9 Easy Ways to get a Mood Boost Quickly

A good mood is something for which we all strive. It can be tough to get yourself out of that funk when feeling down, especially when you’re busy. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to have a variety of quick and easy ways to boost your mood. Here are 9 of the best ways to get a mood boost that you can do in just a few minutes.

Get moving

When it comes to feeling better fast, there’s no magic pill. But there is something that’s almost as good: exercise. Exercise has been shown to help with everything from mood and anxiety to brain function and energy levels to chronic disease. Exercise releases endorphins, a “happy” hormone that reduces pain and improves mood. Here are a few ways to get the benefits in a short space of time:

• Take a brisk walk – just a few minutes of fresh air and sunshine can help perk you up
• Dance around your living room – put on your favourite tunes and let loose!
• Do some gentle stretching or yoga poses – take a few deep breaths and let go of any stress you may be holding
• Ride a bike or go for a swim
• Run around and play with a pet or child

Soak up some sun

Exposure to UV light, such as that provided by the sun, can directly improve mood and energy levels. In addition, it acts as a catalyst for your body to produce Vitamin D, which aids in several vital functions of the body. Get some rays by going for a jog, walking your dog, sitting in the park, reading a book on the balcony or even finding a sun puddle inside. Remember to be careful and ensure the duration and exposure level are managed for your skin tone and individual tolerance. No one needs sunburn or skin damage! Also, remember to have a glass of water afterwards to stay hydrated!

Connect with loved ones

We are so busy with work, caring for our homes and families, and managing our social lives that we can forget to nurture our most important relationships. Spending time with loved ones is one of the best ways to boost your mood and feel connected.

• Pick up the phone – catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives, ask about their day, their week, their month, show genuine interest and concern
• Do something together – whether it’s watching a movie, going for a walk or cooking dinner together, quality time spent together is always valuable
• Send a handwritten letter, card or a handmade gift – show that you are thinking of them and that you care

Do something nice for someone else

Whether it’s someone you know and love or a random stranger on the street, doing something nice for someone else is a great way to boost your mood and that of the person on the receiving end. It’s simple, it’s inexpensive, and it can make someone else’s day.

• Pay a compliment – a sincere compliment can brighten anyone’s day
• Buy a coffee or a snack – it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant but buying someone a little pick-me-up is a thoughtful gesture that will put a smile on their face and yours
• Bake or cook for someone – making a meal or a batch of cookies for a friend can be a lovely surprise
• Offer to walk a friend’s dog or babysit

Get lost in a good book

Sometimes the best option is to relax and lose yourself in a good book. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy or an edge-of-your-seat thriller, books can transport you to another world and take your mind off the real world for a while. So next time you feel down, grab a title off the shelf (or the local library, or load up your Kindle) and get lost in a good book. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your mood improves.

Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep

It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. But did you know that getting enough shut-eye can also help improve your mood? If you’re feeling down in the evening, one of the best things you can do is go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.

If you need tips for better sleep quality, check out “The Sleep Habits that can Change Your Life”.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude has been shown to have many benefits for both mental and physical health. For example, grateful people are more likely to report higher levels of wellbeing and satisfaction with life. They also tend to have lower stress and anxiety levels and better sleep habits.

So how can you start practising gratitude? One way is to keep a gratitude journal, in which you write down things you’re thankful for each day. You can also try expressing gratitude to others verbally or through acts of kindness. Taking time each day to reflect on the good things in your life can help increase your overall happiness levels. Try this quick gratitude meditation script if you prefer gratitude meditation over gratitude writing practices.

Do something creative

It can be hard to relax and recharge nowadays, but taking even a few minutes to do something creative can help improve your mood and overall wellbeing.

• Draw or paint for just five minutes – it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a novice; the act of creating art can help reduce stress and boost your mood
• Take a photo walk – get out and explore your surroundings with your camera or phone; you never know what hidden gems you’ll discover
• Spend some time writing – this doesn’t have to be much; a straightforward short story or poem would work, just anything to get those creative juices flowing

If you are interested in more ways to get creative, check out “The benefits of creativity on the mind, and how to include more in your daily life”

Learn something new

Taking the time to learn something new can be a great way to both improve your confidence and get a mood boost.

• Watch an educational video – YouTube is full of short but informative content for you to choose from
• Practice a hobby – from golf to dancing to coding, whatever interests you; read about a skill involved in your pursuit and give it a go
• Join an online course – there are many free or low-cost courses available online which can teach you pretty much anything, and most are self-paced

Conclusion

When it comes to mood boosts, there are plenty of options. Choose whichever option fits nicely into your day and get smiling again fast.