Struggling with a low mood? Check out these 7 easy mental health tips that can quickly boost your mood and make you feel better.
Everyone Feels This Way Sometimes
Life is so unpredictable and problems just find a way to pile up, don't they. One minute you are racing to catch up on work, and the next you got into the fight with friends/family or received an emergency bill.
It almost feels like life is in the "stress default mode" of this caught-in-one-concern-after-another way.
Sometimes you have those days when everything pisses you off. Someone steps on your toe accidentally and consequently, you're down for the rest of the day. You don’t even have to agree to some lame comment but it still gets to you.
Sound familiar?
If you can nod along with me, you are not in the minority. The great news is that there exist some easy, science-proven ways to recalibrate your mood and make yourself feel better almost right away.
7 Simple Hacks To Instantly Boost Your Mood
Be prepared; they are not the conventional tips. This is not your everyday “think positive” stuff. Another reason they are actionable and thus very effective, they’re fast.
1. Eat Something
You heard that, right? Yeah, what you may be experiencing as frustration, stress or irritability is just hunger faking an illness.
When your blood sugar dips, your brain struggles to function optimally, making you more susceptible to mood swings. It says, 'I need some more fuel,'
If you’ve been feeling edgy, it's time to ask: Last time you ate or ate something really good?
Grab a healthy snack—something rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Nuts, yogurt, a smoothie, or even a piece of fruit can help stabilize your mood.
2. Power Nap
You know how everything ALWAYS feels worse when you are tired?
There is plenty of evidence that inadequate sleep can make it harder to live emotionally as normal.
If you are aggravated or stressed out, try taking a 15-30 minute power nap. It is just long enough to wake you up and not make you tired.
If napping is not an option, there are still benefits from closing your eyes and resting for a couple of minutes.
3. Take a Walk
The problem with staying indoors for longer is that it can sap your mood, especially if you are confined under a light bulb or looking at screens all day.
Five minutes outside, whether on your balcony or across a nearby park can make a real difference.
If you have access to a park or greenery, even better. Studies show that nature has a powerful calming effect on the mind.
4. Move Your Body
You don’t have to do a complete gym workout (you just move!). Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood.
Try this:
Stretch Warm Down for 2 mins
Dance to your favourite tune
Do 10 jumping jacks
Walk outside around the block in your house
In fact, even the smallest movements provide you an instant surge in energy.
5. Stop Overthinking Your mood
And this is the grim reality: Most bad moods do not require deep introspection.
Sometimes that is just one of those days but it is okay. Nonetheless, overanalyzing will likely worsen it.
Rather keep thrashing over “why do I feel this way?” teach yourself that this feeling is bound to pass
Overthinking emotions will intensify it! Therefore, focus your energy on doing something better right now to change your emotions.
6. Do Something Small That Makes You Happy
Happiness doesn’t always stem from significant, life-altering events. Often, it’s found in the small moments.
This is a couple of mental activities that can lift your mood:
Watch a funny video
Chat a friend via call / text
Read something positive
Give a hug to pet or loved one
7. Listen to Your Favourite Music
Music can seriously change our feelings. Remember that song that makes you happy or maybe even nostalgic? It is because music speaks to the emotional part of our brain.
If you need something to cheer you up the next time you're bummed. It could be something de-stressing, a song that reminds of past moments or an upbeat tune to dance with.
Hack: Create a "Mood Boost" playlist so you always have a collection of uplifting songs at your fingertips.
Conclusion
Bad moods are part and parcel of being a human, everybody slumps into it. At the very least, YOU DON’T HAVE TO REMAIN THERE
The next time you feel irritated, overwhelmed, or just off, try one (or several) of these quick tips. You will be surprised at the pace your mood can change.
And remember, taking care of your mental health doesn’t always mean making drastic changes. So at times a snack, nap and your favourite song can do.
Which of these would you rather do?