Top 10 Ways to Boost Your Mood

Do you ever wake up in the morning feeling grumpy? Or have a moment in your day when you are in a bad mood but don’t know why? It happens to us all. Life isn’t sunshine and rainbows, we don’t always smile and laugh or feel great within ourselves. But how do we improve our mood? Is there a way to boost your mood instantly? Read on to find out ten ways you can boost your mood.

Spend time outdoors

Science has revealed that spending too much time indoors is bad for your health. So, when you find yourself feeling blue, whatever the weather, go outside. Getting some fresh air and sunshine will boost your mood significantly. Nature has many healing properties that will make you feel happier, more grateful, and more grounded in the present moment. It’s harder to find peace in urban areas, but if you have a nearby park or green space, you should go there and have some time alone with your thoughts, this will boost your serotonin levels.

Give yourself some love

Do something that makes you feel happier. Give yourself some love and attention and take a break from what you are doing. Self-care doesn’t have to be a bubble bath or time to read a book. It could simply be making your favorite meal, taking some time away from your phone, or having a cup of coffee or tea. Self-care is a great way to boost your mood and leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

Count your blessings

Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude and how it can change your day. Scientific research has shown that cultivating a habit of gratitude increases feelings of optimism, improves relationships, sleep, and eating habits and most importantly, it can lift your mood. Count your blessings whenever you lose perspective or are feeling low. You may even want to write it down and make a list of three things you are grateful for. If you want to boost your mood regularly, consider keeping a gratitude journal.

Laugh out loud

Life can feel a little serious sometimes. When was the last time you laughed out loud? Laughed so hard that you had tears in your eyes and an ache in your stomach? Laughter is a great and effective way to instantly brighten your day and improve your mood. Whether it’s watching funny cat videos or your favorite comedian, take some time out of your day to do something that brings you joy and makes you laugh.

Dance like nobody's watching

Turning up the music and dancing is a great way to boost your mood in an instant. Put on a playlist that makes you smile and dance. Studies have shown that music can impact your emotions and music therapy can reduce anxiety and improve the overall quality of your life. So, play your favorite tunes and get moving to boost your mood!

Declutter your space

The space around us can directly impact our mood. If you find yourself living in a space that is cluttered and disorganized, you should change that. Scientists have found that being surrounded by clutter can spike cortisol, the stress hormone. So, spend some time making the space around you clear and filled with your favorite things.

Hug it out

Hugging a person you love, or a pet has been known to boost oxytocin, which is a hormone that promotes a sense of wellbeing. So, if you have a low mood or don’t feel yourself, a hug may give you the feeling of security and love you need to feel better.

Pay attention to your breath

Finding a little time for yourself when you are in a bad mood and focusing on your breath can help to improve your mood. Meditating is a great way to relax, and feel more hopeful, and has many physical and psychological benefits.

Release your thoughts

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, releasing your thoughts into a journal is a good idea and another way you improve your mood. Journaling is a great mindful practice that can keep you emotionally and spiritually healthy, so write down how you feel and watch the bad mood melt away.

Visualize a happy you

Close your eyes and visualize yourself smiling, imagining yourself in a better mood will increase your chances of it coming true. Or you could visualize a happy memory, research shows that remembering happy events can increase serotonin production in the brain. So, think of your most treasured memories and think about how lucky you are, and your bad mood will lift in no time!