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Instant Mood Boosters: 11 Happiness Hacks

May 8, 2023      Tami      19 Comments

Bad moods can overtake us in an instant.

This is especially true for someone who struggles with chronic depression or other mental illnesses.

One moment we’re just strolling along feeling good and then BAM negative energy hits us. Sometimes something triggers it – a negative comment from a co-worker or something else. But sometimes they happen out of nowhere.

Bad moods happen to all of us and it’s unrealistic to think we can ALWAYS be in a good mood.

But it’s always great to be proactive and have a few things we can do in an attempt to boost our mood and feel better.

So I wanted to share some of my proven “happiness hacks” in case you feel yourself heading down that negative slide and want to try and turn your mood around.

You might like: 60 Things to Be Happy About Today

Here are 11 instant mood boosters to turn to whenever you need them: 

 

Bad moods happen to all of us, but here are 11 instant mood boosters to try out whenever you feel a bad mood creeping in!

 

1. Think of 3 things you’re grateful for from the past day

This not only allows you to look on the bright side of things and think about the good in life, but it also keeps you in the present by thinking back on the past day.

You might like: How I Practice Daily Gratitude (Free Printable)

 

 

2. Get your body moving

You don’t need me to tell you how amazing exercise is for our physical AND mental health. We all know that there are many benefits but many of us still don’t get enough physical activity!

 

3. Cuddle a dog

Research has actually shown that petting a dog can have many mental and physical health benefits, including reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing oxytocin (the feel-good hormone).

 

4. Recite some affirmations

Daily positive affirmations can help you feel more confident, get rid of negative self-talk, help you focus your energy on what you want, and open you up to amazing possibilities.

You might like: How to Use Affirmation Cards + Free Deck

 

5. Journal your feelings

Take a few moments to write down your thoughts and express your feelings. This can help you release negative emotions and maybe even get to the bottom of why you’re feeling that way, which might give you a clue on what you need to do to overcome the bad mood.

You might like: How to Start a Journal + 50 Journal Prompts

 

6. Get outside

Did you know that getting out into nature for as little as five minutes can significantly boost your mood? Nature is one of the best things for our mental health, in my opinion. Go lay in the sun (with sunscreen of course) or go for a walk. Whatever appeals to you!

 

7. Do something spiritual

No matter what your spiritual or religious beliefs are, connecting to your own idea of the “higher power” can be one of the most powerful ways to not only boost your mood but also give you a sense of joy and purpose.

 

8. Call a loved one

Hearing the voice of a loved one can lower your stress levels and make you feel connected and supported. Maybe you can even talk out your bad mood and shake it off.

 

9. Do some cleaning

I don’t know if it’s just me but doing mindless activities like washing dishes or cleaning floors can put me in an almost meditative state. It always makes me feel like it gives my mind a break and I’m in a much more positive mood afterward.

 

10. Do something creative

Creative hobbies can put you in a sort of meditative state and they can even begin to train your brain to stop thinking so many depressing or anxious thoughts. Being able to express yourself, distract your mind, and create something is seriously so therapeutic and can turn your mood around quickly.

You might like: 30 Creative Hobby Ideas for Better Mental Health

 

11. Brighten someone else’s day

Did you know that doing something nice for someone else can be good for YOUR health and well-being? It’s been shown to lower stress levels, increase self-esteem, improve mood, and more. So give someone a sincere compliment, pay for someone’s order in a drive-thru line, tip a server way more than they expect, or anything else that might brighten someone’s day!

You might like: Making a Difference With Random Acts of Kindness


What are your favorite instant mood boosters? Let’s chat in the comments!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber Myers says

    May 8, 2023 at 7:45 pm

    I’ll keep these in mind! I know I tend to read a book or I go to Target 😉

    Reply
  2. Whitney Stewart says

    May 8, 2023 at 8:04 pm

    I live every one of these! People don’t always see how easy it is to brighten your day. Sometimes it’s the littlest of things that can make us smile the most! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Reply
  3. Renee Franklin says

    May 8, 2023 at 8:08 pm

    I love to try to do something for someone else when I am in a bad mood. Always makes things better.

    Reply
  4. Forever My Little Moon says

    May 8, 2023 at 8:59 pm

    These are some great ideas for cheering yourself up! We have two dogs and cuddles definitely help!

    Reply
  5. Lisa says

    May 8, 2023 at 10:32 pm

    Definitely all great tips to make you happier, thanks!

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    May 9, 2023 at 12:23 am

    I love this post so much. It’s nice to see different ways to boost your mood. For me, it’s usually reading a book or cuddling with my cat.

    Reply
  7. Tara Pittman says

    May 9, 2023 at 1:36 am

    Music and dancing sure do help my mood. If I start cleaning than I am having a rough day.

    Reply
  8. Christy Garrett says

    May 9, 2023 at 6:21 am

    I cuddle with my dog when I’m feeling down. He knows how to make me feel better. Sometimes he will even get his toy and throw it in the air to get my attention.

    Reply
  9. Lavanda Michelle says

    May 9, 2023 at 7:51 am

    Thanks for sharing these instant mood boosters! I always appreciate discovering new ways to brighten up my day. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Catalina says

    May 9, 2023 at 7:41 pm

    Now that we are in the warm season, getting and staying more outside is the key! The sun, nature and warm weather is all we need!

    Reply
  11. Beautiful Touches says

    May 9, 2023 at 8:36 pm

    Cuddling a dog or a chicken will always always always work for me as a mood booster!

    Reply
  12. Monica says

    May 9, 2023 at 8:48 pm

    These are all nice and simple ways to boost your mood. Getting outside, moving my body, and snuggling my dog always do the trick for me!

    Reply
  13. Monidipa Dutta says

    May 9, 2023 at 9:31 pm

    I absolutely loved reading your article on instant mood boosters! The ideas you presented were creative, practical, and easy to implement. I especially appreciated your emphasis on self-care and mindfulness. Your writing style was engaging and the images added a nice touch. Looking forward to reading more of your work!

    Reply
  14. Richelle Milar says

    May 10, 2023 at 5:01 am

    This is a really wonderful post cuddling a dog is really nice and also making a journal does help a lot

    Reply
  15. Lynndee says

    May 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    When you’re grateful, you’re happy. And make sure to have your ME time.

    Reply
  16. laura says

    May 10, 2023 at 3:11 pm

    These tips I will keep in mind. And I know that I will be cudding with my two dogs. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Reply
  17. Zab Zaria says

    May 10, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    I really appreciate these tips, thanks for sharing them!

    Reply
  18. Melissa Cushing says

    May 10, 2023 at 4:58 pm

    Love this and I love all of these ideas for boosting your mood. I am working out ore and I have to say that exercise is for sure a mod boosting experience!

    Reply
  19. Julie Russell says

    May 19, 2023 at 5:43 pm

    Love the different ways to boost your mood and look forward to reading more articles!

    Reply

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Hi there, I’m Tami!
Artist / Bookworm / Mental Health Advocate
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