Some days, you just find yourself in a funk that you can’t seem to shake, whether it’s because you stayed up too late watching Bridgeton, you had a fight with your mom, or your damn hormones just got you again. So here are 10 tried and tested ways to get you back in those high vibes for the next time you find yourself in a bad mood.
1. Go for a Walk
Honestly, there aren’t many problems a long walk can’t solve. I don’t know if it’s the fresh air, the physical movement, the feeling of sunshine on your face, or the combination of it all, but whatever it is—it works. When you find yourself in a bad mood, just put on your trainers, grab your headphones, then get outside and GO.
2. Scroll Through Funny Memes
There is no better antidote to a bad mood than laughter. Whenever I’m in a funk, I get on Instagram, search my favorite meme accounts (@dudewithsign is always a winner), and just scroll. Ten minutes later, and after tagging my friends in approximately 103,784 posts, I always feel better.
3. Journal
Journaling is one of my favorite self-development tools. This is the journaling exercise I recommend to clients for whenever they need a pick-me-up (and it only takes five minutes!):
Start by writing down five things you love about yourself (i.e. I am kind), then write down five things that you are grateful for about your life (i.e. I am grateful for my friends), and then five good things that happened in the last 24 hours, no matter how small (i.e. I am grateful for my morning coffee). Finally, write down five things you are looking forward to.
4. Call Your Best Friend
Vent, let it out, and then allow them to give you a new perspective while reminding you what a badass queen you really are.
5. Meditate
When we are in a bad mood, it is so easy to allow our minds to race with negative thoughts and imagine worst-case scenarios. Take a moment to find stillness so that you can give yourself the opportunity to simply reset. Even a couple of minutes of mindful breathing, feeling your belly rise and fall as you inhale and exhale, can be enough to give you the opportunity to think differently.
6. Have a Dance Party for One
Woke up in a bad mood? Shake it off. Play your favorite album on full blast and then just allow your body to move to the rhythm of the music in whatever way makes you feel most empowered, liberated, and alive.
7. Have a Candlelit Bath
Sometimes we just need to change the scene, let go of the day, and embrace some time for self-care. Light some candles, put on a face mask, soak in a bubble bath, and allow yourself to melt into a space of relaxation.
8. Book Something In
We all need something to look forward to, and that feeling of excited anticipation can often be enough to pull us out of a funk. Get online and book dinner at your favorite restaurant, a facial at the spa, or tickets to a show, or even spend 15 minutes making a Pinterest board for your next holiday.
9. Visualize
When everything feels like too much, use your mind’s eye to take you elsewhere. Close your eyes, and just imagine yourself living through your perfect day. Take in every detail, every smell, every feeling. Live through the day from start to finish. This is step one to manifesting your perfect day, and a great exercise to raise your vibe.
10. Make Banana Bread
Seriously, what is more relaxing than making your favorite banana bread recipe, your whole house smelling like a slice of heaven, and then sitting down to enjoy a slice of homemade baking. It is a sure way to pull yourself out of any bad mood!
ROXIE NAFOUSI