5 Ways to Turn Around a Bad Mood

bad mood, mood turnaround, feel-good tips

by WiredBerries Editors — October 26, 2007

There's nothing wrong with feeling a little crabby every now and then. But sometimes the pity party doesn't seem to end, even after you feel ready to move on. Fortunately, having a happy day may not be as far away as you think. Here's a few simple ways to banish a bad day:

• Do Something Nice for Someone Else--Here's the selfish side of altruism--it's nearly impossible to feel bad if you're busy brightening someone else's day. After all, who couldn't use a little of that good karma? Have some fun with it, and not only will you feel better, but you will have doubled the happiness factor by sharing it.
• Just Do Something--If you feel like you're just moping around then think of a hobby or book you've been meaning to take up, and get to it. Maybe all you can do is the first step like ordering the book or sighing up for a painting class, but that act alone gives you something to look forward to. It also reminds you of what a bright, interesting person you are.
• Get Moving!--Exercise creates a great natural drug known as endorphins. It's a safe and legal way to feel better fast. Exercise will also make you breathe more deeply, and activate your lymph system, which is the body's cleaning service. Exercise helps remove toxins from your body, thereby making you feel physically better too.
• Listen to Your Favorite Tunes--Nothing will turn around a day like a dose of your favorite feel-good music. Go ahead and sing along while you're at it. Maybe pull out the air guitar or show your goldfish what a funky dancer you are. It's really hard to be sad and silly at the same time.
• Celebrate Yourself With a Treat--Okay, so eating an entire cake or maxing the credit card will only make matters worse, but treating yourself to a "little something" is a great way to tell yourself, "I like you." Maybe you could rent that movie you've been wanting to see, or pick up that fruit tart you practically drooled on at the bakery last week.

If you've found a great trick for transforming a bad mood, please share with the rest of us!