Sometimes it’s hard to know what brings on a bad mood. Maybe we just woke up on the wrong side of the bed, as the saying goes. Or there’s a nagging irritation from something that happened earlier in the week at home or at work.
Often, we can’t put our finger on what’s got us in a funk.
And even if we can, much of the time, there’s nothing we can do to change what occurred.
Despite our best efforts, it can be difficult to “just get over it”.
Sometimes, the best answer is to find a distraction that short circuits our rumination and turns our mood upside down.
Having our own list of things that make us feel better or can easily snap us out of the doldrums can come in handy.
Because who wants to ruin a precious weekend or an evening out with a bad mood?
How to Improve Your Mood Quickly
The things that bring a smile to each of us are obviously unique.
But here as some ideas to try when shaking things up may be enough to change your mood.
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- Get a manicure or pedicure
- Stand in the sunshine for 15 minutes
- Find the perfect go-to seasonal outfit.
- Light a scented candle
- Find a new pair of shoes that are perfect for summer
- Buy a new pair of earrings (this pair is gorgeous)!
- Put together a new outfit from clothes we already own
- Clean out a drawer or closet
- Make a new, healthy, recipe
- Try a new color of lipstick
- Take a short, brisk walk – or a long one
- Buy new walking shoes (these are my “go-tos” – so comfortable!)
- Watch an old rom com
- Cuddle with a pet
- Get a massage!
- Buy a new notebook and pen
- Do something kind for someone else
- Journal
- Color
- Do a jigsaw puzzle
- Call a friend and share a cup of tea or coffee while you catch up
- Light a fire in the fireplace or in a firepit
- Walk in the woods.
- Visit a park
- Take a bath with bubbles or a bath bomb (my daughter got me these and I love them)
- Experiment with a new hair style or color
- Re-read a favorite old book or buy a new book to enjoy
- Play a board game
The list of things we can do is basically endless. There’s no shortage of new things that we can each try. The first step is the hardest. We must make up our minds that we want to change our attitude.
And we want to do whatever it takes to make ourselves feel better.
Once we decide that, the rest is pretty easy – most of the time.
During those times when we’re not just in a bad mood, but truly sad – well, that’s a different story.
We need to be kind to ourselves and take the time we need to process our feelings.
Essential to good processing is a loving and engaged support system – including family, friends, and professional help, if required.
How to Make Yourself Feel Better
But during those times when it’s just a cranky day and you need a lift, indulge in a little self-compassion, a lot of self-love, and a dash of self-care on top.
Between these three, things should start to look better before you know it. And pretty soon, you’ll be back on track in terms of your personal well-being.
Have suggestions to add to the list above? I’d love to hear from you.
One of the suggestions is to do something kind for someone else.
Maybe the list above will give you inspiration for something you might do for a special woman (sister, mother, daughter, grandmother?) for Mother’s Day – or any day.
Because doing something kind for others is a powerful and meaningful way to make ourselves feel better, too.
Want to learn more ways to make yourself feel better all the time? Check out: The Secrets of Unconditional Love. Loving ourselves unconditionally is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.
One more suggestion: Read this post to learn about a new kind of to-do list – one we should all make every day.
Comment and tell the rest of us your magic cures for days when you just need a little boost.
Thank you, as always, for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
8 Responses
Taking care of our mental health is crucial, and your tips on how to make ourselves feel better are so important. It’s easy to forget to prioritize self-care, but your reminders are a great way to refocus and recharge. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading and commenting, Aadiv!
Lots of good advice,
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, David!
I love these suggestions and will be putting a number of them to good use as I definitely need a little pick-me-up. I think making time for things that help support our emotional and mental health should always be a priority; thanks for this reminder!
Molly, thanks very much for reading and I’m so glad you found these suggestions helpful!
These are all such great ideas to make yourself feel better. Thanks so much for sharing!
Some lovely suggestions here, Joan. My favourites are stand in the sunshine for 15 minutes or go for a walk in the woods. I’m lucky enough to have a garden, so being outside in the fresh air and getting my hands muddy always works for me 🙂