HOW TO BANISH A BAD MOOD Stay Positive with these 6 Mood Busting Tips! |
 | When you’re gliding along through life in happy mode, it’s easy to forget that sometimes things aren’t so sunny. A bad mood can take its toll on your energy level and even affect other people around you, but knowing what got you there can help you stop that bad mood from putting a negative cloud over your head for the rest of the day – or week. |
Understanding that a bad mood will pass, no matter how depressing, uncertain and anxiety-provoking a situation may seem on the surface, is one of the keys to getting over it and moving on. Here are some other strategies to banish a bad mood and get you onto a more positive track in no time:
BAD MOOD TIP #1: SET ASIDE SOME QUIET TIME
You need to think for a while, so don’t be afraid to take a physical and mental “time out” so you can calm down and center yourself. If you’re stuck at work, take a quick break to your car and drive around the block. If you’re depressed sitting at home, head off to a quiet area of the house or step outdoors for some fresh air. All you need to do is find some personal space where you can be at peace with your thoughts.
BAD MOOD TIP #2: WRITE DOWN WHAT’S BOTHERING YOU Do you ever feel “choked up” when you’re sad or feeling down? You might need an emotional release, and even though crying can help get those negative feelings out of your system, it’s not always, well, convenient. Grab a notebook and pencil instead and jot down your frustrations. Don’t set rules or limits on what you can and can’t write, just let the thoughts flow onto the paper; the simple act of writing itself can be comforting, and serves as a powerful release. | |
BAD MOOD TIP #3: PLAY A GAME
Distracting yourself for 5-10 minutes is a great way to calm down and process what is going on inside your head. It’s easy to think that having fun should be the last thing on your mind, but the activity can help you reorganize your thoughts and put your focus on something less anxiety-provoking – at least temporarily. Gear up and into good mood mode; do quick Sudoku puzzles, play some word games online, or just head outdoors for a quick game of Frisbee.
BAD MOOD TIP #4: TALK TO SOMEONE If you’re not able to process a negative situation on your own, talking to a close friend or confidant can help you assess your circumstances from a unique perspective. Talk to someone you can trust so you can learn about their point of view; just remember that you never have to carry a burden on your own. You’ll be amazed at how much a little pep talk can do to lift you out of a depressing situation. | |
BAD MOOD TIP #5: MAKE A TO-DO LIST
Sometimes a bad mood can be triggered by feelings of overwhelm; when that task list in your head is running haywire, it’s easy to get stressed out and do nothing at all. Make a to-do list so you can visualize what’s ahead and can tackle one project at a time. It’s best to write this down in a notebook or pad of paper so you can keep your mind clear for more important things – like the tasks in front of you!
BAD MOOD TIP #6: TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF
Make sure you’re eating properly and drinking enough water on a daily basis. A poor diet can easily lead you into bad mood territory, so double-check your diet and make sure you’re getting enough fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains on a daily basis.
Getting through a rough day and tackling problems in a healthy way is a life skill that you can develop with practice. When you can sense a bad mood is underway, try any of these six strategies to get yourself on a healthy and positive track!
Article Written By: Sabah Karimi; Sabah writes on health, wellness, and lifestyle for DivaVillage. If grey days are in the forecast, she employs all of these bad mood-busting tips to stay positive and stop negative thinking in its tracks.
