Five Easy Ways to Lift Your Mood

Everyone has a bad day, week, or even month. What makes the difference is how people handle it. In the case of serious depression consult a physician. There are simple things you can do to get out of a blue funk or manage stress caused by a hectic, complicated, modern life. Here are some easy ways to lift your mood.

1. Find something to make you laugh. Laughter instantly brightens your mood. There are many sources of humor. Look at the comics in the newspaper or online. There is a children's book that has been a treasure since my high school English teacher recommended I read it for a dramatic reading. Since then I have shared with students, friends and family. I still have parts of it memorized. In Judith Viorst's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, a young boy describes the trials and tribulations of a day when everything goes wrong. Alexander makes you laugh at the little annoyances that cause stress.

2. Accomplish something on your to-do list. Change the momentum of a bad day. It is hard to be motivated when you are feeling low. This can lead to procrastination, which is a downward spiral that quickly makes things worse and causees overwhelming stress. Cross some things off your to-do list. Start with a simple task and then tackle something that you have been avoiding. It will be such a relief! Being productive will lighten the load you are feeling and turn your mood around.

3. Take care of yourself. Do something to improve your health. Take 15-20 minutes to exercise. (I need to start doing this even though thinking about it puts me in a bad mood.) Physical exertion is a great way to manage stress. Eat something delicious and healthy. An oxymoron, I know, but it is possible. One way that I've recently found to enjoy vegetables is by roasting them on high heat (450-500 degrees) with a light touch of olive oil and sprinkling of salt and pepper. Roasting gives so much more flavor than the dreaded steamed veggies. How long depends on the vegetable, but usually between 7-25 minutes in the oven. Delicious and nutritious food helps your mind and body.