When you’re feeling stuck in a rut, grumpy or resentful, impatient or intolerant of yourself or others, or just generally in a bad mood, there are some rather simple things you can do that can help change your mood. Here are a few of my favorites!
1. Just a few minutes of alone time
It sounds cliche, but it’s scientifically proven that just taking a few minutes of quiet a day or during a moment of stress can bring calm and perspective to your situation. The trick is to not do anything! No music or tv or devices, no one else around, and no walking or talking or doing anything. You just have to sit still and watch your thoughts pass by. Try not to judge them and don’t be afraid of them either. When you feel something, just be curious about it and look at it a bit. Feel the physical sensations in your body that accompany any feelings that come about. Find the places where your body is holding tension and tell yourself to let it go. That’s it. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can’t mess it up or fail at it. All you have to do is show up for yourself. It’s amazing the power this can bring to your confidence and the ability it has to change your mood.
2. Find some appreciation
Gratitude is a powerful thing. It allows us to look beyond our own problems and see the bigger picture. Despite your troubles right now, what are you grateful for? Make a quick list in your mind or on the back of your hand. Then, if the source of that gratitude is a person in your life, tell them – or better yet, do something for them.
If you’re interested and have a few extra moments, watch this great TedTalk entitled “Want to be Happy? Be Grateful.” Watch Now
3. Act “As If”
Fake it till you make it! Pretend that things are going just as if you would like. Pretend that you’re thrilled to be at work today or running errands, or whatever it is, and do whatever you’d do if it were entirely true. Turn up your favorite music and sing along, smile and wish good morning to everyone you see, get dressed up, or treat yourself to something. Do whatever it takes to convince those around you that you’re in a great mood, and soon you’ll have convinced yourself!
4. Try something different
Ask yourself what it is that you would normally do when you’re in a bad mood. Go watch tv alone? Eat something? Take a nap? Play a video game? Call a friend? Cancel your plans because you don’t feel up for it?
Whatever it normally is, do something (anything!) different than that!! Instead, you could think of something you’ve always wanted to do (i.e. guitar lessons) and take a step towards doing it (do a search for local guitar instructors). Head outdoors – it always lifts the spirit. Bake a fancy pastry. Start the book you’ve been wanting to read. If someone picked a fight with you, go apologize to them first. Just do anything that’s different from what you usually do – you’ll be amazed at the different path it can put you on.