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Improving Mood

There are basically two types of moods, one is good and the other is bad. Both are temporary states of mind.

Normal people go through several states of mind in a day. They'll feel cheerful and lively and they'll experience positive related emotions. The feeling can last throughout the day but someone can trigger something in them and they'll feel grouchy, sulky or grumpy.

This is normal, meaning it happens to everybody and is not a disorder or an illness. It becomes a problem only if you have frequent mood swings when one moment you feel ecstatic and the next you feel gloomy and show your tantrums.

If you are temperamental and unpredictable, you become a difficult person to work with or to relate to. People will avoid having to deal with you or have to wait until you are in a better disposition to talk.

Improving Mood No. 1 - Change Your Physiology and State of Mind

Change your body position of movements. It will immediately change your state of mind. Or do something else so that you will distract your present emotional state. The next time you are in a bad mood, do any of these...

1. Go through a deep breathing exercise
   
   
2. Go outside, take a walk, swim or run
   
   
3. Do any physical activity such as gardening or play an indoor or outdoor game
   
   
4. Watch a funny video or movie that can give you a good laugh
   
   
5. Listen to music that elevates your mood
   
   
6. Meditate
   
   
7. Read an interesting book
   
   
8. Write your thoughts in a journal
   
   
9. Go for a drive to change your focus of attention
   
   
10. Play with children or your pet
    
    
11. Take a shower or bath

Improving Mood No. 2 - Socialize

Go out, meet and interact with people and get involved in social activities such as playing sports. You can also go out and meet a relative or a friend for a cup of tea and to chit chat. Volunteering or doing something for others would also help improve your mood because your focus would shift.

Improving Mood No. 3 - Retail Therapy

If you want to try retail therapy, bear in mind that you should not overspend or buy things beyond your means. Buying a small gift for yourself that will make you happy is good enough.

Understanding Your Moods

The tips stated above are some of the immediate ways to change from a bad mood to good mood. It's wise to learn to master your moods so that you don't have to rely on them and wait until you're "in the mood" to make decisions or to take actions.

Your moods are influenced by your mental attitude and conditioning. You interpret and react to a situation or people based on your mental representations. What it means is, when you hear or see something, your brain tells you how to react or feel based on what has been stored inside your head and how you've always reacted in the same situation.

So you get in and out of one state after another based on your mental images. You have little control unless you become aware before you respond to a situation.

Become Aware of Your Moods

Since you go in and out of different states throughout your waking hours, become aware of them and "catch" them in action. Pause and listen to your inner talks and watch the images that come out of your head when something triggers you to react and put you in a moody state.

Watch Your Eating Habits

Too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol and fat in your diet change your biochemical state and make you feel cranky. When you don't eat right and consume without regards to your digestion and health, you suffer discomforts. This will result in feeling tired, lethargic, sluggish and listless. You aren't productive or friendly in this condition.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Do regular physical exercise and activities to de-stress, release tension and keep fit. When your body is in good shape, your mind and your emotions correspond to it. Allow time for rest and relaxation. Get sufficient sleep. Take time off to get in touch with nature. You function better when your mind is calm.

Change Your Perception

Remind yourself that everything going on inside is a mind's game. It is how your mind sorts and perceives external events. Remember that people have their own positive intentions for their behaviors and attitudes. Your reactions are based on yours. Their behaviors do not have to cause you to feel moody.