5 Ways to Instantly Shift a Bad Mood

We all have those days when we feel extremely down, irritable, or are simply just in a bad mood for no reason.

For me personally, making an effort to live a positive life is incredibly important, and in order to do this, I need to feel positive.

However, life usually doesn't always go according to plan, and there are days where no matter how hard you try, feeling positive does not come easy.

5 ways I shift my mood from negative to positive

Over the years, I have found a few mechanisms that never fail to help shift my mood from a negative one into a positive. I share them in the hopes that they can do the same for you!

1. Go green!

For me, going outside and being somewhere close to nature has a remarkable way of relieving my inner turmoils and eliciting a sense of peace in my heart. It has the same effect, whether you are near the ocean, mountains, or even just by a park.

Simply changing your surroundings and getting some vitamin D can have an immediate impact on your mindset.

2. Turn up the radio

It is well known that music has a way of affecting our state of mind. Listening to different types of music can affect us in different ways. Upbeat music can have an effect on our brains by producing dopamine and serotonin, which evoke positive, happy feelings.

When we feel sad or down, we instinctively reach for sad, slow songs to complement these feelings. Instead, try grabbing a happy, energetic sound and watch how this can improve your day!

3. Laughter is medicine

Find a way to get yourself laughing. Anyway possible! Whether you like comedy movies, watching a stand-up comedy, or simply scrolling through TikTok, the important thing is to find something that makes you laugh out loud. Pretty soon, you'll find that your heart feels much lighter.

4. Redirect your attention

Focusing on the problem is a sure way to aggravate it. No good can come from replaying negative thoughts, beliefs, or moments in your head over and over again. You need to discover something that will not fail to grab your attention!

A personal favourite of mine that has not failed me yet is looking at baby pictures! It may sound absurd, but why not try this next time and see for yourself?

5. Take that nap

Getting a healthy amount of rest is important for everyone, but particularly for those of us living with narcolepsy. Sometimes, the only thing you need to relieve your bad mood is a nice and cozy 30-minute nap!

I hope these help you next time you don't feel so great. If you do try any of these methods, let me know if they worked for you!