Quick & easy ways to help boost your mood

Published on Mon Jun 15 2020 in Lifestyle

We all need a pick-me-up sometimes. When life gets you down or feels a bit overwhelming, putting a smile on your face may be all that’s needed to turn your day around. Luckily, there are many simple ways to do this, and some only take a few minutes!

Here are 8 quick and easy ways to help boost your mood.

1. Delete an app from your phone or tablet

Social media can connect us, but it can also bring us down. Comparing your life to others’ based on their carefully chosen updates and photos might not always make you feel good.

Deleting an app that brings you down (or one that wastes a lot of your time) might help you feel better. Remove it from your phone or tablet, then see how you feel after not using it for a week. You might find that you don’t miss it at all and that you’re happier, too!

2. Unplug for a whole hour

Electronics can be great entertainment. But, too much binge watching or endless scrolling could start to mess with your wellbeing.

Try setting aside an hour a day where you completely unplug. No television, smartphones, computers, tablets or video games allowed! Use this time to do something calming or peaceful instead, like reading a book, taking a warm bath or writing in a journal.

3. Connect with nature

Being outside can do wonders for a bad mood! Sunshine, fresh air and new sights may take your mind off your worries or give you a new perspective on life.

You don’t have to travel far from home to connect with nature. Just sitting in the backyard or on a sunny balcony could work wonders. Breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sights and sounds of your neighbourhood could be enough to help reset your brain.

4. Stretch

Not sure why you’re so grumpy? It might be that your body is a tad too stiff. Many people hold tension in their muscles, particularly in their neck, shoulders, back and calves. Giving these parts some love could make a big difference to how you feel.

If your mood is sour, get up and give your muscles a good stretch. You could even try some simple yoga moves to get your entire body moving. Or, ask your partner for a quick back massage— just be ready to return the favour!

5. Call a friend

Sometimes it helps to talk things out. Venting your anger in a healthy way, getting some sympathy or hearing a friendly voice may be just what you need to feel better.

Calling a friend for a quick chat is often a wonderful way to connect and help boost your mood. Video chats make it easier than ever to see a smiling face, even when you’re far away from your besties. 

6. Listen to a happy song

Music is a big mood manipulator. Just as a sad song can bring you to tears, a happy one may help brighten your day.

Next time you’re feeling blue, try playing some upbeat tunes. If you’re home alone, feel free to play them loud and sing along. You might even want to dance around, too. When no one is watching, you can really let loose!

7. Tidy up a room

Our surroundings can often influence how we feel. A cluttered, messy room may not be the best place to get things done and could even be distracting you from more important matters.

Try tidying up one room in your house or even a specific space. You may find that removing clutter from the living room or just organising a closet leaves your mind feeling clearer, happier and ready to take on bigger tasks.

8. Count your blessings

It’s sometimes all too easy to dwell on the negative in life. This can seriously change your mood—and not in a good way.

Next time you find yourself obsessing over the bad, try switching to the positive instead. List three things you’re grateful for, a silver lining from your day or something you’re looking forward to next week. This may help you focus on everything that’s going right, instead of focusing on a few bad moments.

 

Looking for more ways to boost your mood? Try these 10 simple ways to practice self care.

About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.

The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.

All product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Momentum Life website.