Bad moods are inevitable. We all have them, but we don't have to let them get the best of us. Although we eventually snap out of them, we don't have to wait it out. Here are 13 ways to quickly kick a rotten mood before it ruins your day.
1.Work out
Exercise boosts your mood by releasing endorphins and fostering a sense of well-being. If you don't have time for the gym, take a brisk walk around the block or do some jumping jacks. This will help you get your mind off your mood and focused on your body.
2.Be of service
There is no greater way to kick a lousy mood than by doing something nice for someone. Giving of yourself makes you feel good. Studies show that being in service to others causes people to be happier and more positive.
3.Listen to music
You can't help but smile when you hear "Happy" by Pharrell Williams' or Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry Be Happy". The song doesn't have to be a happy tune though to make you feel better. Listening to anything you enjoy should do the trick.
4.Get out in nature
Go outside. If you can get away for even just a few minutes to listen to the birds sing, feel the breeze on your face, smell fresh flowers, and gaze at trees or clouds, you will feel better. A bad mood can't stick around when there is so much beauty to behold.
5.Look in the mirror and grin ear to ear
This may seem silly, but do it anyway. Put on the goofiest grin you can muster up and see how long it takes you to break out into laughter. It's impossible to stay grumpy long when you are laughing. Throughout the day, each time you walk by a mirror, refresh that mood with your silly grin.
6.Give yourself 15 minutes to be grumpy - set a timer
Go ahead and wallow in your irritability. Be as grumpy as you possibly can, knowing that at the end of fifteen minutes, your time is up. If you participate fully in this experience, you will be more than ready to release your bad mood when the timer goes off.
7.Eat chocolate
Dark chocolate is a mood booster because it stimulates the production of endorphins. It also contains serotonin, which fights depression. Eat and enjoy the creamy deliciousness of a few bites of chocolate. Very few things are more delectable; however, if eating chocolate is something that will cause you guilt, try something different on this list.
8.Meditate
Calming the mind and just breathing for a few minutes can bring on a more peaceful state and recharge your batteries. Getting quiet and still and just allowing yourself to "be" rather than "do" will help you feel more peaceful and centered.
9.Pet your dog or cat
Petting your furry friend not only lowers blood pressure and makes you feel calm, but it triggers the release of "feel good" hormones, such as serotonin and oxytocin. Pets provide unconditional love and acceptance that cannot always be found in human relationships. How can you possibly stay crabby with your devoted furry critter at your side?
10.Express gratitude
Counting your blessings and expressing thankfulness keeps you focused and aware of what is good and shifts your perspective from what is lacking. When you are feeling down, acknowledging the good stuff in life can really turn a bad mood around.
11.Have sex
This may not always be a possibility, but if you have the time and the opportunity, it works like a charm. Having an orgasm releases the "feel good" hormone serotonin. Not only will sex take your mind off your mood, your friends will wonder why you are walking around with a smile on your face.
12.Take a nap
Sometimes a little snooze is all we need to shake that mood. A power nap can leave your body feeling rested and your brain relaxed and refreshed. You will be ready to face whatever is before you.
13.Enjoy a bubble bath
Pampering yourself in a bathtub filled with bubbles feels great and helps you relax and forget about whatever caused your grumpiness in the first place. After your bath, imagine your bad mood going down the drain with the bubbles and hop out feeling brand new.