10 Ways to Beat a Bad Mood

Do you often feel that life throws you lemons? Do you feel like nothing goes your way? You are not alone! When you feel like nothing is going right and you just can’t shake your bad mood, beat the stress or feel sad, depressed or angry trick your brain into seeing things a little bit differently.

You are in most cases, making a choice to be unhappy or to be in a bad mood. We make the choice to be happy or unhappy. Here are my top ten ways to kick that bad mood in the butt and get happy.

Ten Ways To Kick A Bad Mood

• Smile – I know that sounds easy but it is true. When you are in a bad mood just the simple act of smiling can help you feel better. Others will see you smiling and many will smile back. Who knows you might even help cheer somebody else up.
• Play with a dog or a cat– The research about petting and playing with a dog or a cat is pretty amazing. People that pet and play with pets tend to be happier people in general. Petting a dog or cat actually releases happy hormones into your system including serotonin, prolactin, and oxytoxin. While stronger pet-owner bonds usually lead to the greatest stress relief, even brief encounters can create improvements in your mood. 
• Call a Happy Friend or Friends – Hang out with people that are happy and engaged in life. Just being around these people can lighten your mood and help you forget about what put you in the bad mood to begin with. If you don’t have happy friends find some.

Treat Yourself

• Treat yourself to something– I am not one that likes to promote treating yourself with fattening foods or sugary treats, but once in awhile to cure a bad mood do it. If you are very self disciplined and refuse that chocolate croissant or slice of cheese cake, buy yourself something else that you have been eyeing for some time. Go to a happy movie, eat the popcorn. Just make it a treat you wouldn’t normally do for yourself that can help you shake the bad mood and find joy.
• Take a hike or a long walk – By getting out of the house, office or where ever the bad mood is manifesting can help clear your mind. Make it a brisk walk and think about everything but what is bothering you or don’t think at all. Look at the trees, the ocean, the shops or any environment that you are hiking or walking around. Adsorb the smells, sounds and things happening around you.
• Crank up the tunes – Music is a wonderful way to leave your problems behind. I crank up the tunes with Zac. We sing and dance around to old 80’s tunes and leave the reality of his disability and the world behind us.

Get Moving

• Head to the gym – If you don’t have a gym membership, jump on your treadmill, pop in an exercise disk, take a run or any other kind of exercise you might be able to do in your home. Exercise is a wonderful stress reducer and causes your body to produce happy hormones. Do it! As little as 20 minutes can turn your day around.
• Volunteer – If you have a favorite non-profit go see how you can help them. If you don’t find one. Shelters and Rescues need dog walker, food banks need carriers and re-stockers, register names for the Red Cross, hold sick babies in the hospital or visit seniors in a nursing home or senior center. There are many volunteer opportunities to help those less fortunate than you. Helping others helps you forget your problems.
• Meditate or Pray – For many people this is a terrific way to beat the bad mood. Even if you aren’t very spiritual you can meditate. Meditation helps you clear your mind and focus on positive feelings or forces and can have a huge impact on your bad mood and mental well-being.

Whip Up Something Tasty

• Cook – Cooking something that doesn’t come out of a box or a can and requires cutting, chopping, kneading or other active participation can help clear your mind of what is bothering you. Cook something that reminds you of good times; a trip to Italy, food from your childhood (no not spaghetti’Os), a first date, grandma’s cookies or an old friend. While your food is cooking do some reading or dancing to fun music. No body can be sad when they are cooking and dancing.

Remember all of these activities trick your body into being happy and actually release happy hormones including:
serotonin, prolactin, and oxytoxin.

Well, These are my ten tricks to beating my bad moods. I hope they help yours too!

Are You Stressed Out? https://catchingkim.com/2019/02/14/are-you-stressed-out/