We all get in bad moods from time to time.
It's just part of being human.
One of the main differences between people who are generally more happy and those who are often in a more negative emotional state, is the ability to shake a bad mood.
You may not be in charge of what got you down, but you CAN have the power to get yourself back up.
Because I think this is such an important life skill, I recently sent a request to my family, friends and readers, asking for their favorite methods of shaking a bad mood.
So far, I've collected ninety ways.
Here are ten of my favorites.
I hope you like these too.
1.
Smile.
Smiling interrupts bad mood neural pathways and strengthens the brain's ability to keep a positive outlook.
When you're alone, you can just put on a little Mona Lisa smile.
Other people are more likely to smile back when you smile at them.
Next time you're in a public place, try smiling more and see what happens.
2.
Yawn.
Yawning is an amazing tool because it does so many beneficial things.
It lowers stress, relaxes your body and enhances pleasure and sensuality.
It even helps you think and remember better.
3.
Say YES! It can really help you get into a positive state to simply say yes.
Counting on your fingers, ask yourself ten questions you can answer yes to.
Start easy, like "Am I sitting down?" Yes.
Get more emphatic as you go, asking questions that make you happier and happier.
4.
Appreciate.
Just look around where ever you are and find one thing to appreciate.
Silently think of a reason you appreciate it.
Then think of another reason.
And another.
Then move on to another object.
You can do this any time, anywhere.
Here's an example.
I appreciate the chair I'm sitting in.
It's so comfortable.
It's held up me and my family for decades.
I appreciate the craft person who designed such a long-lasting chair.
Etc.
5.
Tap.
Our body's energy system can get stuck in an emotional state and a pattern of thinking.
Tapping stress points, some of the same ones used in acupuncture, can clear the negative pattern of thoughts and emotions and turn a bad mood into a good one.
This simple process is called EFT tapping or Emotional Freedom Techniques.
You can learn tapping therapy in about ten minutes with one of the many free EFT manuals available online.
6.
Eye Contact.
Go to a mirror.
Get close and look into your eyes.
Tell yourself three encouraging things, two loving things and one intention.
7.
Stretch.
Move your body and stretch in any way that feels good.
Stretch up, down, sideways.
Stretch your arms, legs, torso in all directions.
If you know yoga, do some of your favorite moves.
Stretching is a way to get body fluids moving and releases stagnant energy.
It can change your thinking and mood too.
8.
Your Life.
Say, think or write a list of ten things you like about your life.
If you're really in a bad mood, start small.
Notice how your mood changes as you think of things you like.
9.
Mini-Meditation.
Do a short 3-5 minute meditation.
Tune into your body.
Notice the sensations of your clothing against your skin, the pressure of the chair on your back, butt and legs.
Notice your belly moving as you breathe.
10.
Get Moving.
Take a five-minute vigorous movement break.
A quick brisk walk, running in place, doing any kind of vigorous exercise can reset your emotional state to a higher one.
If you have more time, it's great to get into nature for a walk or jog.
Swimming or bicycling are other great ways to your blood moving and improve your mood.