This may come as surprise to some, but I wouldn’t really consider myself the most positive person. It’s not that I like to revel in negativity or anything, I just don’t think it comes as naturally to me as it might to some.
And honestly thats okay… we all have different genetic wiring which has a impact on our experience of emotions. Have you watched the happiness documentary on Netflix? Something like 40% of our happiness is dictated by genes. Of course it fluctuates from moment to moment, experience to experience, but we essentially have a baseline happiness that we will always return to. Interesting right?
Now that said.. we are certainly not powerless in altering our mood. Although I may not have the highest baseline of positivity, everyday I take active steps to ensure I am maximising my wellbeing and mood.
No matter your personality, we all get into a funk from time to time. A foul mood, if left unchecked, can ruin your day… or even week. Our mood can effect our productivity, perception of experiences and even our relationships. And really… it just blows.
So instead of getting into a negative cycle of being in a bad mood, and then being mad about being in a bad mood, and then being sad at being mad at being in a bad mood (no.. thats just me?), why not try one of my top tips to get boost your mood.
1. GET OUTSIDE
I know, nothing revolutionary, but it actually can be quite difficult to do when all our mind is telling us to do is curl up in a little ball in bed and never emerge (note to self: sometimes that is okay too). But there is really nothing better than getting outside, moving your body and ideally soaking up some vitamin D. Endorphins are a powerful thing and exercise, even if its merely a brisk walk, is a surefire way to get them pumping in your body.
When I’m in a bad mood, my favourite thing is to go for a brisk walk along the coast and if I have time, I’ll brave an ocean dip. The ocean also has magic qualities…. I swear.
If going for a walk or run seems all too much, still just get outside. Sit on the grass, look at the clouds… switch off for a little while and enjoy the space and fresh air around you.
2. MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
Music has an incredible power to alter our mood. So why not use this gateway to emotion to your advantage. Put your headphones on and pick a playlist of upbeat tunes that kind of make you want to dance, or at least bobble your head a little… Better yet, pick a soundtrack that is linked to a positive memory. For me, I listen to the playlist Tom and I made for our wedding, or Tash Sultana… because lets face it… she is fucking amazing. We also just saw her at Splendour, so now I will always remember how great I felt that day when I listen to her music. Whatever that is for you – find it, use it. ‘Sunny Indie’ on Spotify is another personal fave with a nice mix of tunes for good vibes.
3. DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS
Smells like memories and music have a powerful effect on us and our mood. Whenever I’m working at home I diffuse essential oils to help match whatever mood I need to be in and I also carry little roll on scent bottles in my handbag.
As a general rule with scents anything citrus is uplifting, peppermint is also great. I use earthy, woodier scents for when I’m anxious and need grounding. You can check my favourite blends that I use for mood boosting through the link here. My top picks are Elevation, Cheer and Citrus Bliss.
4. MINDFUL MOMENTS
Getting out of a bad mood is so much about change the space around you – getting outside, breaking the funk. And so one of the most powerful ways, although it does take practice, is creating headspace. There are some really great mindfulness and mediation apps such as Headspace or Smiling Mind. But it also doesn’t need to get that complicated. Mindful moments are just as simple as just switching off – staring at the clouds for a little while, maybe drawing, painting or colouring. Whatever it is, be 100% present in what you are doing (easy said then done I know, but even in trying you will feel the benefit). I would also consider going to a yoga class being mindful – connecting movement and breath – oh mama.. I can not recommend yoga highly enough.
Writing in a gratitude journal is another powerful mindfulness and mood boosting tool. It’s pretty hard to be in a bad mood when you’re focusing all your energy on what is good in your life (plus its an exercise that need only take a few minutes, so perfect when you’re pressed for time).
5. WEAR COLOUR
The simplest and most time effective mood boosting tip of all. Not the most powerful, but I personally have found that when I’m in a funk, wearing colour does strangely enough seem to make life seem a little brighter.
And lastly… Bananas… A quick snack, but full of goodness to make you feel… well…good…
Side Note:
It’s always okay to be in a bad mood… Be gentle with yourself. We are not designed to be positive all of the time. Allow yourself to feel what you need to feel, however you need to feel it. And as much as these tips can boost your mood in there interim, always be sure to reflect where that bad mood is coming from and whether you can remove its source vs treat the symptom.
* Above collages were created by with a combination of my own imagery and that found on Pinterest. I do not take credit for any of the above imagery that is not my own *