Simple Feel-Good Activities to Boost Your Mood

No matter how well we may be doing in our personal and professional lives, sometimes we find ourselves in a slump. Our moods naturally fluctuate, but there are times when we need to put a bit more effort in to snap out of a negative state of mind. Oftentimes, it's the simplest of things that can do wonders for our mood and mindset. It's important to remember that everyone is different when it comes to what mood-boosting strategies work for them, but there are a couple of activities that have proved incredibly effective. Next time you're feeling a little downcast, try out some of these spirit-lifting techniques.

Practice Gratitude Each Morning

You've probably heard all about the importance of practicing gratitude, but have you ever tried it yourself? It's thought to be most powerful when completed in the morning or at night, but there's no wrong time to list some of the things in life you're most grateful for. Your lists can be as long or short as you'd like and can relate to anything you're thankful for, no matter how big or small it might seem. This activity keeps us grounded and redirects our focus on all the great things we have in our lives rather than the negatives, which we tend to give the most attention to.

Ensure You're Getting Sufficient Exercise

The benefits of exercise are astounding, and one such perk of working out is the effect it has on our mood. We all have days when the last thing we want to do is hit the gym, go for a run, or attend the fitness class we signed up for, yet we inevitably feel better after doing so! If you're looking for a quick hit of endorphins, try going for a brief, brisk walk, following a five-minute YouTube workout, or doing a handful of stretches. These short bursts of exercise can elevate both your mood and energy levels.

Make Time for Meditation or Breathing Exercises 

When life gets stressful, the last thing we feel we should be doing is hitting the pause button. However, taking a short but productive break is sometimes exactly what we need to raise our spirits. Adding guided meditations or breathing exercises to your routine is fantastic for your overall well-being. Still, it can also be helpful when you need to decompress for a few minutes. Within minutes, these mindful activities can settle your mind while simultaneously cheering you up.

Listen to Upbeat Music

It may seem obvious, but so many people overlook how effective music can be on our moods. Put all of your favorite happy-go-lucky tunes into one playlist, and let the music do all the work. Best of all, it doesn't have to interrupt your other duties too much. You can listen to music while you're getting on top of chores, driving home from work, or even first thing in the morning to give you some extra motivation to get up and moving!

Spend Time Outside

So many jobs require us to spend most of the day indoors, which can easily dampen your mood further if you're already feeling a little down and out. As such, you may need to actively make an effort to get outdoors. While we should ideally be spending time outside each day, it's not always easy, depending on your lifestyle. Even if it's only for a few minutes, stepping outside, going for a walk, and getting some fresh air can decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, helping to lift your mood. 

Do a Random Act of Kindness for Someone

In many cases, doing something kind for someone can be as fulfilling for you as it is for the other person. Knowing you've improved someone's day in a big or small way gives you a sense of satisfaction and purpose, which, in turn, makes you feel happier. Often, the gestures that require minimal effort can be the most memorable. This can be anything from holding the door open for someone or giving a compliment to picking up a coffee for a friend.

Watch an Episode of Your Favorite TV Show

We all have certain television shows that are almost like a comfort blanket to us. If you've had a rough day or just aren't feeling like yourself, watching an episode or two of your go-to series can help you decompress and pick yourself back up. Another option is to watch some clips of your favorite comedian or listen to a light-hearted podcast that you always feel good after tuning into.

Plan One Thing Each Day to Look Forward To

It can be tough to talk yourself into a positive mindset when you feel you don't have anything to get excited about. Every day, plan at least one thing you know you'll be looking forward to, as the anticipation can sometimes be as rewarding as the event itself. Stick to simple activities that can seamlessly fit into your day, as over-planning can end up becoming overwhelming rather than mood-enhancing! For some, this might be catching up with a friend over the phone, while for others, this could be cooking a dish they love or stopping by their favorite coffee shop on the way to work.

Enjoy Some Mood-Boosting Foods

We frequently find ourselves craving take-out and junk food when we're not feeling the best, but as we all know, overindulging can sometimes set us back further. However, several foods have been proven to increase the production of serotonin, a hormone that plays a huge role in regulating our mood. Fortunately, you won't need to go out of your way to find these serotonin-rich foods, as they include everyday staples like eggs, dark chocolate, bananas, and coffee.

Use These Easy Techniques to Perk You Up Instantly!

These activities can give you a much-needed boost when you feel like you're in a slump. Of course, different approaches are more impactful in specific situations, so it's essential to be patient with yourself as you find activities and practices that work best for you.