We all have days when we feel a bit blah, a little flat or just straight sad. It’s part of the human condition. None of us are immune. I was feeling a little flat this morning for no particular reason…but rather than wallow in it, once I recognized it I thought “how am I going to turn this day around?”. Here are five little things that take only a little time but can turn your mood around in an instant.
- Listen to an uplifting song
There is nothing like a little soulful music to help lift your heart. I think there is something special about music that allows it to speak directly to your heart and by-pass your head. If you’re at work and can get away with it, pop your headphones in and zone out for a couple of minutes. Caveat on this one though: it needs to be uplifting! You don’t want to be listening to a sad break up song if you’re trying to perk yourself up. I’m so in love with Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” at the moment. Who wouldn’t feel more empowered and alive after really tuning in and listening to that song?!
- If it’s a sunny day, get outside and feel that sun on your skin
I’m hardly an outdoorsy type…but even for me, there is nothing like just a little sun on my skin to perk me up. It’s like an energy burst straight from the source. Get outside and soak up some rays if you’re feeling blah. That might mean a walk around the block or literally just sitting on your back porch with your eyes closed and feeling the sun on your skin.
- Drink a nice warm cup of your favorite tea
My go-to tea is peppermint. If you’re at work, keep a stash of your favorite somewhere close so that you can always call on it for a pick me up. Sipping on tea makes me feel like I’m being warmed up from the inside out. To get the full uplifting effects, give yourself permission to sit and savor it. Try and be present in the moment of simply drinking tea.
- Touch base with someone who you haven’t been in contact with for awhile
We all have those people who are dear to us, yet we just don’t contact frequently enough. It may be an old friend, someone you are separated from by physical distance, or even a sibling. Pull out your phone and call them, text them or write a quick message. Just thinking of someone dear can bring a moment of happy to an average feeling day.
- Write a quick list of 5 things you are grateful for
This shouldn’t take you long, and don’t over think it. No one is judging. They could be grand big things (like thank you for my health) or tiny little things (like thank you for the beautiful flower blossoming in my garden that I can see out my kitchen window). A little list of things you are grateful for will focus your energy and remind you there is a lot of beauty in the world, and in your life, even if you feel a little blue right now.
As for me, I did all 5 of these things this morning and it turned my mood completely around! Since then, I’ve been getting on with my much brighter day 🙂
Hi I’m Kate, and Thrive.How is my business-baby. I’m a kickass Life & Well-Being Coach who helps people who want the good stuff out of life, get it. Trained as a psychologist (the happy kind who looks for what is right with you) I offer individual coaching and personality assessment to help people clarify their thinking, reconnect with themselves and regain balance. Click here to learn more.