The other day, I had a seriously rotten morning. I massively overslept, which threw a major wrench in my routine. I left my house so late that I had to deal with rush hour traffic (which, if you read last week’s post, you know I despise), and while I wasn’t officially late for work, I arrived a lot later than I normally do, and didn’t get my cherished hour of quiet to get started on my day. I had a lot to do, including some meetings I was dreading, and people stopped me in the hall to tell me about new problems before I even made it to my door.
By the time I got to my desk, I was already feeling angry and defeated. However, hiding from the world wasn’t an option, and I knew that facing the rest of the day with a bad attitude was only going to make things worse.
I’m willing to bet that a lot of you have been there. A bad mood wants to hang around, and it can be hard to shake off, especially if you have a limited time to put your game face on (in this case, I had about fifteen minutes). Luckily, there are several things you can do very quickly that give you a badly needed emotional boost. I can say that I walked out of my office in a much better frame of mind, but I’m not just speaking from experience here: there’s a scientific basis for all three of my favorite fixes.
Research has shown that these simple actions can immediately make you feel better, and if you make a habit of them, they have long term, cumulative benefits. You can even improve your physical health, for a total win-win! So the next time you want to turn your frown upside down (sorry, couldn’t resist), try:
1. Music
Music is one of my favorite ways to keep myself in a positive headspace. Listening to a favorite song, especially if it’s upbeat, is one of the fastest ways to give yourself a boost. I have a happy mix (more on that in this post) that I play every morning, and as much as possible throughout the day, to minimize stress and increase my energy.
Find more on the science, and the benefits, of music here.
2. Laughter
The benefits of laughter are huge. If you’re feeling out of sorts, think of a funny memory, or watch a quick humorous video, like The Muppets performing Bohemian Rhapsody.
That one always works for me, anyway.
If all else fails, fake laugh. That might sound a little strange, but scientists have discovered that fake laughter causes your body to produce the same beneficial chemicals as real laughter, so it’s still going to make you feel better.
Here’s the proof, and additional interesting info.
3. Communication
Studies have proven time and again that interacting with others is very important for emotional health. While face to face conversation has the highest benefit, according to current research, phone calls and electronic communication also fill our need for socialization. A quick chat, email, online dialogue, etc. creates an instant mood boost, so when you want to get out of a funk, take a few minutes for some human connection. I talk to my mom and my best friend every morning (even if it’s only a brief exchange) to start the day off right, and go straight to one of them if I’m feeling unhappy.
To make sure I’m not making this up, and learn more, click here.
How do you haul yourself out of the dumps? Share your favorite tricks in the comments!
Why is it the later you are, the worse the traffic??
This is actually a topic on my mind lately! I’ve been thinking about how bad we think we have it. But then I get to thinking, you know there’s people out there right now that would love to be in my predicament…
So, think about your blessings! They’re pretty humbling!
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Traffic is a key component of Murphy’s law. Lol.
One of the reasons I started this blog is because I used to be so negative. Becoming a positive person involved not just commitment, but a lot of learning, and I like sharing some of what I’ve figured out along the way. ☺
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I feel the same… I was one of those people who could only see the good in people. But once in the army I started seeing just how bad people could be and from then on, I could only see the bad in people…
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I try to see everything, but focus on the good.
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That is hatd to believe considering how much positivity you are spreading now.
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I always try to get out of a funk, and I like sharing what works for me. ☺
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these could help
my bad mood
be less bad 🙂
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They really do work. Otherwise I’d be snarling at people by lunchtime. Lol
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I definitely have my share of bad days and bad moods lol. Yes love it!! This is a great and helpful post! Gonna make time to read all your posts. You always show me love on here by liking my posts! Thank you!!! 😁 Us fellow bloggers need to support each other.
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The supportive community is one of my favorite things about blogging!
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Dancing works for me every time. I usually start laughing at my silly moves too lol. I love this, thank you.😁❤
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I occasionally dance…when I’m safely behind a locked door.☺
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You can never go wrong with laughter and music.
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Agreed!
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Great suggestions 🙂
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Thanks! I hope they work for you. ☺
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for me its laughter, a quick cup of tea, and a light hearted conversation with whoevers nearest to me! xoxo
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A hot beverage is always soothing.
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It’s my go to remedy, I have to have a near me all the time something hot like tea or coffee
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Amanda, this post is spot on! First off, I love that you too enjoy having some stress-free, mind preparation time to kind of ease in to the day. But I understand and can relate to how this doesn’t always happen and things do go wrong.
Your positivity is contagious though 😉 All 3 of your science-backed ideas are perfect. When I was at a job that was the absolute worst and was miserable almost every day, fake laughter became a part of my reality. At first I felt like a fool and then it became more natural. It actually works!
Thanks for yet another uplifting post. Wishing you a beautiful week ahead ♥
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People often look at my like I’m crazy when I suggest fake laughter, but if the try it, they come back and admit that it works. ☺
Have a great week!
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All good. I love sitcoms.
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So do I! And I often feel like I’m living in one. 😉
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Thoughtful post, Amanda. I learned at an early age to control my Irish temper, to practice patience and have copious amounts of booze when all else failed. j/k
Now I find a brisk walk takes away the urge to scream obscenities. However, I liked the fake laughter advice. It’s a two-fer solution. You feel better, and, your antagonist thinks that everything is good between you two. Brillant !
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A walk is another great way to cool down. ☺
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Listening to music is always the first thing I do when I’m in a bad mood. I also watch youtube or scroll through instagram 😢
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I get a lot of laughs from YouTube.
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Music works wonders for me.
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Beyond all these move lifters, I love with a passion the DECISION TO BE HAPPY ….. whichever Happy way! ❤️💙💜💚💛
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Making a choice is crucial!
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Oh yes! I join you in embracing and celebrating the power of choice! ⭐️✨💫⭐️✨💫⭐️✨💫
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Helpful post!
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I hope it works for you!
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Oh yes it will work! 😊
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