Five Easy Ways to Lift Your Mood

Everyone has a bad day, week, or even month. What makes the difference is how people handle it. In the case of serious depression consult a physician. There are simple things you can do to get out of a blue funk or manage stress caused by a hectic, complicated, modern life. Here are some easy ways to lift your mood.

1. Find something to make you laugh. Laughter instantly brightens your mood. There are many sources of humor. Look at the comics in the newspaper or online. There is a children's book that has been a treasure since my high school English teacher recommended I read it for a dramatic reading. Since then I have shared with students, friends and family. I still have parts of it memorized. In Judith Viorst's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a young boy describes the trials and tribulations of a day when everything goes wrong. Alexander makes you laugh at the little annoyances that cause stress.

2. Accomplish something on your to-do list. Change the momentum of a bad day. It is hard to be motivated when you are feeling low. This can lead to procrastination, which is a downward spiral that quickly makes things worse and causees overwhelming stress. Cross some things off your to-do list. Start with a simple task and then tackle something that you have been avoiding. It will be such a relief! Being productive will lighten the load you are feeling and turn your mood around.

3. Take care of yourself. Do something to improve your health. Take 15-20 minutes to exercise. (I need to start doing this even though thinking about it puts me in a bad mood.) Physical exertion is a great way to manage stress. Eat something delicious and healthy. An oxymoron, I know, but it is possible. One way that I've recently found to enjoy vegetables is by roasting them on high heat (450-500 degrees) with a light touch of olive oil and sprinkling of salt and pepper. Roasting gives so much more flavor than the dreaded steamed veggies. How long depends on the vegetable, but usually between 7-25 minutes in the oven. Delicious and nutritious food helps your mind and body.

Confidence takes a beating when we are depressed. Take care of your appearance and lift your mood by dressing in a nice shirt or a favorite color. Have fun and try a new hairstyle. Don't give in to the temptation to wear grubby, comfy clothes. Presenting yourself as a slob only confirms your low feelings. Don't advertise your bad day to the world, either. Looking better improves your confidence and the way people react to you.

4. Take a short break. Reset your mood and your outlook by putting all the urgent tasks away. Sip a cup of tea, read an article or a chapter in a novel, or step outside for some fresh air. Managing stress will lift your mood and help you face challenges more effectively. If you are always running ragged, evaluate your schedule. Are there some optional activities that you could cut out? Look at your priorities and see if there are some things that are dividing your time and focus from what is really important.

5. Listen to music. It is an emotional language that everyone speaks. Have some favorite music playing in the background at work to create a good atmosphere. Be mindful of the volume or use headphones if you have to. At home, put on some loud music and sing or dance away pent up frustrations. Whatever style you like, music is a wonderful tool to change your mood and decrease stress.

Even bad days can be a little easier. No need to run away to Australia like Alexander dreams of doing. Things aren't better over there, anyway. Take simple steps to live well and manage stress. These ideas are easy and will lift your mood.