18 of the Best Instant Mood Boosters to Try Today

An in-depth review of mood boosters. 18 of the Best Instant Mood Boosters to Try Today thegearhunt.com

Everyone has those days when life’s little bumps and bruises get them down. Being down saps your energy and makes you want to pile up on the couch with a box of bon-bons, some coffee and a sappy movie on Netflix. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Down in the dumps and not at all sure why or even how we got that way. No matter what your reason for being down in the dumps is, there are ways to get out of it – the natural way. If you find yourself becoming depressed, even after trying the mood boosters in this blog, then it’s time to seek medical help.

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While your mood crashing suddenly, whether it’s from a bad day at the office or getting a little bit of bad news is normal, if it is happening constantly or you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, it’s time to make an appointment with your primary health care provider for the help you need.

In this blog, however, we are going to concentrate on a few of the instant mood boosters, natural, of course, that you can try today to lift your mood. We’re even going to add in a few foods that help to relieve slight depression as well. So, pick up your spirits and let’s head out together to lift our moods with natural instant mood boosters.

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Foods that Improve Your Mood

Many people don’t realize what a boost the right kind of food can give to your mood. Sure, almost everyone knows about comfort food, whether it’s chicken soup, pizza, or a big bag of chips and a container of dip. However, if you think a glazed donut or a burger will actually improve your mood for the better, well, you could be wrong. Read on below for a list of foods that have been known to be instant pick me uppers.

  • Nuts
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Fruit
  • Fish
  • Whole grains
  • Beans and peas
  • Fermented foods
  • Veggies
  • Hot cocoa
  • Coffee
  • And more

These aren’t all of the foods that have been known to lift spirits, but they are enough to get you started.

Now, that we know a few of the foods out there that can help you when you’re feeling down in the dumps, we need to talk about a few of the signs that you’re not just having a bad day, but that your bad mood is something more serious.

Signs that Your Bad Mood is Something More Serious

As previously stated, we all get those days where no matter what our mood is bad. However, those moods usually pass and by dinner time we are our normal selves again. But what happens if the bad mood doesn’t pass? Why is it happening, to begin with? Let’s look at some signs that your bad mood may be something more serious, that you need help improving.

  • You feel trapped by the way you’re feeling
  • You’re super-sad more often than you’re happy
  • Nothing sounds like fun, except for sleeping all day and night
  • You just want everyone to go away and leave you alone, all of the time
  • Your friends have commented on the changes in your personality and life
  • The future doesn’t sound fun to you anymore
  • You’re constantly putting yourself down
  • You’re either starving all the time or you don’t feel like eating at all
  • You’ve found yourself self-medicating
  • You just don’t care anymore

These are signs that all of us experience at one time or another. However, if it’s constant for you and you show more than one of the signs in this list, you need to talk to someone about your problem. Whether it’s a trusted friend, a family member, your priest, or a professional, please get help somewhere, as depression can be dangerous and deadly if not treated properly.

Now, that we know the signs and symptoms of your bad mood being something more serious, let’s move into the purpose for our blog, to begin with.

Best Instant Mood Boosters to Try Today

In real life, boosting your mood can often come down to the little things. Not only the little things you do for yourself but the little things you do for others as well.

Write a List

Studies have shown that writing an organized list of everything from friends to reconnect with to the reasons you have to be happy can help instantly boost your mood. Give it a try and see what you have to be thankful for.

Do a Few Jumping Jacks

For a short burst of energy, a mood boost, and to feel silly and goofy, experts suggest doing 10 quick jumping jacks when you are feeling blue and unmotivated. We already know that exercise is a great way to boost your physical and mental well-being, so why not?

Be Kind to Someone

A simple act of kindness to someone else who is feeling down can do wonders for your own mood. Whether it’s dropping off a casserole to a neighbor or putting together a bag of groceries for the widow down the street, being kind to others not only helps you but them as well.

Take a Long, Leisurely Morning Bath

While taking a bath at night has often been lauded for it’s relaxing properties, taking a morning bath two to three times a week has also been known to lift your mood and get you ready for the busy day ahead. Don’t forget to light your favorite scented candles and add your favorite oils to the mix for a great mood booster.

Talk to Someone You Love

There is nothing like a quick phone call, online chat, or even an email to someone you love to improve your mood. We have tried this one ourselves, with great results. Conversations filled with a few minutes of laughter, love, and understanding are priceless.

Sniff a Lemon

Have you ever noticed that when you’re making fresh lemonade or cutting up lemons for whatever reason, you have an instant mood boost? That’s because the smell of a lemon raises people’s spirits. Not only is it a mood booster, but it’s also an all-natural one, and you can eat it afterward if you feel like it as well.

Dance a Jig

Okay, so it doesn’t have to be a jig, but dancing is a great way to enhance your mood quickly. Dancing releases endorphins that make us happy and so does listening to your favorite music. So, as we said, put on your favorite soundtrack and dance a jig when you’re feeling a little down.

Get Rid of the Clutter

There is nothing that can bring our moods down quicker than a messy desk, office, or home, with me it’s especially the kitchen. If my kitchen is messy, then the whole house is messy, and I’m down until I fix it. You don’t have to go all out kamikaze on the clutter, although it will certainly help if you do, just five minutes of decluttering your desk or another area of your office or home can work to give you an instant mood boost and make your day a whole lot better.

Get Out and get Some Light

Many people don’t realize just how much getting out in the sun can brighten their mood, even on an overcast day. Not only does the outside make you feel better, but a long, leisurely or even a brisk walk around the neighborhood can also raise your spirits as well and make you feel better mentally and physically. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.

Get a Hug

As simple as it may seem, getting a good hug from a friend or spouse can make all the difference in how your mood is for the rest of the day. As a result, you’ll feel more relaxed, calmer, happy, and loving yourself. Remember, however, hugs work both ways, so it will help your friend be happier as well.

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Indulge in Your Favorite Hobby

Do you have a new book you’ve been dying to read by your favorite author? Or perhaps there is a movie you’ve been waiting to see? Indulging in a hobby you love, a new passion, or a pastime you enjoy is a great way to ensure you feel better about yourself and are happier to boot.

Resolve to Fix Something that’s Broken

Many of us, myself included, have things around the house that we keep saying we’re going to fix but never get around to doing. Resolve to fix what is broken. Crossing things off your to-do list is the perfect way to boost your mood, and you’ll be getting things around the house done at the same time. Win-win, wouldn’t you say?

Accept Your Bad Mood

The very first thing you should do when you’re in a bad mood is to accept it. Trying to avoid it or pretending that you’re not in a bad mood is going to just make it worse. Accept that you’re in this mood, then sit down and try to figure out why. Take the time to determine how you can make the situation better and then go on from there.

Get Out and be Social

Getting out and being social, whether it’s dinner with friends or a night on the town with your partner is the perfect instant mood booster. It is said that people who turn down requests for social gatherings just because they don’t feel like going are actually giving in to their bad mood. Don’t let that be you! Get out there and have fun!

Talk to a Stranger (The Safe Way)

It has been scientifically proven that talking to a stranger, in a safe environment, of course, increases the happiness of your mood. Humans are by nature social people so talking to someone is a great way to make yourself feel better. So, the next time you’re feeling low, talk to that woman in the line ahead of you. Who knows talking might brighten both of your moods that day?

Step Away from the Screen and Screen Time

The latest studies in the research of the internet have shown that too much being on your smartphone, staring at a computer screen or surfing social media sites can actually make you miserable and quite depressed. Take the advice of the experts and step away from the screen by cutting your screen time. It won’t only increase your mood, it’ll help you remember there are other things to do in the world as well, besides stare at a screen for hours at a time. Remember the days of no internet? We do!

Take a Run

Running is a great form of exercise and a great way to boost your mood. When you’re feeling down, take a run and clear your mind. Trust us, you’ll be better when you’re done and be getting exercise at the same time. Don’t forget to take along your favorite tunes to play during your run for an added mood booster, just make sure to pay attention to your surroundings as well.

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Cut Out Some Overwhelming Tasks

One of the biggest causes of stress and bad moods is being overwhelmed with things that have to be done in your daily life. The best way to combat this is by cutting out the overwhelming tasks that aren’t something you have to do. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to take that extra work at the job. It’s okay to say no to picking the neighbors kids up from school. It’s okay to say no.

This concludes our blog on the best instant mood boosters you should take advantage of the next time you’re feeling down. Remember, if your mood persists, it’s best to get help before it gets any worse. Until next time, stay happy everyone!

Sources:

  1. Best Life: The 25 Best Instant Mood Boosters
  2. Depression: 10 Healthy Foods to Boost Your Mood
  3. Seventeen: 10 Signs Your Bad Mood is Something More Serious