We all have those mornings where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. It just hits us out of nowhere; we’re grumpy, irritable, negative, and sad. We’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to find the light. But that awful mood doesn’t have the power to keep you prisoner. Even if you’re crazy busy and stressed out, a quick fix can be all you need to turn your mood and entire day around.
- Open the blinds. Or the window. Getting some sunlight will amp up the production of your mood-regulating serotonin. Fresh air will help wake you up and allow you to feel energized – refreshed – no caffeine needed.
- Get your rear in motion. Hop up and do some jumping jacks, run in place, stretch your body, whatever your limbs feel like doing that won’t disturb your neighbors too much. Getting your heart pumping will jumpstart your mood.
- Buy some flowers. Besides giving your decor a bit of a boost, flowers can help make sure you start your day on the right foot by stimulating your eyes and nose. That pop of color might be just what the doctor ordered.
- Channel a color. It’s no secret that color has a big effect on our mood, each color with a different effect. Step into a room that elicits the mood you would rather be in. Or skip the black and put on colored clothing to cheer you up. Greens, blues, or yellows are good options to relieve stress.
- Cuddle a pet. It’s nearly impossible to be in a bad mood when you’ve got a furry buddy to love on. Hug a pet. Walk a pet. Pet a pet. Happy and healthy animals are the best mood booster.
- Turn on a happy song. Most people find that listening to a jovial tune is a good way to get in a better mood. Have a playlist ready of your favorite songs that pump you up ready to play when a bad mood threatens your day.
- Laugh. Full on belly laugh. A lot. Even let a snort out. Find something funny and let your laughter fill you up. Laughter is the best medicine. Laugh alone or with a friend. It’s magical how quickly your negativity turns around.
- De-Clutter your home. Just looking at clutter in your home can lead to a more stressful mood. Take a few minutes to pick the clothes up off your floor, organize the papers on your desk, or clean the dishes. Don’t leave a messy home to come home from work to either. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Get a good whiff. Have your favorite scent on hand. Candles, essential oils, and incense are all wonderful options. They can calm you down or take you back to a happy memory. Lavender is known to help control emotional stress.
- Find a quiet place. Take a few minutes away from the world to remove yourself from human and technology distractions. Read, meditate, or sit and think. Find a quiet spot in your home or take a walk (your pet would love this too).
- Dress up. Sometimes we wake up and we feel gross, want to dress in sweatpants all day and avoid any effort. But those are the days where we should put in the extra effort. The way you look has a lot to do with your mood. Putting on something you feel great in can change the way you walk and the way you act. Allow your confidence and good feelings to shine outward.
– Mikaela Hammer, JETPUBS Inc.