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12 Tips to Change Your Mood to a More Positive One

How do you change how you feel? This might seem impossible, as you might feel as though the world is ending, but it is certainly not. There are many ways to feel better about yourself and life. Some of them need work over a long period of time, however it is possible to feel less negative, more motivated, and energetic in a short period of time. Listed below are ways you can change your emotions.

  1. Go for a walk outside and spend time in nature- Exercising and being exposed to nature will instantly improve your mood. Viewing beautiful scenery reduces anger, fear, and stress. Scenic places will show an increase in positive, pleasant feelings. Exposure to nature will not only make you feel better emotionally, but it also contributes to your physical well being reducing blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and even the production of stress hormones. Seriously take a walk outside. It will reduce the risk of depression.
  2. Write down what you are grateful for- Gratitude is simply taking time to think about all of the positive things in your life rather than pondering on the negatives. A very effective way to be more positive is to simply appreciate things in your life more. ((food, weather, family, friends, etc.)) Gratitude helps people feel more optimistic making us happier and aids in having and remembering good experiences throughout life. Gratitude can help deal with hardship, as you will see positive lights throughout negative experiences. It will help build stronger relationships. You will be not only be more optimistic, as I stated previously, but you’ll also feel more spiritual. All major religions espouse gratitude as virtue. Gratitude helps by reducing our tendency to compare ourselves to those with a higher social status because you will be grateful for what you have and that becomes enough and more.
  3. Go for a run or workout- The best way to add energy and have a more positive outlook to your regular day is to simply go out for a run in the forest or pump iron in the gym. Getting exercise will help you boost your mood and lift your spirit. How is this possible? Simple. By exercising, your body and brain produces hormones and neurotransmitters that have a positive impact on your mood, memory, energy levels, and sense of well-being. Some of these are known as endorphins, the body’s feel good chemicals.
  4. Listen to or watch inspirational material- Did you know? One of the best ways to start your day in a better mood is to listen or read to uplifting, successful people whom are nothing but inspirational. People who create inspirational content include Brian Tracy or Eckhart Tolle! The 7 C’s to Success with Brian Tracy: The 7 C’s to Success with Brian Tracy – YouTube
  5. Stretch- Stretching helps relieve your body of physical and mental tension. Daily stretching is a healthy habit that pays off. It improves your mood and promotes a cheerier state of mind.
  6. Breathing Exercises- Yoga incorporates meditation, stretching and breathing exercises. It is a system of holistic healthy and spiritual growth. These breathing exercises can slow the heart beat and lower or stabilize blood pressure. It can help you concentrate on slow, deep breathing which aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down and get started.
  7. Reminisce on old photos- Looking at old photos will bring back memories that can boost your mood. Dwelling on our childhood memories and even the bittersweet kind can improve our happiness.
  8. Make weekend plans- This gives you something to look forward to, which in return can make you feel happier.
  9. Call a loved one– Calling someone that you care about or someone that cares about you will for sure improve your mood, as they will be interested in learning about what you have been up to and how you are feeling. You can talk about it or you don’t have to. They will listen and be there for you. They will make you laugh. This will improve your mood.
  10. Donate clothes– Giving is one of the best ways to improve your mood, as every time you do something for someone else you will feel better about yourself. Giving is good for your health whether it be volunteering at a soup kitchen or donating money for a specific charity. Giving will lower depression and stress-levels. Humans secrete “feel good” chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This is called a “helper’s high” so go out now and help someone in need.
  11. Be present- Don’t get caught up in thinking about the past or the future. The key to improving your mood is to live in the now. The tendency to get sucked into the past and the future can leave you perpetually worn out and feeling out of touch with yourself. Present moment awareness may help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Being in the present can help us deal with pain more effectively.
  12. Drink water-YES, that is correct. Water. It improves your mood and your memory. If you drink enough water during the day that is. Dehydration causes a homeostatic imbalance.