Girl talk Lifestyle Wellness

13 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood

how-to-lift-your-mood-naturally

how-to-lift-your-mood-naturally

13 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mood

It’s not always easy being happy and upbeat all the time. Having struggled with depression in the past, means that I sometimes need to keep myself “in check”, monitoring my thoughts and feelings.

Practicing self-love has completely transformed my life, it made me realize that it’s okay to do the things I want to do and get joy out of it. During this time of year, a lot of us are affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which can make you feel moody and lower your energy levels. This is why today, I’m sharing some very simple ways that will help make you feel better, instantly. If you guys have any tips of your own, I’d love to know what they are!

JUMP ON YOUR BED

I know that it sounds silly, but how much fun did you have as a kid doing this? When I have a sucky day, I love jumping on my bed until I start laughing at myself. Instant mood lifter.

BURN YOUR FAVORITE SCENTED CANDLE

One of my favorite ways to instantly feel happier, is burning my favorite candle. I love scents like black bamboo and eucalyptus- as soon as they become fragrant, I feel more relaxed.

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES

One of the ways that I’ve tried dealing with anxiety in the past, would be to stay as busy as possible, distracting myself. Today, I love to do quite the opposite and I have to say that this works much better. I try to calm myself by slowing down, by relaxing and awaking all my senses. Open up the window to let the fresh air in, listen to music you love, take a few deep breaths, meditate for few minutes.

SNACK ON SOMETHING HEALTHY

When you feel down, you’re probably either don’t have much appetite, or get those “bad food” cravings. When I feel stressed, I lose my appetite completely, but I still try to eat regular meals, even if it’s small snacks. When you don’t eat, you might feel even more cranky, you have less energy, so it’s important to make sure to eat, even if you don’t feel like it. My go-to snack for days like these would be a mix of berries and almonds, and some dark chocolate. Also, make sure to eat foods that are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, as the have been proven to improved mood and alleviate depression.

how-to-lift-your-mood

GET ACTIVE

Physical activity produces endorphins and regular exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, boosts self-esteem and increases your energy levels. Even a 10-minute walk outside can help you feel better.

PRACTICE SELF-LOVE

Do you remember how badly you wanted to “grow up” when you were a kid? Sometimes I feel like we all take so many things for granted. Adulting can be really though sometimes; having to pay bills, going to work, taking care of your home… but there are also so many other amazing things that come with it. I can get in a car, go to my favorite coffee shop, get a cup of coffee and my favorite vegetarian veggie wrap and enjoy every sip and every bite. I can treat myself to a new lipstick or a top, if I want to, I can binge-watch a whole season of my favorite TV show and not feel guilty about it. I don’t do these things too often, because I’m always so busy, but when I start feeling stressed out, I love taking a break for one afternoon, turning off my phone and not worrying about what else needs to get done.

DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE

Because there is no better feeling, than putting a smile on someone’s face.

READ

Have you ever heard of bibliotherapy? It’s a “use of selected reading materials as therapeutic adjuvants in medicine and psychiatry; also guidance in the solution of personal problems through directed reading.” Yeah, it’s a real thing. It’s been proven that novel reading can actually reduce anxiety, and that it has long-lasting results, so next you’re start feeling down, pick up a good book.

PLAY WITH YOUR PET

Spending time with my dog lifts my mood immediately and I swear that he can sense whenever I start feeling anxious. I love the fact that he’s always so happy to see me, and seeing him like that always puts a smile on my face.

TAKE A NAP

Sometimes this is all you need to feel better. Have a cup of hot chocolate or spearmint tea, get under your favorite blanket and take a little nap.

CUDDLE

Because who doesn’t love cuddling? Regardless of whether you’re hugging your partner, your child, or your dog, it’s guaranteed to make you feel better.

LISTEN TO AN AUDIOBOOK

This is also one of my favorite ways to reduce stress. On those days when I feel exhausted, I love listening to a good audiobook- especially when I feel like reading, but can’t keep my eyes opened for too long.

TAKE A SHOWER

Okay, I know this might sound weird, but this is something that really works for me. I take a long shower, wash my hair and put on my coziest clothes on. To make this even better, I put my clothes and my towel in a dryer for a few minutes, so that when I get out of the shower, they’re still warm. This feels super cozy and relaxing.

at-home-spa-day

What are your favorite ways to lift your mood?

47 Comments

  • Reply
    Shayah Isabella
    January 11, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    These are such great tips, Paula! Feeling anxious is one of the worst feelings but a lot of the things you mentioned definitely help me too! Loved this post, Xx

    Rosy Cheeks | http://www.rosycheeks.org

  • Reply
    The Sunday Mode
    January 11, 2016 at 10:04 pm

    There are a lot of these that I love as well, but also a couple things I hadn’t thought of before! Personally some of my favourite simple ways to life my mood is to take a shower, wash my hair and change into super fresh pyjamas :)

    http://www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

  • Reply
    Kelly
    January 11, 2016 at 11:14 pm

    These tips are actually really amazing, I didn’t know that reading books can lower your anxiety. I will be sure to look back at this post whenever I’m not feeling my best. I like to lift my mood by listening to music and drinking tea.

    Perfect Shade of Mauve

  • Reply
    Darina
    January 12, 2016 at 1:19 am

    These tips are wonderful! I love to make a long walk or read a good book with a delicious cup of tea.

  • Reply
    TOUCH OF GUCCI
    January 12, 2016 at 5:16 am

    You’ve convinced me girl – I think I need to go jump on my bed… Haha. I can’t believe how long its been since I’ve done that and I think it’ll definitely be a mood improver! I also love burning scented candles and exercising to improve my mood! x

    TOUCHOFGUCCI // BLOGLOVIN

  • Reply
    Akane
    January 12, 2016 at 5:19 am

    These tips are so true.
    A good shower + coffee/tea is really helpful

    Akane
    http://www.humancat.co

  • Reply
    Rosie von Waldherr
    January 12, 2016 at 6:16 am

    Doing something nice for someone else, always does it for me! When I’m feeling low I also like to make myself a coffee…the process of making it, preparing the cup, drinking it…it’s just calming for me! I’ve never tried jumping on my bed though xD

    xoRosie
    Rosie’s Life

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength & Sunshine
    January 12, 2016 at 6:33 am

    Jumping on your bed, haha, yes!

  • Reply
    Emerald
    January 12, 2016 at 11:15 am

    The jumping on the bed one is so true!

    emerald | Life By Emerald

  • Reply
    Sophie
    January 12, 2016 at 11:45 am

    I love these ways to change your mood! Candles are definitely my go-to, especially when it’s a gorgeous satisfying scent! I also like your idea of snacking on something healthy, since more often enough, when I’m down, I end up snacking on chocolate. Which, doesn’t really help me in the long term!

    Sophie – eselle x

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      January 15, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks Sophie! But hey, chocolate is actually a pretty good mood-lifter- as long as you don’t eat too much :D :)

  • Reply
    Emma Bought What
    January 12, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    These are great ideas! I love burning scented candles x

    http://emmaboughtwhat.blogspot.co.uk/

  • Reply
    Kim Petersen
    January 12, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    YES to burning a candle! Such an instant mood lifter. Also, love to read an old favorite book when I want to feel better, it’s like visiting with old friends. Love this post Paula, hope you’re having a great week! XO -Kim

  • Reply
    Samantha Frances
    January 12, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    Love these! Showering, putting comfy clothes on and reading a book improves my mood so much! :) xxx
    http://www.samanthafrances.co.uk

  • Reply
    Another Ranting Reader
    January 12, 2016 at 1:55 pm

    I haven’t jumped on my bed in ages! That needs to happen soon! I have this really lovely candle that I’m burning at the moment – it smells of a burning fire!

    Jemima x
    anotherrantingreader.blogspot.co.uk

  • Reply
    Dora Toubanaki
    January 12, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    Eating makes me happy. Naaah not just that. I would love to jump on my bed!!

    Dora http://www.BangsBang.com

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    January 12, 2016 at 5:36 pm

    Ceilings in UK are so low that jumping on my bed would end up with me being hurt, haha! Anyway, lovely post as usual, you should be a therapist, or psychologist Paula :) I’ve been feeling slightly depressed lately, and I really need to make an effort to eat better, exercise and think more positive as I know that would change my mood. x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      January 15, 2016 at 10:23 pm

      Hahaha :D Maybe don’t try that one then haha :) Psychology was actually one of my majors in college, before I changed it about three times after that haha :) Thanks so much Dagmara!

  • Reply
    Kelly Anne
    January 13, 2016 at 5:35 am

    These are all great ideas! I love how your suggestions are unique and sound very effective!

    Kelly xx
    http://www.anneinthedollhouse.com/

  • Reply
    Paula Loreti
    January 13, 2016 at 9:20 pm

    The shower one is the most accurate for me! It relax me so much and I always feel better after taking one. Thanks for doing this post! I’ll be doing some of them the next times I get upset haha

    http://www.blossomikebana.com

  • Reply
    Lisa @ Midwest Glam
    January 16, 2016 at 1:19 am

    Great tips as usual! I love going for walks when I’m feeling down or angry. It really does help you to blow off some steam. Writing is another good one. Sometimes it helps to just sit and write it all out. Even if you don’t intend to share it with anyone.

  • Reply
    Alexandra Jade
    January 16, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    I love to just blast my music and bake sweets to my hearts content. :)

  • Reply
    Nereyda Gonzalez
    January 16, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Candles, music, reading/audiobooks and long hot showers are such great mood boosters!

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

  • Reply
    Nice Mate
    February 20, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Thank you, Paula, this is just what I needed today!

  • Reply
    Madison Grace
    February 22, 2016 at 4:40 pm

    This is such a good post! Like, actually really helpful. I’m gonna try jumping on my bed. Yes. Can’t wait.

    My blog: http://www.bymybedside.com
    If you check it out I’ll give u a virtual hug AND a imaginary cookie THANK UUUUUUU

  • Reply
    Laura Clayderman
    February 24, 2016 at 12:51 am

    such nice ways to relax and take a moment here !! :)
    thanks for sharing<3

    xx,
    http://lalainlaland.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Christina Basil
    May 25, 2016 at 11:50 am

    I think just reading this post made me more relaxed… haha :)

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