10 Ways to Stay Positive & Beat a Bad Mood!

Introduction

We are all susceptible to bad moods; whether its from an event that has irritated or annoyed us, something unsettling we’ve witnessed on the news or simply waking up on the wrong side of the bed.

However, you can’t let this bad mood affect the rest of your day! To combat this common feeling we all experience from time to time, we're sharing 10 ways to help you break out of your bad mood and feel much better.

Sweat it Out!

One great way to break out of a bad mood is to sweat it out of you! If you are able, do some form of light exercise. This will release endorphins, which is the chemical in your brain that makes you feel good.

You may not want to at first, but there's no doubt about it, you will be glad you did! Get those endorphins pumping however you wish; power walk around the garden or put on your favourite song and dance around for a while.

For some great exercise ideas, check out our recent Keeping Fit over 50 article.

Talk about it

There is generally always a reason behind a bad mood.

Ask yourself why you feel this way and consider talking to a friend or family member about it. Even just saying it aloud to someone else can help to make you feel instantly better.

If you are unable to speak to someone, consider writing down the root cause of your bad mood and exactly how you are feeling. Taking our feelings, and putting it all down on paper is a good way to get it off your chest.

Ask Yourself…

If you have found yourself in a really foul mood you may be thinking the world is against you. If that is the case, then all you need is a little perspective on your life. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is it really that bad?
• Can I do anything about it right now?

If the answers are all no to the above questions, draw a line under it and move on with your day. Don’t waste another minute being unhappy!

Let the Sunshine In!

The great outdoors can have fantastic effects on our moods. Exposure to the sun leads to an increase in serotonin, the hormone associated with boosting mood. Some individuals even suffer from SAD, a seasonal affective disorder. Try to get outside more in the daylight hours during all seasons. Take a walk, enjoy your mid-morning cup of tea outside or do a bit of gardening.

Distract Yourself

Distraction is a marvellous tactic to get yourself out of a bad mood.  

Pick a task to do that you enjoy and requires your focus like reading, you will find that when you’re concentrating on something intensely it moves former thoughts to the back of your mind.

Once you’ve finished with your task you’ve most likely forgotten that you were even in a mood!

Reflect on the Good Times

Whilst in a grump we can forget that it is only short term and will soon pass.

Remind yourself of the better times you’ve enjoyed by getting out your photo album or go through your phone’s album and remembering the events taking place in each picture. If you find any truly hilarious pictures, be sure to show them to your friends or family for additional giggles!

Reach for Some Comfort Food

Food can have a positive affect on our mood too!

Dark chocolate is not only a tasty treat but is known to be responsible for the release of serotonin in our brains.

Comfort foods don’t always have to be unhealthy, your comfort meal may be something you enjoyed as a child, or your favourite dish, whatever makes you happy.

Listen to Music

Music has the ability to make us switch emotions either by reliving a memory of the song in a happy time of your life or connecting to the lyrics.

Everyone has their favourite music that can rescue them from a bad mood. Make a playlist of your favourite feel good anthems to have at hand for your next gloomy moment and try belting out a couple of power ballads too!

Avoid Negativity!

It would be impossible to cut out all negativity from your life indefinitely, but just while you’re not feeling at your best it’s a good idea to stay away from negative media coverage where it can sometimes seem all doom and gloom.

Have a break from the negative Nancys and Debbie Downers in your life for just a few days as their bad attitudes can further and prolong your already negative mindset. Prioritise yourself for a little while!

Have a laugh!

Who doesn’t enjoy a good old belly laugh? Put on a comedy film or TV series sit back and let the laughs take over! There are also thousands of funny clips available on YouTube, whatever your sense of humour. Be warned you may lose a few hours of your day this way!

If you are finding yourself in a bad mood more often than not and is becoming a pattern, speak to your GP as there may be underlying reasons for this.