Feeling down in the dumps?
It happens to the best of us.
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just can’t shake off the blues.
However, it is possible to feel better in a short amount of time.
It’s all about winding down and surrounding yourself with positive distractions.
Here are 10 simple ways you can try to boost your mood.
And you only need 10 minutes or less!
1) Call a friend or family member
Seems like a no-brainer, right?
But even a short conversation can help lift your spirits.
It could be your best friend or your mum.
Not that it matters who it is.
Seeing or talking to someone you care about and love can help you feel less alone.
And just knowing someone is listening can make a huge impact.
They might be able to help distract you from whatever is bothering you, which in turn can help take your mind off of it.
You can talk about anything.
It doesn’t always have to be about your problems.
Although it’s nice sometimes to just let it all out!
2) Listen to upbeat music
Skip the emo songs on your playlist.
Danceable, upbeat pop songs will do the trick.
You might even want to pump your speakers up a bit.
Let the music help pump you up and keep you moving.
The faster your heart beats, the more of a boost you get from it!
Music has the power to inspire and lift the mood.
And it’s scientifically proven to help you feel better.
It allows you to take a break from your own thoughts, which can often get you in a rut.
It’s also easy to have with you on your phone, in your headphones, whatever.
By having a little fun, you may forget how unhappy you feel in the first place!
3) Watch a funny online video
A very simple way to turn that frown of yours upside down.
I mean, what better way to change your mood than with a good laugh?
There’s a reason why funny videos on social media are so popular.
Because they really do make you feel good.
They help stimulate your mind, making you smile or laugh out loud.
And the more you laugh, the better you’ll feel!
After all, laughter is the best medicine.
The most popular sources of humour are: animals, pranks and stand-up comedy.
You can literally find them anywhere.
Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, you name it.
And you know what’s funnier than the videos themselves?
The comment sections!
So don’t forget to check them out as well.
4) Read a book
I personally don’t enjoy reading but I know a lot of people who find reading therapeutic.
If you’re a serious bookworm, then this is ideal for you
Holding a good book and reading it out loud will relax your mind, sort of like meditation.
It can be anything – one like Harry Potter or any other novel you enjoy.
You never know, the latest fiction thriller may be your ticket to a better mood.
Reading will instantly transport you into a different world.
You will forget all about your problems and start living in the pages of a fictional character’s life.
It can be especially inspiring when it comes to self-help books.
Which tends to help improve your confidence and self-esteem levels.
This is another great and simple way to take your mind off of yourself and boost your mood.
You could also write your own.
Well, maybe not a book just yet.
But you can start with a journal.
I’ll explain more in my next point.
5) Write down what’s bugging you in a journal
If talking about it doesn’t help, writing about it might help more.
You’re probably thinking, why would I want to do that?
Writing things down is a lot of work.
And it can be hard to get excited about writing when you have a life-struggling situation.
But if you let yourself, you can write your thoughts and feelings down.
Writing down your troubles and thoughts can really help put everything into perspective.
Plus, expressing your feelings in words makes it easier to deal with them.
It allows you to really express yourself and let go of all the bad things that have happened.
This is the same way therapists will talk out loud with their clients.
You could even save the words in a file to look back on at a later date.
Writing down your thoughts can be mentally draining though so make sure you don’t write too much.
6) Soak up some vitamin D
One of the easiest ways to boost your mood is to get some much-needed sunshine.
Take a good long walk outside to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
I know, I know.
The last thing you want to do when you’re feeling down is to go outside.
Well, good news.
You can also do it from your balcony or garden!
There are tons of reasons why vitamin D helps us feel good – but the most important is because of its effect on serotonin.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps you sleep better and improves your mood.
And not just that.
Vitamin D also makes our skin glow!
So, win-win.
7) Have sex
This one might take more than 10 minutes (or less).
Yep, you heard me.
It may sound like an obvious joke.
But the benefits of sex are different than you may think.
Sexual intimacy releases endorphins… those feel-good chemicals that make us feel happy.
It’s almost an instant mood booster.
And when you’re truly in the moment, it will take load off your mind.
So go have a quickie with your partner and have fun with it.
Or just give yourself a hand!
Make it interesting and exciting while you’re at it.
Try new methods or do it somewhere different and new.
Just make sure it’s safe and consensual.
8) Play dress up
When you look good, you’ll feel good too.
Dressing in an outfit you love is a simple way to instantly lift your spirits.
And if you’re feeling down, it can hop-start your mood.
It helps distract you from your problems and boost your self-confidence.
And it’s a great way to literally pretend that things are different and you have everything under control.
No one wants to look ugly or frumpy all the time.
It can be such a mood dampener if you don’t like how you look on a daily basis.
So go through your closet and find an outfit that makes you feel good – even if it’s not your go-to outfit.
Not happy with your wardrobe?
No problem.
Just buy new clothes!
Sounds like bad advice but it’s actually not.
I’ll explain why in my following point.
9) Treat yourself to a little retail therapy
This is my all time favourite way to boost my mood whenever I’m not feeling my best.
It’s not pocket-friendly though but it’s okay!
Never underestimate the power of shopping to lift your mood.
Forget saving money and leaving with things you don’t even need.
Being a little materialistic once in a while doesn’t make you bad.
Shopping relieves stress and fights depression because of how it affects the feel-good chemicals in our brain.
Whether you choose to shop online or at an actual store, make sure whatever you buy makes you feel good about yourself.
Because when we remember the things that we have, it makes us happy.
And not just that, but having stuff helps us be productive and makes us feel more able to do things.
10) Eat something tasty
This is the ultimate way to boost your mood.
Nothing is sexier than a delicious homemade meal – or a delicious take-out.
Or both.
Food is not just food.
It can be a lifesaver and a mood booster.
There’s nothing quite like eating your favourite food to feel better instantly.
It’s not just because of how good the food tastes, but because we associate eating with being happy and satisfied.
When we eat, we feel physically better and ready to tackle the day.
So, if you’re feeling down or sad about something, reach for something yummy.
Whether it’s a greasy burger, a hot slice of pizza, or a bar of chocolate, food is more than just something we need to survive.
All you need is YOU
When we’re feeling down, we tend to expect others to do something about our problems.
But the truth is that you’re the only person who can really pull you out of this situation.
You have to be the one to help yourself out because no one else will do it for you.
You can ask for help (and sometimes you need it) but ultimately, it’s up to you to change your life and make yourself happier.
Start by doing these simple ways to boost your mood.
Even if it’s a temporary fix.
This will get you started on the right foot.
And soon enough, you’ll be your happiest self.
