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Looking for ways to lift your mood?
We’ve all had them, days where you just feel a bit blue or out of sorts. After last night’s US election shock, you could be excused for feeling a little blue today. There’s so much uncertaininty right now. I’m not talking about depression, which is a serious condition often requiring professional medical advice. I’m just talking about “blue days” where you’re not feeling your happiest, brightest self.
Sometimes these blue days happen for no apparent reason, you just feel “bleh”. I have them from time to time, and I know a lot of others do too. Days where I struggle to be positive, where things go wrong or I just can’t get out of my own way to get anything done. It’s frustrating and unproductive, but sometimes you just have to let it be what it is for the day. Hopefully, it’s only one day!
To help address this issue for both myself and you, my lovely readers, I’ve compiled a list of 19 things to do which will lift your mood. Who knows, it might even turn your day from blue to bright yellow! Why not give one or two a try? Take your pick from the following ways to lift your mood:
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Deep Breathing
Of course, we’re all breathing all the time, but I’m talking about long, slow, deep breathing here. Doctors and mental health experts often recommend deep breathing as a way to ease anxiety and promote relaxation.
When you’re in a stressful or low mood, if you take a minute to sit quietly, inhale slowly through the nose – for at least 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, then exhale for at least 5 seconds. Repeat at least 3-5 times – or more if you feel the need to.
You may have seen the quote that says, “Breathe in the good shit, breathe out the bullshit”. I like to think I’m doing that when I do this conscious breathing.
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Massage
Massage has long been proven as a wonderful relaxation technique. You could go out and have a professional massage by a qualified therapist, or you could ask a loved one to give you a gentle neck and shoulder or back massage.
There are many benefits of massage including stress reduction, boosting the immune system, eases anxiety, reduces muscle tension and improves sleep.
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Flowers
The colour and scent of fresh flowers have a way of lifting the mood. If you’re lucky enough to have fresh flowers in your garden or available nearby, pick some and pop them in a vase. Otherwise, fresh flowers can be bought at florists, supermarkets and some fruit and vegie shops. Be sure to display them somewhere prominent so they can lift your mood every time you walk past.
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Meditate
Meditation is a well-known method of relaxation and focus. If you already know how to meditate, now is the time to do it. If you don’t know how to meditate, download or purchase a guided meditation onto your phone or on CD which will assist you through the process of emptying your mind of worries.
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Walk
Consider getting up early and going for a walk before you start your day.
At any time, you can either take a brisk power walk, if that’s your thing, or a quiet stroll to a place where you feel safe and at ease. Getting out into nature and walking in the sunshine can be a great stress reliever. Pop some upbeat music on your phone or portable device and listen while you walk, it makes you walk faster and burn more energy!
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Watch an inspiring movie
Experiencing someone else’s story can be very inspiring. It can also take the focus off our own issues and make us realise that things really aren’t so bad for us. I find watching a movie at a theatre much more of an experience that watching it on TV, but this is a personal preference.
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Phone a friend
Catching up with a trusted friend for a cuppa or just chatting on the phone can definitely lift your mood. While it’s definitely true that negative people can be drain our energy, it’s also true that positive people can inspire and motivate us or help us to get back on track with our goals and dreams.
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Express your Gratitude
Making a list of the things you’re grateful for can help to remind you just how many good things you have in your life. We all get a bit complacent sometimes, and acknowledging the positives can certainly put you in a better frame of mind.
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Random Act of Kindness
Doing something kind or helpful for another person often makes us feel good inside, and doing it within expectation of something in return multiplies the effect. The element of surprise or “randomness” also increases the feel good factor for both the recipient and yourself – and this will definitely lift your mood!
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Rest
Are you always on the go? Do you feel tired? When was the last time you had a completely free day, where you could do whatever you want, including absolutely nothing? Putting your feet up and having some time out from all of your responsibilities and obligations can have very positive effects. Even a sleep in of 30 to 60 minutes on the weekend can help you feel more energised.
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Do whatever makes you happy
Think about the last time you laughed, the last time you were really happy. What were you doing at the time? While you can’t relive the exact moment, you may be able to recapture that happiness by doing what you love and enjoy – whatever that is.
What are some of the things you do to lift your mood? Please share in the comments box below – I love hearing from you 🙂
I’m honoured to be a co-host of the Lovin’ Life Linky, which happens each and every Thursday.
Click on any of the links below to read more amazing stories about Lovin’ Life – because we all need to feel inspired and create our own happiness :).
The rest of the Lovin’ Life Linky team is: Leanne from Deep Fried Fruit, Min from Write of the Middle, Deb from Debbish.com, Jo from Lifestyle Fifty and Kathy from 50 Shades of Age.
Flowers are good, music is good, helping others is good. All these lift my mood…nice post!
Thanks so much Lydia. Whatever works to lift the mood, eh? #TeamLovinLife
I love these Lyndall! And some of them are SO easy to do it begs the question why we (ie. I) don’t do them more often.
I’m going to pick a couple over these next couple of days. My mother is staying with me for 2-3 days after eye surgery and then I’m going to her place for a day or so…. so some flowers to brighten my place will be an excellent place to start.
Oh, and I contemplated a walk today but had to get up and finish my Thursday post, which I’d started earlier in the week but not finished!!!
Flowers sound perfect Deb :). So pleased to hear you contemplated a walk – you’re halfway there!! #TeamLovinLife
I agree that all these things work to lift your mood when you are feeling a bit off. I have had the blues lately, mainly because of the loss of our beloved dog and I’m feeling, fat, old and ugly. Why we go through these periods of self loathing is a mystery. I know I will bounce back, so I need to put some of your suggestions to the test.
I know what you mean Kathy. I’ve had more than a few days of being down in the dumps lately, particularly since my Mum passed away. I don’t know why we’re so hard on ourselves either. This post was written just as much for me as it was for you! Be kind to yourself lovely lady. Hope you embrace some of the suggestions and that you feel a bit brighter very soon 🙂 x #TeamLovinLife
I do have blue days now and then, just like most people I guess. Great tips to lift the mood Lyndall. I do some of these – I love flowers, enjoy walking and do the deep breathing when I meditate (which I really should do more regularly). I always find meeting up with a friend for coffee or lunch gets me smiling and laughing again too! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
Thanks Min. Meeting up with a friend is always a great way to brighten your day. Laughter certainly is the best medicine too! 😀
Love these tips Lyndall, and sometimes we have to be reminded to actually ‘do’ things to lift our mood because sometimes it’s easier to just spiral downwards. I particularly relate to going for a walk, because being out in nature is for me the best mood enhancer. Followed by a glass of great white wine in a very fine rimmed glass which has been chilled in the fridge, overlooking a pretty view. Then I’m in my happy place! #teamlovinlife
Sounds lovely Jo. I love the “very fine rimmed glass which has been chilled in the fridge”! I have a British friend who always chills her wine glasses – is that a thing in the UK? 🙂
I love all of these Lyndall. For me I go for a run if I’m feeling stressed and even though I might not feel like it at the start I feel great afterwards. It doesn’t take much to lift our mood we just need to try. A long soak in the bath with a glass of champers is also another mood lifter for me. #teamlovinlife
Ooh, that glass of champers in the bath sounds great Sue! 🙂
I love this list!!
SSG xxx
Thanks so much SSG! 🙂
I would add hugs from my Bear; and some really boppy music 🙂
Yes, you’re right Janet. Hugs and music/dancing definitely need to be on the list 🙂
Love this. LOVE this! So much happiness can be found in gratitude.
#teamlovinlife
Thanks Leanne. I have to say I whole heartedly agree with you! 😀
Walking and music are my go to’s. Sometimes separately, sometimes together. Especially in nature.
Sounds great Jo! 🙂