Anyone who is suffering from a poor mood knows that it cannot be beaten simply from sheer willpower. To solve this mood problem, you could use some mood boosters, or some interesting tricks and techniques. These techniques become like a positive feedback loop, making it easier to continue improving one’s mood and outlook on things.
Change Your Focus:
Find something that you do on a regular basis and then just simply change your focus. A good example is going on a run or walk. Instead of allowing your mind to wander and think about problems, stresses, and other issues, focus on some task. This focus could be as simple as listening to the sound made by your feet as they hit the pavement. Or, count the number of people you pass. The idea to focus the mind on something not related to problems. It is called mindful engagement and can work wonders for improving the mood.
Practicing Acts of Kindness:
Doing something for other people can bring positive emotion back into your life. Buy a gift for someone, bring food for another, pick up the dry cleaning, or help with an errand. It really almost does not matter what specifically is done. Just do it with the feeling of being helpful. You may even want to try to work on doing three good things for someone else each day. These random acts tend to evoke more positive thoughts in you and it is an easy way to quash negative feelings. Especially when done throughout the day, the first action may provide encouragement for a few hours and the next one few a few more hours, etc… You get the idea.
This idea is also supported in MindBodyGreen’s article on boosting mood. Click here to read more.
Natural Circadian Rhythm:
Do not leave the light on at night with the curtains tightly drawn. Even having the TV or computer screen on can be a problem. This light restricts the production of Melatonin which is essential to controlling our circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. So, turn off the TV, computer, open up the curtains, and do not spend hours at night playing with the computer.
Smile:
Studies have consistently shown that providing feedback to the brain is an important factor that influences our mood and feelings. So smile to yourself throughout the day. Actually physically make a smile and see how it makes you feel better.
