No human being is in high spirits all the time. We all go through difficult times and experience sadness. Anything from minor health, financial, or relationship problems to substantial life changes may trigger a period of low mood.
So, the question is: How do you lift your mood when you are feeling down?
Here are 7 ways you can do that:
1. Spend more time in nature.
Spending time in nature reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The sounds, sights, and smells of nature calm your mind and make you feel more positive, peaceful, and cheerful, thereby lifting your mood.
2. Get as much sleep as you can.
Getting enough quality sleep is a prerequisite for feeling energized and happy during the day. It’s also the key to a healthy lifestyle. Getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night, or even a 15-minute afternoon nap, can greatly improve your mood.
In order to sleep better and longer, make sure you keep a regular sleep schedule and sleep in a familiar, quiet, and dark room. You shouldn’t drink coffee after 6 p.m. too.
3. Replace your negative thoughts with positive ones.
When you catch yourself criticizing yourself for some mistake, try to remind yourself that you’re doing the best you know. Remind yourself that you’re allowed to make mistakes and fail. And last but not least, remind yourself of all your successes and achievements.
4. Exercise.
Regardless of whether you’re the type of person who prefers to exercise at home or outdoors, you should make a habit of doing physical exercises every day, not just when you’re feeling down.
Not only can exercise help clear your mind, reduce your stress, and fight off negative thoughts, it can also help keep your body fit and improve your physical health.
5. Share your problems with others.
Instead of letting your stress and sadness drag you down when you’re down in the dumps, make sure you overcome them by sharing your issues with your family and friends. Tell your loved ones what’s weighing you down and don’t be ashamed to ask for their advice and help.
6. Smile.
Smiling makes you feel happy. So, when you’re feeling down, make sure you do everything in your power to do something that will make you laugh. For instance, you can watch a comedy movie, read a comic strip, or even ask a friend to share some funny jokes with you.
7. Have realistic expectations about your progress.
Improvements in mood are never sudden. Instead, they are gradual. In fact, you may even get worse before your mood begins lifting.
All you need to remember is that everyone has bad days and you should never blame yourself for them. Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t despair. Remember – bad days don’t last forever.
