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I am known for being a happy person, but no one – not even me – is happy all the time. Like any human, I am more than capable of being in a bad mood. Unfortunately, when you are a sensitive person who feels things deeply, being in a bad mood can really affect your day or ruin an otherwise shining moment.
Luckily, since I tend to be positive, I can find ways to get out of my funk and improve my mood pretty quickly. You know those cute and funny cat and dog videos on YouTube? Yeah, those work like a charm for me. Sometimes, all I need is some time outside in nature or a long conversation with a good friend or close family member to recharge my batteries.
On the other end being around someone who is in a constant bad mood can really bring you down too. You might start to feel irritable and wonder what you did to deserve their company.
How Does Our Mood Affect Our Life?
When you’re in a bad mood, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Everything seems ten times harder and nothing seems to go your way. It’s hard to enjoy the simple things in life when you’re feeling down in the dumps.
Your bad mood can also affect those around you. If you’re constantly complaining and snapping at people, it’s only natural that they would start to distance themselves from you. No one wants to be around someone who is negative all the time.
But it’s not just our social life that suffers when we’re in a bad mood. Years ago, I had a work friend who made it a habit of bringing her bad moods to work with her too often.
She was smart as a whip and a good worker, but if she had a fight with her boyfriend at home, she would have an attitude the whole shift. It was a bad look since she was also a manager. In other words, your talents may be overshadowed when you are always in a bad mood.
Our physical health does as well. When we’re stressed or unhappy, our body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This increases our heart rate and blood pressure, and releases stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to problems like headaches, digestive issues, and trouble sleeping.
Some people often use food as a way to cope with their bad mood. This is known as emotional eating, and it can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
So it’s important to find ways to improve your mood when you’re feeling down. Your health, relationships, and career will thank you for it!
If you want to know how to get into a good mood, check out some tips below.
47 Ways to Get Yourself in a Good Mood
1. Watch a Funny Movie or TV Show
I don't care how many years have passed, watching Eddie Murphy classics like Trading Places and Coming to America will always put a smile on my face.
2. Play with a Pet
There's something about the unconditional love of an animal that can cheer you up no matter what's going on in your life.
The playfulness of puppies and kittens is bound to bring out your playful side as well.
3. Hang Out with Friends
Surrounding yourself with positive people is a great way to improve your mood. Plus they may hit you up with an inside joke only you will get!
4. Go Outside
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. Take a walk around the block or sit in the park and people-watch. Don't let the rain stop you – just bring an umbrella!
5. Exercise
Endorphins, also known as happy hormones, are released when you exercise which can lead to an improved mood. You can find tons of workout videos on YouTube.
6. Listen to Uplifting Music
Make yourself a feel-good playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and listen to it whenever you need a pick-me-up. Anything from Motown, Whitney Houston, Enya, or the angelic voice of Andrea Bocelli is bound to lift me up!
7. Do Something Nice for Someone Else
Doing something nice for someone else is a great way to boost your mood. It could be as simple as holding the door open for someone or picking up trash from the sidewalk.
8. Read a Good Book
Getting lost in a good book is one of my favorite ways to improve my mood. It could be a romance novel, mystery, or even a self-help book.
9. Connect with Nature
There's something about nature that has a calming effect on the soul. If you can't get outside, try looking at pictures of nature or watching a show set in the great outdoors.
10. Meditation
Calming your mind can help to improve your mood. You don't have to meditate for an hour. A simple 5 to 15-minute session may be enough to reset your mind quickly.
11. Practice Deep Breathing
Taking deep breaths is a simple yet effective way to instantly relax and improve your mood. You can do this anywhere, anytime. Start with 5 deep breaths and see how you feel.
12. Aromatherapy
Certain scents have been known to improve mood, sleep and relaxation. You can buy essential oils and diffusers or simply light a scented candle. My go-to favorites are lavender and lemongrass.
13. Make a Gratitude List
When you're feeling down, it's easy to only focus on the negative things in your life. Stop and take a moment to give thanks. Making a list of the things and people who make your life happy can relieve you of negative thoughts.
14. Get a Massage
There's nothing like a good massage to work out the kinks in your body and improve your mood. If you can't afford a professional massage, ask a friend or partner to give you one.
15. Drink Herbal Tea
Herbal tea has many health benefits and can also help to improve your mood. Chamomile and lavender tea are especially good for relaxation. Burdock root is also great for detoxing and restoring balance to the body.
16. Have a Spa Day
Treating yourself to a spa day is a great way to improve your mood. You can go to a professional spa or do it yourself at home. If you have never been to a spa before, you may be able to get a deal as a first time visitor.
17. Do Something Creative
Expressing yourself through art, music, or writing can be therapeutic and help to improve your mood. If you don't consider yourself creative, try coloring in a coloring book or listen to a guided meditation with visualizations.
18. Spend Time with Family
Spending time with loved ones is a great way to lift your spirits. If you can't be with them in person, give them a call or video chat.
19. Go to the Zoo
Who doesn't love animals? If you're feeling down, go to the zoo and spend some time with the animals. You can even become a member so you can go as often as you like!
20. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can lead to anxiety and depression. Make sure you are getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
If you have trouble sleeping, try drinking chamomile tea or using a noise machine.
21. Plan a Vacation
Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. If you can't take a vacation right away, start planning one for the future. It will give you something to look forward to and help improve your mood in the meantime.
22. Look up Dad Jokes
Even if you are not a father, you can still appreciate a good dad joke. They are guaranteed to make you laugh and improve your mood.
23. Write a Letter to Someone You Miss
If there is someone you miss, writing them a letter can help you to feel better. You can also write a letter to yourself if there is no one you are missing.
24. Volunteer
Giving back to the community can make you feel good and improve your mood. You can volunteer at a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, park, or brainstorm your own charitable project.
25. Find a Free Event in Your City
Most cities have some type of free events you can sign up for that day. Why not do one of those free walking tours and be a tourist in your city? You may even meet some nice people.
26. Go to the Beach
If you have access to a beach, take advantage of it! The sound of the waves, seagulls and the smell of salt water will be invigorating.
27. Go to a Coffee Shop
You hate coffee – no problem. Grab some tea or hot cocoa, take a seat and people watch. Many coffee shops often play some cool music and have comfy chairs to relax in.
28. Fix Yourself a Pretty Meal
No, you don't need to create something of Food Network quality but fix something colorful and tasty you can sit down, savor, and enjoy. I love making colorful salads with sweet potatoes, cucumbers, olives, and gourmet cheese.
29. Try a New Dessert Recipe
Get in the kitchen and bake or cook up something you've been wanting to make. I have a serious baking addiction so I often make cupcakes, pies, or cookies when I need a mood booster. The smell alone makes me feel happy and cozy.
30. Go on a Picnic
Whether you go to a nearby park or your own backyard, pack a picnic basket full of your favorite snacks and enjoy the outdoors.
31. Go for a Hike
Put on the hiking boots and see how many miles you can do. Bring your pup along if you have one – dogs usually love as much walking and running they can get. Plus this activity combines nature, exercise, and animal love all in one.
32. Go Camping
Pitch a tent in your backyard, buy a cheap camping pass, or go glamping at a nearby campsite. If you can't get away quickly, build a fort in your living room.
33. Ride a Bike
Whether you have an old bike collecting dust in the garage or you borrow a friend's, go for a ride! The wind in your hair will make you feel alive.
34. Roller Skate or Ice Skate
If you haven't been roller skating or ice skating in a while, it's time to give it another try. It's a great workout and a lot of fun.
35. Karaoke Night
Whether you go to a bar or do it at home, karaoke is always a good time. Grab some friends, pick your favorite songs, and let loose.
36. Watch some old Music Videos
As a kid of the 80s, I still have to get up and move when I watch Thriller or Rhythm Nation. No, I am not a good dancer but the nostalgia gets to me and I must try!
37. Look at Old Photos
Life can get hectic and stressful. Sometimes it's nice to take a walk down memory lane and look at old photos. You may even find some embarrassing ones to share with your friends.
38. Get a Water Gun or Two
Water gun fights were fun in childhood, and they still are! So go to Walmart, buy a water gun, and have some fun. Just make sure you don't soak anyone's electronics.
39. Have a Water Balloon Fight
No water gun – no problem. Take some leftover balloons and have a balloon fight instead. Be careful not to break anything or hit anyone too hard.
40. Pray
If you are religious or spiritual, take some time to pray. This can help you feel more connected to a higher power and give you some peace of mind.
41. Read the Onion
The Onion is a satirical news website that is guaranteed to make you laugh. If you need a good chuckle, read some of their articles. The site creates brilliant satire from everything ranging from politics to pop culture.
42. Listen to a Podcast
There are podcasts on just about any topic you can think of. So find one that interests you and give it a listen. I love travel podcasts and DuoLingo’s language podcasts that are helping me with Spanish and French.
43. Learn Some Riddles
If you're a fan of riddles, now is the time to test your skills. See how many you can get right. You may even want to challenge a friend to see who the better riddle solver is.
44. Go to a Local Festival
During the summer, many towns have festivals with carnival rides, games, and food. If there is one happening near you, go check it out.
It's a great way to support your community and have some fun. If the festival season is over, look up some of the latest festival videos on YouTube.
45. Go for a Ride
Something as simple as getting in your car and going for a ride can help improve your mood. Explore some new roads or take the scenic route. Just make sure you don't end up getting lost.
46. Visit a Nursery
If you love plants and flowers, visit a local nursery. Seeing all of the different colors and types of plants can be very calming. You may even find a new plant to take home and care for.
47. Visit a Cemetery
This may sound morbid, but visiting a cemetery can actually be quite peaceful. It's a good place to reflect on life and remember loved ones who have passed away.
No matter how bad your current mood is, you can remember that you still have breath in your body to correct things and live another day.
Final Thoughts about How to Get Into a Good Mood
Being in a bad funk is never a good feeling or look. However, as humans, we are bound to experience some negative emotions from time to time. Allow yourself to process these feelings and do what you can to move on.
The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to get yourself in a better mood. So the next time you're feeling down, try one of the activities on this list. If all else fails, put on your favorite outfit, blast some music and dance like no one is watching.
Whatever you do, don't let a bad mood get out of control. Avoid taking it out on others and saying or doing something you will later regret. Like anything else, this bad moment or mood will pass! Get more insight about managing your mood and check out the article The 11 Best Mood Tracker Apps for 2022.
