The air is thick and the sun is blocked where I am today. We are surrounded by wildfires, and thus our city is covered in the resulting smoke. (We are thankfully not in danger from the fires at the moment.) When this happens, I am always left in a rather grumpy mood. First if all, lack of sun always brings me down. Secondly, it is difficult to breath, I can feel the gritty smoke in my throat, and it feels heavy in my lungs. And lastly, it is sad to think about how much is burning, and feel so helpless to do anything about it.
All of this has me thinking about the things a person can do to pull themselves out of a bad mood. Whether there is a particular circumstance that has you feeling down, or you just woke up on the proverbial “wrong side of the bed” today, here are a few ways to lighten your mood, at least temporarlily.
- Turn on the lights! Cloudy days, smoky days, winter darkness, all can cause a down mood just from the lack of sun. While you wait for the sun’s return, you can turn lights on in your home or office, get yourself an extra lamp or even better, a light therapy lamp. More light will lighten your space and your mood.
- Hydrate! It is amazing how really simple we humans are. Just drink more water, and you will feel better. Seems stupid because how can it be that we don’t already know that, or that our brains don’t automatically tell us when we need more H2O? And yet, here we are. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, even if you know it will make you need to go to the bathroom more, even if you don’t believe it. Go get yourself a big glass or bottle of water, and keep it beside you all day. Refill as needed. Trust me. You will feel better.
- Move! You know all the videos on social media about taking your stupid mental health walk? Yea, they are right. And as much as we resist the idea that a simple, short walk could lift our mood, it is true. Moving releases endorphins and serotonin, which makes us feel better. The good news is it doesn’t have to be a full-on running session. Just get up and move, a little or a lot. Dress for the weather and take a walk outside, or put on some of your favourite music and dance in your office. Stand up and do 5 sun salutations. Anything to move your muscles and get the blood flowing will lighten your mood.
- Laugh! Find a stand up segment from your favourite comedian, even if you seen it before. Load up some funny cat videos. Laughing helps reduce stress and anxiety, and can increase endorphins. Plus, if you find comedy that relates to your life or situation, it can help you feel less alone, and more hopeful about the future. Make your own funny remarks about whatever is getting your down. It will lift your mood to look at life through a comedy lens, and you may even help someone else by making them laugh, too.
- Caffeine and sugar! Okay, look, I am not saying to overload on sweet coffee drinks. Overall, limiting caffeine and sugar in your diet will be better for your health. But, when you are struggling to make it through a work day, or you really need a little treat to lighten your mood, a small half-sweet mocha might do the trick, and help you get over the hump. It’s not a long-term solution. It’s a treat, and you deserve a treat once in a while.
I’m looking out my window, and it’s still smoky outside, but the sun is at least trying to shine through. I’m going to go get myself a homemade granola bar and a chai tea, and find some cat videos to watch.
What do you do to pull yourself out of a bad mood?