Easy Ways to Lift Your Spirits and Ease Your Funky Mood
Are you feeling down and wondering how to lift your spirits? Everybody goes through that from time-to-time.
Life and moods are full of ups and downs. Some of the things that affect our moods are within our control, while others aren’t.
While it would be great if life was always full of sunshine and lollipops, it’s not always possible. The good news is, this too shall pass.
You can’t always determine what happens in life, but you can control is how you react. You can choose happiness.
When you’re feeling down, here are 9 ideas to lift your spirits and boost your mood. And, once your spirits are lifted, read on for 7 ways to keep your spirits up!
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9 Ways to Lift Your Spirits Up
Time is short, right? Everybody wants to know how to get what they need… fast!
The search is over! I have your back. Sometimes it’s as simple as changing your environment or listening to music.
Below, you will find 9 quick ways to instantly boost your spirits. Give them a try and find out which one works for you.
1. Try Something New
Having a routine can be a good thing and a bad thing. While routines provide structure, sometimes the predictability and repetition can feel like you’re in a rut.
Break the monotony and add a new activity to your life!
2. Exercise
I know, exercise always seems to be the answer to what ails you. But, it’s for good reason.
Exercise releases endorphins, the feel good chemical in your brain. So, when you’re down, get up, get out and do something physical.
3. Socialize
Spend time with people who bring energy into your life! There are people that are naturally full of joy and positivity. Being around optimistic people can have a positive effect on you.
Look to your friends or even the laughter of your kids to infuse you with a little happiness.
4. Clean
Yes, you read that right. Cleaning. How does cleaning lift your spirits?
It may not seem obvious, but clutter and disorganization can be a downer. Seeing stuff everywhere can feel like you’re physically weighed down.
For a quick pick-me-up, do a little cleaning!
5. Treat Yourself
When was the last time you did something for yourself? If you have to think about it, you’re long overdue.
Get your hair or nails done. Maybe a massage is in order or perhaps sharing a nice bottle of wine with a loved one.
Your treat can be something good to eat or fun to do. Pick something that makes you happy and treat yourself.
6. Take a Trip
Maybe a change of scenery is in order. Spending time in a place that feeds your spirit is an instant mood booster.
For me, that place is the ocean. Your place may be a spa or a hike through the woods, or a nice hotel where you don’t have to life a finger.
When you’re in a place that makes you happy, you breathe more deeply and really let go.
7. Buy Flowers
A simple bouquet of flowers can improve your mood. Bring nature indoors! Add a fresh bouquet from the store or even better, from your garden to brighten your heart and home.
8. Music
Music has the ability to transport you to a different time, place, memory. When you’re feeling a little low, listening to a song with a great beat will get you moving.
You can also listen to something that reminds you of good times with great people. Whatever your tune, grab some headphones or turn those speakers up and let the music move you!
9. Color
Color has an impact on our moods and behavior.
You may have noticed people that surround themselves in color have the personalities to match. A colorful meadow of spring flowers automatically makes you smile. Kids are full of joy and energy, and so are their clothing and toys.
Coincidence? I think not. If you live in the land of gray, black and navy blue, add more color into your life.
How Do You Keep Your Spirits Up
The best way to boost your mood and keep your spirits up is to make a few life changes. With a few simple, yet consistent adjustments, you will be able to invite more light and lightness into your life every day.
1. Get Rid of Toxicity
Look around. We are surrounded by negativity and toxicity. It’s depressing.
But, you can eliminate toxicity:
- Avoid the News- Stay informed, but don’t doom scroll. Be careful what kind of information you let take root in your mind.
- Protect Your Inner Circle- Make sure the people you have in your life are adding to it, not taking from it. Walk away from relationships that make you miserable.
2. Volunteer
It may not seem like an act that will improve your mood, but working in the service of others helps heal your soul.
When you do good, you feel good. Volunteering for people or organizations in need is a reminder of your good fortune.
3. Laugh
Don’t you just love a good belly laugh? Laughter is infectious in the best possible way! When you hear people laughing and see their joy, you can’t help but join in.
Surround yourself with joy and laughter. Make it a natural part of your environment through what you watch and who you spend time with.
When you need a good shot of laughter, stream stand-up from your favorite comedian. Listen in your car, at work if you can. What a great way to enjoy your commute!
4. Eat Well
Like it or not, you are what you eat. Unfortunately for your sweet tooth, junk food can physically and mentally weigh you down.
Your body and your brain need nutrients. Prioritize fruits and vegetables in your diet daily and you will soon feel an improvement in your body and your mind.
5. Go Outside
A little sun can do wonders for the spirit and your mental health. Healthline.com states that the right balance of sunlight is said to have “mood-lifting benefits.”
As with exercise, the release of serotonin due to sun exposure is thought to lower the risk of depression. So when you’re feeling down, or off, head outside for a lift.
6. Sleep Well
Like exercise, getting a good night’s sleep is also a cure all.
Improved sleep is a great way to boost your mood. Just think about how great you feel on the rare occasion that you sleep well? Now think about how grumpy you are when you’re exhausted.
Do yourself a favor and turn off the phone and TV and get a little shut-eye.
7. Gratitude Journal
At first glance, this may not seem like it will lift your spirits, but focusing on your blessings can remind you that things aren’t as bad as they appear.
Find at least one thing a day to be grateful about. It shouldn’t be hard to recognize that you are surrounded by things to be happy about. (ex. kids, health, friendships, career, home, etc.)
Final Thoughts: How to Lift Your Spirits
As you can see, if you’re down in the dumps, there are some easy ways to quickly boost your mood. Not only do you need to know how to lift your spirits but also what you can do to keep your spirits up.
Relax and invite a little silliness into your life. Make room for fun and spontaneity.
When you’re bored and feel like you’re in a rut, shake things up! Get out and get moving to get those endorphins flowing. Or spend some time with people that energize and excite you.
Find the thing that centers you and helps you regain your balance. Then ask yourself how you can make that ‘thing’ a more present part of your life. Is it keeping your social circle tight? Maybe it’s starting your day with exercise or journaling.
Whatever you need to improve your mood, make it a habit. Because, you deserve to live a life full of joy.
How do you improve your bad mood? Please share what works for you in the comments below.
I like both lists! How to lift it and how to keep it. It’s good we do something about our mood and vibe, but it’s equally important to keep it. Good energy requires maintenance and people seem to forget or dismiss that. Thanks for sharing all these great ideas with us, they contribute a lot to our well-being.
Thank you Vanessa. And I agree with you 100%. Sometimes we put a band-aid on an issue as a temporary solution. It’s far more effective to take action in the moment, then look for permanent solutions to whatever challenge we may be facing. Otherwise, we increase the chance of finding ourselves right back where we started. I so appreciate your response.
~ Cassie
I love this post Cassie. It lifted my spirits just reading it 😊 great lists for both raising spirits and maintaining. I went to the beach yesterday with my partner and little ones and the sound of the waves and smell of the sea air lifted my spirits instantly. Thanks for sharing.
Well, seeing your response is lifting my spirits, Jade! You went to my happy place! I love the beach so much. Just like you expressed, it’s soothing to my senses. I love the smell and the sounds. Now that is an instant boost to the spirits. I hope the little ones had fun too.
~ Cassie
Excellent post. Lots to agree with too. I always find music perks me up and exercise always lifts my mood.
Thanks Graham! Music is can move us one way or the other so quickly. It’s deeply tied to our memories and emotions. But, if you are in a sour or down mood, the right song will have you dancing without even realizing it. And, maybe help you tap into your inner rock star. I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond.
~ Cassie
We live in a time where things around us seem only doom and gloom and are there to instill fear and break our spirits. This post is a great reminder to keep your spirits upbeat and your tips are great and easy to implement. Easier than people tend to think. I’ll keep them in my head when keep my spirits in good ways. Thanks
Thanks, Benny! I’m happy to see that the post resonated with you. It’s definitely easy to let the negativity set in. Even easier if the people in your life are negative. It really doesn’t take a lot of work to look on the bright side. Just a change in perspective! Hope you’re having a great day, Benny.
~ Cassie
These are great tips. I have to agree with all of them. When I’m feeling down connecting with uplifting people, changing up my routine, exercising, listening to music and watching something funny helps boost my mood. These past two weeks I’ve had to use these regularly to help me as I’m currently in a low period of my life. But things are looking up and I’ll be changing my environment soon so that will help a lot.
As a rule, I don’t listen to the news. Anything that’s super important I trust I will hear about. If I’m curious I will read about it. I’m learning to let go of any toxic people in my life and to rely on myself to meet my emotional needs.
A good laugh is the best medicine I think.
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling low. I have been feeling the same, which is why I wrote the post. I don’t like feeling low or negative. I have to remind myself how to find the joy in life, especially when it isn’t obvious. I’m like you. I do not watch the news. I agree that if I need to hear about it, someone will tell me or I will happen upon an article or something. Once the news adds value back into my life, then I will give it my attention. Until then, no thank you. Please spend time with people who value you. Life it too short no to be with people you care for. Thank you so much for reading and I hope things improve for you soon.
~ Cassie