We have all experienced moments where we felt irked due to unpleasant situations that ticked us off and spoiled our mood. Even more frustrating are moments where we feel low, but can’t figure out a reason for it. During such situations, you need an antidote to those feelings that can quickly and effectively boost your mood and make you feel better.
In her book, The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, psychologist and author Sonja Lyubomirsky argues that even though your general mood is partially determined by factors such as circumstances and genetics, about 40 percent of your happiness is within your control. Lyubomirsky says, “Happiness level is entirely in your hands, that your ‘unhappy genes’ do not doom you to unhappiness or, worse, to depression.”
Read on to know a few science-backed ways that can help you boost your mood.
Spend time with friends and family
Spending time with friends and family is highly valuable when it comes to improving your mood. A study titled Spreading of components of mood in adolescent social networks, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that having a positive social circle is associated with good moods. According to Daniel Gilbert, a Harvard University professor and author of the book Stumbling on Happiness, “We are happy when we have family, we are happy when we have friends and almost all the other things we think make us happy are actually just ways of getting more family and friends.” So, the next time you are feeling sad or low, give your close friend a call or spend time with your family. It will be an instant mood-booster.
Get some exercise
Exercise is a good way to lift your mood and improve your ability to deal with stress and anxiety. When you exercise, your body produces hormones and neurotransmitters that can positively impact your mood and your sense of wellbeing. It could be something as simple as jogging on a treadmill or running in nature. According to a study titled 6 x 40 mins exercise improves body image, even though body weight and shape do not change, published in the Journal of Health Psychology, people who exercise have higher levels of happiness because they feel better about their bodies.
Spending time with friends and family is highly valuable for improving mood. Positive social interactions contribute to good mood and happiness.
Exercise can lift one’s mood and improve the ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Physical activity stimulates the release of hormones and neurotransmitters that positively influence mood and wellbeing, contributing to higher levels of happiness.
Writing about emotional events or experiences can significantly enhance physical and psychological health. By acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings through expressive writing, individuals gain perspective and experience a mood boost.
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