Some days, you just find yourself in a funk that you can’t seem to shake, whether it’s because you stayed up too late scrolling TikTok, you had a fight with your mom, or your damn hormones just got you again.
So here are 7 tried and tested ways to get out of a bad mood.
1. Go for a Walk
Honestly, there aren’t many problems a long walk can’t solve. I don’t know if it’s the fresh air, the physical movement, the feeling of sunshine on your face, or the combination of it all, but whatever it is—it works. When you find yourself in a bad mood, just put on your trainers, grab your headphones, then get outside and GO.
2. Scroll Through Funny Memes
There is no better antidote to a bad mood than laughter. Whenever I’m in a funk, I get on Instagram, search my favorite meme accounts (@dudewithsign is always a winner), and just scroll. Ten minutes later, and after tagging my friends in approximately 103,784 posts, I always feel better.
3. Journal
Journaling is one of my favorite self-development tools. This is the journaling exercise I recommend to clients for whenever they need a pick-me-up (and it only takes five minutes!):
- Start by writing down five things you love about yourself (i.e. I am kind).
- Write down five things that you are grateful for about your life (i.e. I am grateful for my friends)
- Write down five good things that happened in the last 24 hours, no matter how small (i.e. I am grateful for my morning coffee).
- Finally, write down five things you are looking forward to.
4. Call Your Best Friend
Vent, let it out, and then allow them to give you a new perspective while reminding you what a badass you really are.
5. Meditate
When we are in a bad mood, it is so easy to allow our minds to race with negative thoughts and imagine worst-case scenarios. Take a moment to find stillness so that you can give yourself the opportunity to simply reset. Even a couple of minutes of mindful breathing, feeling your belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale, can be enough to give you the opportunity to think differently.
6. Book Something
We all need something to look forward to, and that feeling of excited anticipation can often be enough to pull us out of a funk. Get online and book dinner at your favorite restaurant, a facial at the spa, or tickets to a show, or even spend 15 minutes making a Pinterest board for your next holiday.
7. Visualize
When everything feels like too much, use your mind’s eye to take you elsewhere. Close your eyes, and just imagine yourself living through your perfect day. Take in every detail, every smell, every feeling. Live through the day from start to finish. This is step one to manifesting your perfect day, and a great exercise to raise your vibe.