Sometimes when you’re feeling low, you can take some simple steps to instantly improve your mood.
It’s not easy being happy all day, every day. Sometimes, life just gets us down. This could be caused by a number of imposing factors.
Whether you’ve been feeling down for a while or your mood has been altered by a recent event at work or in your personal life, there are always little steps we can take to improve our moods.
As such, let’s take a look at ten easy ways to instantly improve your mood.
10. Hang out with your loved ones – an instant mood lifter
One of the absolute best ways to instantly improve your mood is by calling a friend or a loved one and having a good, cleansing conversation or arranging to meet up and do something fun.
Laughter and good times with the people who care about you and have your back can really be the best medicine.
9. Exercise – soothe the mind
Whether it’s simply going out for a walk and getting some fresh air or hitting the gym for a take-your-mind-off-it workout, exercise is certainly one of the best easy ways to instantly improve your mood.
Exercise is wonderful for your mental health because when you get your body moving, your body releases feel-good endorphins and other natural brain chemicals that have the ability to improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
8. Meditate/Yoga – just breathe
On the back of the heels of exercise is meditation or yoga. When life is getting you down, take the time to make yourself a cosy, comfortable, and quiet space.
Lay your head down on a yoga mat, or sit up straight with your eyes closed and just focus on your breathing. When you focus on the moment at hand and leave what’s bothering you at the door, you can instantly improve your mood.
READ MORE: Our top ten list of inspirational yoga quotes.
7. Sea swim – incredible for your mental health
If the ocean is accessible to you, we can’t recommend going for a sea swim enough when you’re feeling down.
No matter if it’s going for a swim by yourself or getting your friends together for an ocean plunge, the benefits of open water swimming have been proven to improve your overall mental health.
Make this a part of your weekly routine, and you will see massive improvements to your overall mood.
6. Treat yourself – sometimes it’s necessary
Whether it’s taking yourself out for lunch, buying yourself something you’ve had your eye on for a while, taking yourself on a solo cinema date, or treating yourself to a spa day, sometimes this can be a great way to improve your mood.
Material objects aren’t the route to all happiness. However, the thrill of treating yourself definitely has the power to make you feel better in the moment.
5. Write it down – take it from your mind to paper
A great way to release what’s bothering you is by taking it from your mind and putting it to paper by writing it down.
Even if you don’t keep a regular diary, sometimes writing down your thoughts, worries, and feelings is a great way to release negative energy. It can feel like a weight off your shoulders.
If writing isn’t your thing, try your hand at painting or drawing. Putting your energy into creating a piece of art is one of the best easy ways to instantly improve your mood.
Even if you don’t think you’re the next Pablo Picasso, it’s a fun, easy activity that focuses your thoughts on the task at hand.
4. Tidy the house – it’ll make a world of difference
When you’re feeling low, it can be hard to keep on top of simple tasks like clearing clutter and tidying the house.
As such, cleaning the house and working and moving in a tidy environment can improve your mood IMMENSELY! Tidy house, tidy mind – it really is true.
3. Get cosy – cosy nights are the best nights
When you don’t feel like making plans or leaving the house, make your home environment cosy and settle in for the night.
Bring in some of your favourite things, whether it’s a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or whatever it may be, and settle into something that makes you feel comfortable, like taking a bath, reading a book, or watching a great movie.
2. Step out of your comfort zone – a game-changer
Talk to a stranger, start a new hobby, or do something that scares you! Stepping out of your comfort zone can help you take back charge of your life.
1. Put on your favourite song – dance like no one’s watching
Everyone has a song that instantly makes them smile. If you want to instantly improve your mood, put on your favourite song and dance around the room like no one’s watching. All your troubles and worries will soon be forgotten.