Somedays your mood seems to need more of a boost than others. It could be from lack of sleep, a fight with someone you love. Work could just be kind of crappy that day. Or the kids just seem to drain the energy out of you. All of these can lead to having a lower than usual mood or put you in a bad one. Luckily there are a lot of simple ways to improve your mood without having to do a bunch of extra things. The most important thing is to find out what mood-boosting activities work best for you and give them a try when it seems like you need to improve your mood a bit.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links to products or services. This means I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. More information can be found in our Privacy Policy
Ways to Improve Your Mood
Finding simple ways to improve your mood can be both easy and hard. One thing that I like to do is keep a few of these things in mind so I can easily boost my mood and start to feel a little less angry or frustrated with those around me.
Smile
This is probably one of the easiest and hardest mood boosters. It’s easy because smiling or laughing is an instant mood booster. But if you are having a REALLY bad day it can be hard to think of a reason to smile. The biggest suggestion I have for that is to keep a few pictures or a video on your phone that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The ones I like to use are of course pics of my kids or videos of them being silly.
Eat Dark Chocolate
Like we really need an excuse, right? Well, studies have shown that eating a little bit of dark chocolate gives your mood a boost because of certain components of it. So, get a bit of dark chocolate to keep around the house. (make sure to hide your stash though) 😉 I recommend Dove Dark Chocolate it’s one of my favorites.
Exercise
Getting yourself moving releases endorphins which are your natural mood booster. If you are like me and even the idea of working out makes you tired, you can do other things. Even just dancing to some music for a few minutes is a fun way to get some exercise.
Go for a walk
Along the same lines as getting some exercise, going for a walk outside can do wonders for your overall mood. Something is relaxing about getting outside and just taking a quick stroll to boost yourself up.
Listen to upbeat music
This is one of my favs. I have a playlist with nothing but music that lifts my spirits when I need it. My go-to is my beloved 90s music but the point is to make a list of songs that speak to you and make you happy.
Watch a comedy
Watching a comedy or even just a silly video online can bring a smile to your face and boost your mood easily. And with all the options out there now, funny videos are always within reach.
Related Reading: How to Use a Habit Tracker and What is Self-Care Really?
Pet an animal
There is something so soothing about petting an animal or just snuggling with them. They love the attention and it’s an easy way to relax and put yourself in a better mood.
Play a video game
Playing a simple video game is an easy way to relax and get your mind off whatever is bothering you. Minecraft is my go-to game right now because it’s so easy and takes very little effort to play.
Read a book
Any book will do even a comic. One of the best ways to escape what is irritating you is to escape into a book. My current fav is UnFu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. It’s given me such an insight into myself that I have a hard time putting it down.
Meditate
Studies have shown that using meditation to clear your mind is a great way to boost your mood and find some focus. It is easy to incorporate into your day, especially if you use a habit tracker
Strike a power pose
Think Superhero pose here. But seriously standing in a power pose can boost your mood. It can boost your confidence too and make you feel better in just a few minutes.
Have a good laugh
Not fake laughter. But a true heartfelt old-fashioned belly laugh. It can instantly improve your mood and get you feeling better in no time. My favorite trick is to visualize something utterly ridiculous. My go-to is flying purple cows. Just close your eyes and visualize it, go on. See how truly silly that image is? But it’s a way to make you smile and/or laugh which will help improve your mood.
Think of happy things
I know, I know. There is a lot of emphasis on happy or silly things to boost your mood. Wanna know why? Because it works. It is one of the easiest things you can do in a moment to feel better and takes little effort once you’re used to doing it.
Let Yourself Vent
To a friend, your spouse, or even the wall. Getting your frustrations out of your head can make you feel better. Once you get it out of your head you can try one of these other tricks to give your mood a little boost.
Look at or smell flowers
If you are a flower person this is a good way to boost your mood. You know the old saying “make sure to stop and smell the flowers”. Well, it really works to boost your mood. There is something about the simple beauty of a flower and the pleasant scent they have that puts you in a better mood.
Talk to a Friend
Talking to a friend about things that seem to be bringing you down can help improve your mood. Friends provide comfort and insight into things that we often miss. And can help focus your thoughts in a more positive direction.
Snuggle with a blanket
I love the feeling of snuggling with a super soft comfy blanket any time of year. It just wraps you in a cocoon of comfort that instantly calms and relaxes. Personally, I love oversized blankets and keep them all over the living room and bedroom.
Take a few deep calming breathes
Just stopping what you’re doing, closing your eyes, and taking a few breaths is another easy way to improve how you feel. It centers you in the moment and gives you a moment to stop and think.
Coloring
Coloring has such a calming effect on us and you don’t always realize that it does. But taking the time to color for a little bit can do wonders for improving your mood and get you feeling better.
Pamper yourself
Now don’t go on a crazy shopping spree or anything here. I’m talking about doing one or two simple things to pamper yourself. You could paint your nails, do a face mask, or just soak in a hot bath. The point is to treat yourself to a little self-care or indulgence to improve your mood.
Final thoughts
Even though there are many different ways to boost or improve your mood. You want to make sure that whatever you try is the right fit for you.
Smiling more, making an effort to laugh, and just relaxing are all great ways to boost your mood.
Don’t forget to grab your free self-care workbook!