20 Ways to Improve Your Mood and Enjoy Your Life

We’ve all had those days when we “woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” and we just couldn’t help but be miserable. Sometimes, this mood will last days, or even weeks, and it begins to take over our lives. With so many potential causes of stress (i.e. job, family, finances, etc.) it can be difficult to look beyond the stress and see the good in life, but it is
important that you try. A happier mood can start a positive cycle in your life, and a better outlook can, in turn, make you feel better.  When you are happy, others want to be around you. A happy mood can improve your health and help you get better sleep. Work can seem easier, more fun, and your day may appear to go by faster. This change in mood doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many small things you can do to improve your mood each day.

Exercise
– This is definitely the best way to improve your mood. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that make us happy. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout either. Simply taking a walk or strolling through the mall will help.

1. Meditate – Spend 10 to 15 minutes just sitting in a quiet room. Turn off your phone, close the door, and just focus on your breathing.
2. Get Organized – Marginal chaos is unavoidable, but too much clutter can cause stress, anxiety, and even depression. Take on one space at a time, and before you know it, your home, office, car, and everywhere else you go will be neat, and you can find a space to relax.
3. Set Achievable Goals – Sometimes big projects can seem overwhelming, but breaking them down into smaller tasks can be a bit more manageable. When you achieve each goal, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and make yourself happier in the process.
4. Call a Friend – Actually pick up the phone and call someone. Talking to and laughing with a friend can make even the worst day better.
5. Write a Letter – Don’t just email; actually sit down with a pen and write a letter.  Write to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and tell them whatever will make their day. Let them know how much you care and it may cheer you up as well.
6. Take a Bath – Even if you have already showered for the day, sitting in a warm bath in a quiet room will help you relax and let go of any tension.
7. Start a Journal – Putting your thoughts onto paper can help you deal with the struggles and celebrate the accomplishments in your life. Writing it all down can help you let go of bad thoughts and start fresh.
8. Plan an Event – Plan a lunch date or a dinner party with your friends and put it on your calendar. With the event on paper, you will have something to look forward to, and you can physically see some of the blessings in your life.
9. Start a Hobby – Try painting, photography, scrapbooking, or whatever else may interest you. Use your hobby to escape and forget about your stress for a while. Make sure your hobby doesn’t become a chore. Have fun.
10. Let in the Sunshine – Go outside or stand in a sunny window for a few minutes and soak up the vitamin-D. It’s been proven that sunshine on our skin releases hormones that make us feel good.
11. Volunteer – You may think that you don’t have time or that you don’t have the skills, but the truth is, everyone has the ability to help other. I’m sure there are two or three hours every month when you have some free time. Even this small amount of time could make a huge difference in someone else’s life.
12. Donate to Charity – Giving to charity will definitely make you feel better about yourself. Even the smallest amounts ($5 or $10) can help make a dent in the funds necessary for these charities to be successful. Just pick which cause you want to support and send in any amount you can afford. You will be glad you did.
13. Listen to Music – Listening to my favorite song always puts me in a better mood. Whether you prefer upbeat pop or soothing classical music, your favorite tunes are sure to help your bad day.
14. Dance – You don’t have to be a professional or dance in public, but if you just move around and release some of your tension, your mood will improve.
15. Laugh – It really is true that “laughter is the best medicine,” especially when it comes to your mood. Laughter or simply smiling will release endorphins to cheer you up.
16. Touch Your Toes – Most people store their tension in their hips. Bend over and touch your toes, or get as close as you can, and hold that position for a few moments.  Then roll up slowly and think about releasing all of that tension.
17. Read a Good Book – Find a relaxing place to sit and read. Get lost in the story and set aside your worries for a while.
18. Forgive Yourself – We all have something we regret in our past. Think of all of those pitfalls, write them down if you have to, and let them go. You deserve forgiveness, and you shouldn’t hold on to your regrets.
19. Think About Tomorrow – Even on your worst days, you can always remember that tomorrow will be new. Spend a few minutes reflecting on your accomplishments and what you hope to accomplish in the future. There are many blessings in your life, even if you may not feel blessed now. Let go of the bad, and start again tomorrow.

Vanessa Lang is an author who writes guest posts on the topics of business, marketing, credit cards, and personal finance.  Additionally, she works for a website that focuses on educating readers about http://www.paydayloansonlineresource.org/average-interest-rates-for-payday-loans