“Attitudes are contagious, are yours worth catching?” ~Dennis Mannering
As you go through life the way you experience the world is largely affected by your attitude. Good things happen and less-good things happen- 90% of all the things that happen are out of your control. What is in your control is your attitude, which either promotes or demotes your health and happiness.
Changing your attitude for the better not only improves your mood- it improves the mood of those around you. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate your good mood, and you can appreciate the improvement in their attitude, too!
Okay, so who’s ready to stop being irritable, discontent, and unhappy? Oh, me, me!! Hopefully, you, you!!
15 Instant Moodlifters
01. Be silly
When I need a mood booster I do something ridiculously silly, like wear a mustache, clip a flashing bike light to my shirt, put stickers on my face, or walk around with a stuffed panda on my head. (Yes, I have done all of those things- in the last month, even!) The smiles and laughter from other people helps me forget about whatever may have been troubling me and I feel happier!
Yup, that’s me!
02. Sit up straight
When I feel bad-moody chances are my shoulders are hunched forward and my neck is wrenched. Sitting up straight allows me to breathe easier and this naturally improves my mood.
03. Get help from your friends
If I’m really in a bad mood I ask my friends to share amusing stories, photos and videos. This trick is guaranteed to improve my mood and make all my friends happier, too!
04. Drink a glass of water
Dehydrated = cranky. ’nuff said!
05. Enjoy a healthy snack
Hunger also = cranky!
06. Imagine a T-Rex making a bed
Okay, so this photo makes me giggle almost uncontrollably every time I look at it. If this kind of humor isn’t your thing, find something that is and put it where you can see it and laugh whenever you need a pick-me-up.
07. Give a compliment
Giving someone a genuine compliment not only makes that person cheerful, it makes me cheerful.
08. Get smellementary!
Scents can evoke peace, calm, and even joy! I like the smell of the sky before rain, crayons, coffee, lavendar, vanilla, and books, to name a few. When I need to lift my spirits I just inhale deeply.
09. Breathe joyfully
Breath of Joy is my absolute favorite yoga breathing exercise and an instant mood booster.
10. Get some sunshine
Get up from my desk, go outside, and feel the sunshine on my face! Breathe in the fresh air! Yup, works every time.
11. Mind the dress code
How I dress has huge impact on my mood. I like to wear comfortable clothes that fit well in bright colors. Other people often smile when they see me and comment on how my clothing cheers them up, which in turn cheers me up!
Bright colors may not be for everyone, of course, but wear clothes that make you feel good and guess what, you’ll feel good.
12. Cross one item off your to-do list without doing it
Are all of those to-dos really essential? Usually not. Often I find I can slash my to-dos without negative consequence.
13. Do nothing for 2 minutes
Have you tried to do nothing for 2 minutes? It’s harder than it sounds but oh so lovely! Sometimes I have to stop doing and just be.
14. Get into the groove
I love to turn up the volume on a favorite song, sing-along, and dance around! Whether I’m in the car, at home, or in the office, I’ll let loose- just a little!
15. Stretch
It’s important to stretch every day and each day I challenge myself to stretch my body, stretch my heart, stretch my mind, and stretch my smile!
I love your comments! How do you boost your mood?