5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Mood

Make an investment in who you are, who you want to be, and what you put out into the universe. If you're finding yourself in a funk, here are five great ways to improve your mood:

1. Your Posture

   Body language is not an accident. Your posture, the way you walk, your facial expressions, your physical gestures and features make up the nonverbal vehicle that communicates your self-perception to others. Think about how you are standing and sitting today. Slouched or straight? Always look above eye level and pull the top of your head away from your heels. It immediately shifts your mood.

2. Music

   Listening to your favorite group is instant gratification and a great way to free you from mundane activities. Haven’t been to a concert lately? Go online and find a group that you have always wanted to see. Listening can advance health related goals and shift your day. Try putting on some music that you never listen to and see how it makes you feel. Jazz? Country? Disco? Rap? You may surprise yourself and like something you never took the time to open your ears to.

3. Reach Out to Others

   Who have you not talked to in a while that makes you laugh? Call them. Who asked for your help and you never got around to doing it? Call them and do it. Nobody likes or wants to listen to a pity party. Get outside of yourself and do something fun or helpful. You are the creator of your feelings and feelings create behavior. Don’t like them. Then change them.

4. Get Moving

   As the saying goes, energy creates energy. Start moving. It works every time. Even if it is a walk around the block. Don’t feel like going to the gym? Go and take a class. It opens you up to the positive energy of the teacher and the other students. Studies have shown that consistent physical activity during a week may work as well as antidepressant medication.

5. Be Mindful

   Your thoughts are your reality. What are you thinking? Is it positive or negative? Constructive or destructive? If you are feeling drained and/or anxious it is in your control to shift and change your thoughts. Don’t let your thoughts go on a roller coaster ride to nowhere. Stop! Close your eyes and take 5 deep inhales and on each exhale visualize all your problems flying up and disintegrating. Then grab a pen and write down 3 positive actions steps. Once you are finished pick one and start implementing it. Example: Take tennis lessons. Action: Go online and book an appointment.

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