Ever have one of those days that just makes you want to scream? You can’t always put your finger on the problem but you can try out an instant mood booster and turn it all around. Here’s 6 instant mood boosters for when you’ve had a bad day.
1. Being in a clean environment
Numerous studies have found that cleanliness improves your mood and physical health. If you’ve been having an off day then a simple cleaning project could be your quick fix. Is there anything nicer than the feel of fresh, clean sheets? We say you change your bedsheets and call it a day. You’ll feel better in the morning.
2. Laugh it off!
We’ve all heard the saying ‘laughter is the best medicine’ but how can you try it? Heather Joy Campbell is the global ambassador for Laughter Yoga International. She practices daily and gave us a few exercises for you to try.
“Laughing unconditionally without humour or comedy is a very effective instant mood booster, likened to an instant vacation. Laughter clubs around Australia are free (or low cost) community gatherings practising laughter yoga.
I practise daily alone -- 20 minutes of hearty belly laughing is like an internal jog that releases happy hormones and sets the tone for the day.
One I apply daily when commuting by car: at red lights, instead of getting uptight and anxious about delays, start to laugh. Continue laughing until the light changes green. Keep doing this through the journey and you’ll be calm and uplifted on arrival.”
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3. Hit up a fun bar
A stressful work day can have you feeling in need of a drink. But indulging alone can make your mood worse. For an instant boost contact a friend for an impromptu catch-up at a local bar. Enjoying the atmosphere from a trendy bar stool over cocktails and perhaps a bit of gossip is sure to bring you back to happy.
4. Get moving outside
Accredited Practising Dietitian Casuarina Forsyth likes to take a break outside when she needs a quick pick-me-up.
“When my mood needs a boost I like to go for a walk and get some fresh air. I find even just a short stroll around the block helps. The fresh air helps me to be mindful and present, and the walking produces feel-good endorphins, which always improves my mood.”
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5. Surround yourself with pleasant scents
Denise Viera from Sydney based boutique Scentcillo recommends using ambient scenting to boost your mood fast.
“Scent is a very simple and effective way of boosting mood almost instantly. When we smell something, messages are sent directly to the part of our brain known as the limbic system. This part of the brain is involved in the expression of emotion, mood and memory.
There are particular scents that people will associate with certain emotional states which can influence our mood.
To give you some examples: citrus essential oils are uplifting and revitalising, floral oils such as neroli or rose call to mind feelings of happiness and are relaxing aromas, essential oils from forest species like fir, pine or cedarwood are generally relaxing and tension diffusing.
One 5 minute scent exercise people can use is as follows: take a 5 minute break and focus on your sense of smell; diffuse your essential oils or blend in an oil burner or diffuser; close your eyes and hone into what your mind and body experiences when you're smelling.
Doing this allows you to be present to what you are doing or thinking about and to disengage from the emotions brought out when you feel stressed, under pressure or at a low ebb. It acts as a mindful pause to allow you to get centred, relaxed and recharged.”
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6. Relax with water
Research shows that water makes us calmer and gives our brain a rest from the overstimulation of life. Coach Carly specialises in helping people through situations of change, trauma and transformation. Her instant mood boosting tip is to get yourself in or around water.
“Water is amazing to shift you out of a funk - get to the beach if you can as saltwater is best - or try a bath, shower, swim or a walk around a lake or river.”
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Turn around even the worst day with an instant mood boosting exercise. With these 6 that’s a whole week’s worth of positive vibes up your sleeve.
