which helps cool down our stress response system.
So the next time you’re feeling down in the dumps, think of a funny memory or watch a funny video. Doing this will help you feel a lot better.
Do things you enjoy
A little time for yourself will go great lengths in improving your mood. When you start feeling stressed, it would be helpful to read a few pages of your favorite book, drink your favorite cup of coffee, or watch calming videos online.
Find something that makes you feel good and do it — like wearing your favorite sweater or putting on your handy prayer beads.
A bad mood not only affects ourselves. But it also affects our work and relationships with the people we encounter. Make conscious efforts to improve your mood. It will only take you a few minutes, but the effects will last a long time.