I don’t think anyone gets out of this life without times when they feel low on energy, high on stress, or just not ready to face the world. The good news is that you don’t have to let a bad mood control or disempower you. At least, not before trying these Bad Mood Busters:
Move Your Body: Have you ever noticed that it is easier to feel confident when you stand up straight or wear high heels? When you change your physiology, you can change your bad mood. If you feel tired or depressed, try dancing, or jumping, or running. Stressed? Slow your body down and guide it into deep breathing. You may be surprised how quickly your mood changes.
Smile or Laugh: Brain scans show that when you smile mood boosting chemicals are released into your brain. This even works if you have to fake it at first. Laughter can do the same thing. This gives you the perfect excuse to spend time watching those cute little animal videos online. Cultivate a habit of seeking joyful things and surrounding yourself with what makes you smile and you will spend less time feeling bad.
Mind Your Words: Chances are you are telling yourself stories that support your bad mood or letting your mind call you names and be a bully. Pay close attention to the words in your head and when the negative ones come up, simply replace them with more positive thoughts. You can change the channel your mind is tuned into. It may feel challenging at first, but when you are persistent, those yucky thoughts will eventually give up and go away.
Do Something Different: If what you are doing or focusing on is not working for you, do something else. Take a break. Go for a walk. Work on a different project. Stop watching TV or listening to the news. Switching things up will help you get out of the mood rut you have settled into and invite new energy in.
Breathe in Love and Gratitude: Find a quiet place where you have some privacy. Take a few moments to breathe deeply and visualize the breath coming in and out of your heart. Next, think of someone or something you love (babies and pets work well) and let that loving feeling come into your heart with each breath. Continue this relaxed, love filled breathing as long as you want and then take a moment to focus on all of the blessings in your life. It’s really hard to be in a bad mood after doing this.
If you would like the support of a professional life coach in shifting out of bad moods or changing what causes them, I would love to help. You can reach me to schedule a call here or by emailing: lifecoachlinda@gmail.com.
Related Posts:
25 Ways to Stay Positive in Trying Times
so my first client of the day just canceled 10 minutes after her appointment leaving my whole morning wide open with nothing to do so i was in a very foul mood – so i found a quiet space in the spa & practiced breathing in love & gratitude & it’s actually working.
It’s pretty hard to be in a foul mood when full of love and gratitude.
I love this! And I certainly agree with the whole, fake it until you make it idea. Great tips, thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Some of my clients think the fake it until you make it is not being authentic, but it is really just accessing a different aspect of your authentic self.
This article resonated with me, (as someone who suffers from anxiety and depression) I’ve been learning mindfulness, & I think it’s helping. Thanks for these tips. My all time favorite is breathing. You can breathe your way through anything! 23 hours of labor, and all I did was breathe! It works! LOL
Yes, breath work is incredibly powerful, but you must be a master at it to make it through labor. I have also suffered with anxiety and depression in the past, which is why I write posts like these. You are not alone.
Thank you for sharing. I love to smile and laugh in difficult times. I also lock myself in a room to pray. Hugging loved ones is a great booster.
Praying is always good. I’ve thought about designating a room or chair just for that.
This is great!! I love this and needed the reminder.I am a big fan of moving, gratitude and smiling.
Yes Jessica, those are 3 of my favorites to. Just reading the words makes me feel better.
Totally agree with getting up and doing something different! Emotion is motion so shifting ourselves physically is an immediate way to impact our overall mood!
http://www.totallymommedit.com
So true! Emotion is motion. I also include motion breaks throughout my work days, even if it’s just stretching.
Going for a run always leaves me in a better mood 🙂
I used to be a runner. It’s a great way to clear your mind.
I love the blog. We are writing similar things. Here is to helping people deal with their world. Sandra
We sure do, and you write very well.