BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Life Coaching What do you do to get in a more positive mood?

Please share what you do to improve your mood and keep a positive outlook on life!

Some days, of course, I do better than others. But on those that have a bit less sunshine... I have found that going through the motions of a good attitude soon translates into actually having one.

I also remind myself that life is a series of cycles, of ups and downs, and to embrace where I am now, know that it will soon change. Life is about change, about fluctuations, about balance, about harmony, about both the light and the shadows that show it off.

In that vein, there are times that it is most helpful to spend time with loved ones, friends and family, to cheer me. It can be helpful to talk and enjoy the company of others who care. But then there are also times that I long for solitude, and that is my best medicine.

Zee

I agree that life is a series of ups and downs. I also believe that a person should try to have a good attitude even though there are so many clouds hanging in the sky and in our hearts and souls.

The best way to do that is to stay away from negative people on my really bad days. Otherwise, I tend to get overwhelmed and find that I am falling into THEIR funk!

When I'm in a good mood, I try to help others. When I'm in a bad mood, I try to stay away from people. Family always helps bring me around eventually, but they also understand my solitary needs,too.

The absolute, very best way to improve my mood is to get busy and accomplish something...cleaning, planting, shopping. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> girlie things, I know, but they do put things back in perspective!

Trish

I used to be very moody .. so I came up with alot of ways to have my mood be what I want it to be.

Here are several ways I have used to change my mood:

1) Put on favorite music. (It helps if you notice which music makes you "happy" when you ARE feeling well so you know before hand which music "lifts" you up)

2) Try to help someone else (when helping someone else, often the mood softens)

3) Smile (often this is enough to change the sourness)

4) Clean house (getting rid of clutter seems to help - as well as giving a feeling of accomplishment)

5) Walk outside - move around and breathe. Try to notice the birds, flowers, animals or people around you. If you can't get outside, exercise for a few minutes inside.

6) Meditate or Contemplate.

7) Make a list of 30 things you are thankful for

8) Forgive yourself and the person that caused the mood

9) Make sure you have eaten properly recently, if you haven't eat something healthy for you. This may include B vitamins as they are stress reducers.

10) Call a good friend

The best thing to get myself in a more positive mood is to put POSITIVE music on. Just good, upbeat, poppy music. Even if that's not your favourite, it's really good music to lift your spirits.
Music's an amazing thing to change the way you feel. Hope that helps. :-)

I thank and praise God for this new day -

At that point, I set my human will - every act and thought, emotion, etc, of my day, ... actually whatever happens, ....into God's Will, so that everything I do this day will be to give God Glory, Honor, and my deepest Love and Thanks for who and what I am.

When I get down to the really "little - nitty gritty things" - like my heart pumping - blood circulating - my taking my next breath - being able to see and listen - etc., it doesn't take much to realize how "nothing" I really am - I can't even do wrong without the above.....and God allows the above to happen, we have no control over these, and when time comes, I pray that I am prepared to spend eternity with a God who has given me so so much in this life.

And, when I honestly look at my life in prospective - most of my sufferings are the result of my own nothingness and inclinations toward evil. Kinda...."the bed you make is the bed you sleep in" - at least for me, this is the God's Truth!!

God Bless

lily

I go outside into the local woods for a long walk with the dogs - the peace and quiet soothes the soul and just makes me thankful to be alive.
I think we need to take time to appreciate where we live and take joy from the smallest things - a butterfly, a flower, a lovely sunny day. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hellie

Walking & English Garden

I find some work to do, if I am working hard physically I have to pay attention to what I am doing which then takes my mind off of the "oh me poor me thoughts," I also just tell myself to KNOCK IT OFF and force myself to look at all the good and great that is in my life. Or I just keep looking until I find something to laugh about, things or critters are always around to brighten up the mood. [color:"yellow"] [/color]

Yall are awesome! Great advice! Yea I'm a Okie! I totally agree with talking positive things to yourself and doing something for someone else.. I like to mail a card to someone to uplift them or to someone who needs it! The main thing that helps me is to write it out, vent all the bad things <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> and then write about all the wonderful things that I am blessed with and thankful for! Upbeat music and dancing around the house, <img src="/images/graemlins/beamedup.gif" alt="" /> it makes me feel great to get moving and then I can say I exercised that day!(Hee Hee) One really big thing that I love to do is( well you know those days when you just dont feel pretty and dont want to get out or dress up) well I turn on some good tunes and take a hot bath use some bath suds and light candles and get out and get all gusied up(dressed up)! I try to look my best and I go out any way! Maybe with my family or husband definently someone positive! If your down the last thing you need is to be around any one or any thing negative! & Thats goes for every day! But just dressing up and getting out makes me feel so good and makes me feel good about me, we gotta stop and think of ourselves every now and then and pampher ourselves, even if we dont have alot of means. Save money for a 'YOU'day! I totally agree on B vitamins the are great for that natural and healthy BOOST! <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Supplements is a wonderful foundation and will help our moods! Yall have a fun and joyful week!! Miranda,OkC <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree with the other posts. If something's got me down, I try to just keep on moving forward, going on with my day regardless of how I feel and eventually the mood passes.

Also excercise is preventative medicine. Those endorphins can lift the spirits for hours. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

However, I have to keep in mind that I'm a morning person. I deal with problems better right after a good night's sleep.

Leah

I will go out get some fresh air, go shopping (that always does it for me)...watch a funny movie and have pizza...

I don't this everyday, but it always relaxes me and I enjoy myself and that's what matters...

franny

For me, hanging out with positive people helps. If for some reason I can't do that, random acts of kindness never fail to lift my spirits.

It doesn't need to be anything big. I might offer to return someone elses shopping cart for them, or help someone who's struggling to reach something that I could reach with no problem. Just seeing the smiles on people's faces when I do stuff like that is enough to brighten my day.

When I have time I try to spend some time doing volunteer work. There are lots of opportunities in your local area. Call City Hall or the local library and ask who needs help.

Even just putting a quarter in someone else's expired parking meter can make you feel pretty good. You can spend the rest of the day thinking about how you saved someone from a parking ticket.

My mom always said the best thing to take your mind off your troubles is to help someone else get over theirs. I think she was right.

Jewelry Mall,

You have really got it down! Everything you said is perfect - are you by chance a counselor in real life? LOL <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

The other thing I do; is to look at all I have been through - made it through, the really hard times that I thought I would not be able to handle. And God pulled me out. Sometimes it was by my teeth, kicking and screaming, but I was never alone. I always had God, and I often had loved ones with me as well. And if i can make it through those, I can make it through others.

And I realize now - that some of those experiences were to help others out. Because I can say to people "I've been there, I survived, you will, too. It hurts, I know. But you will get through it. let me help." And that may have been the only reason I went through some of my trials, but if that's the case, then that's enough. <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" />

[quote]I agree that life is a series of ups and downs. I also believe that a person should try to have a good attitude even though there are so many clouds hanging in the sky and in our hearts and souls.

The best way to do that is to stay away from negative people on my really bad days. Otherwise, I tend to get overwhelmed and find that I am falling into THEIR funk!
/quote]

Mostly heartily agree. Unfortunately, I find negative people seem to come in groups into my life. Fortunately I am not in one of those periods and I've learned to walk away from budding friendships that seem to be nothing but downer moods on the friends part.

Fashion Fiend, you are fortunate to have learned how to walk away from negative people, while others seem drawn toward them. I totally agree that people should try to have a good attitude and the suggestions that people have made here are awesome! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Angelfire, you have touched upon my complete attitude at this point in my life and I completely agree with everything that you said. Positive people, positive actions, simple helping, and yes, indeed, even Oprah's Random Acts of Kindness are excellent ways to make other people smile, which can make us smile, too. Helping other people actually DOES take our minds off our own troubles.

Psychological testing has shown that smiling actually makes your body produce happiness (endorphins). Try it. You might feel a little silly going down the road with your favorite music playing and a smile on your face, but watch what happens when you pull up to a light and someone looks over at you in your car smiling at them. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> They will nod, smile back and then you've made their day! It's like spreading sunshine! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Trish

I like to make myself laugh. Watch a funny movie, read a funny book (Erma Bombeck makes me laugh right out loud) and I practice gratitude.

The best thing for me is music and dancing. I am a linedancer and most of our music is of the 60's and at least I can understand the words and know the words to sing along with them.

Have a Nice Day.

I like to read books, or go window shopping. By the time I've looked at all the lovely things, I've fogotten about whatever was bringing me down.

Sometimes I like to play games on my computer as well.

And I just discovered a site that is very inspiring, it's

www.takingabreather.com

it's absolutely beautiful with lovely music, positive words and great photos.

[color:"purple"]Health, Good Luck and Happy Days to all! [/color] <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" />

Music! I listen to music - when I remember...

the url for the "take a breather" site - wow! -

gorgeous pictures - the messages really touched my heart..
thanks for sharing that link!

I pop in "What the Bleep" or "The Secret" dvds.

Go shopping, cleaning around, reading or listening to some good music or watch comedy movies

I definitely listen to my favourite music, but all of you have some great ways to improve your mood <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's funny, I was once told about how smiling even when you're sad will almost instantly make you feel better... I never believed it until I tried it. I just find it a little difficult to remember to smile when you are down, but when you do, does it ever make a difference!!

I think about all that was lovely in my life and go back in good memories to improve my mood.

I like to be with myself. I talk to myself ...
What do you want to do now?
Why am I upset?
I let myself be upset, to scold etc. for 3-5 min. And I say...
That's enough, it's over.
I take a deep breath and give myself a relax BIG smile.

I count my blessings...Truly they are many.

I go outside! Running, walking, even just sweeping the deck or mowing the lawn.

I also like to call friends.

I enjoy being in my garden. I have a very small vegetable garden in a few boxes out the back of my small flat. I spend more time looking at them then looking after them. There is just something wonderful about being in the fresh air and enjoying something that I created. It is rewarding.

I also enjoy spending time on the internet. I know the internet is often seen as something that is dangerous. But with filters on my computer, I find so many wonderful inspirational sites. These uplift me.

I like to write letters to friends. When I do this I find that I take the focus off of myself and onto them and is rewarding and always helps to lift my mood

Take everything as it is, not as you want it to be.

I have found humor a good medicine.

i do different things on different time to get in a more positive mood.
But most of the time if i want to make my mood more positive, I read Motivaional books and affirmation books too.
Sometimes i listen particular song to make myself +ve- "I Believe I can Fly"

Dollars
attract money, wealth, prosperity n healthy relationship
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The glass is half full. And go outside! Sunshine, sunshine. Phone my bf, and just look around, someone always has it worse than you do.

I post on bella! lol I also lesson to music, read, write poems or letters,crochet and pray pray pray!!!

Oh yeah if I am mad and im trying to get in a good mood and be positive I rant and rage (normaly while im by myself at home or with my hubby unless hes the one Im mad at!!)till i laugh myself happy!!! works like a charm!!!

Blow it all out of proportion and laugh at how its not that bad after all!!! lol

I generally listen music and now a days i play solitaire.


Dollars
Attract money, fame, prosperity, mental peace and healthy relationship
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I do the following to get myself into a happy mood

1) I apply gratitude for the things I currently have in my life

2) I write my blog to share with more people on how they can apply law of attraction in their life



3) I visualize the life I want


All the above tells me I have so much in my life and my abundance can overflow to benefit more people.

generally i read affirmation book and use law of attraction to make me more motivated and it really works for me


Dollars
Attract wealth prosperity fame and healthy relationship
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Well first I had to figure out my purpose in life. Once I did that, everything else fell into place. I found the career I wanted, the cars, the house, the relationship. Of course I had to be clear as to the things I wanted in my life and write down my goals in the 7 areas of my life. It's incredible what you can do once you understand the Law of Attraction.

I am now a life coach and helping others achieve their dreams. You can visit me at www.tamigomez.com if you want more info.

Hoping all your dreams come true!

Watch birds.

I posted before about how music makes me feel better. I love listening to oldies music because it brings back all the happy times from my childhood, but it also depends on why Im not in a positive mood.

If Im angry about something I generally just have to vent ALOT lol.

If Im sad generally just talking to someone helps or asking someone for a hug.

If Im just feeling a little grumpy it's generally having that alone time that makes me feel better. When I'm upset, grumpy etc I don't want to be around people. They just annoy me lol so I need to just spend some time thinking and doing something for myself and afterwards I feel much better and relaxed. It could be anything from reading, writing, having a nap, taking a nice hot bath, drinking some hot chocolate and watching tv in my pjs, looking at old photo's - anything that brings a smile to my face.

Or for any reason, sometimes a good cry is all it takes to turn your mood around. It's strange, but when I was younger ( and depressed) I used to cry myself to sleep but every morning I felt soo refreshed. Sounds kinda weird, I know, but a good cry here and there really does help.

And I do have to agree with iwonder sunshine is wonderful!

I find my mood is directly related to my thoughts. When I entertain a negative thought, I've discovered it can be a quick slippery slope down a big black hole. Sound familiar?

I get in a more positive mood by consciously making a choice to think positive thoughts. If someone has hurt me, I think of positive truths about myself. If I see something terrible on the news, I focus on the really wonderful things in this world.

It sounds incredibly simple, but it really does work.

Humor helps me become positive.

I have yet to find a way.

CDM...And I really am not trying to be provocative, or pick an argument here - but you have been shown and demonstrated many different ways, by many different people.
Do you think you could explain to me why others, using these methods, have found ways, and you have not?
Have you tried these methods and they are not for you, or have you not tried them, because you don't believe they can work for you, or is it something else?
I would appreciate some insight into how you have yet to find a way.....

Alexandra, I am trying.

I think you are doing fine, cd.

You reminded me the other day to be patient. Sometimes we don't make progress as fast as we would wish, but you are making progress. Look back at the last years... you are better this year than the year before, and the year before that.

This thread made me think of ways we can measure our progress so that we do not feel discouraged. I'll start a new post on that, soon. Unfortunately i can't do it today, but would you think of ideas for it?

Have a great day, cd!

Humor, music, watching birds, helping others and laughing at silly jokes all make me get into a positive mood. A simple thing that REALLY makes me feel good is smiling at somebody at a stop light when I am in my car. They usually smile back and I can't help but grin because I just smiled at a complete stranger and made them smile, too! It is fun and changes my mood pretty quickly!

Trish

You know, that sounds like a fun "game" Trish. I will have to try that. I know I feel better (if I'm in a "really bad mood") when I help a stranger by holding the door or some thing like that. Just being kind to some one else makes me feel better most of the times.

Yes, Chris, helping a stranger (or even someone you know) can make a world of difference in how you feel. Isn't that wonderful? Smiling at a stranger in the next car IS a GREAT game!

Trish

Sometimes when I speak to my housemaid, my mood changes completely. She brings all sorts of news.

Ideas to measure progress?
I go in sine waves.
have you studied about sine waves?

I am not familiar with that, CDM. I measure progress by comparing today to the day before. When I had surgery, I hurt so much for days that I thought I was never going to feel better. One day I realized that I felt a little better and I stayed there for a few days and then I realized I felt a lot better. A few days later, I realized I only had a little bit of pain and I realized that I REALLY was getting better.

Progress is slow and sometimes it seems like there is none happening. But if you make daily comparisons, you see that there IS SOME improvement. At least that is what I found when I had my surgery, and sure enough, I DID get well.

It is interesting how someone visiting with news, like your housemaid, can affect a person's mood, isn't it? It gives us something to look forward to, doesn't it? I am the same way when my neighbor calls me with news.

I will be away for most of next week but I'll be thinking of ya'll. Have a great weekend!

Trish

Thanks Trish.

WOW! It's been a year and a half since we added to this thread but some of these ideas are TERRIFIC! I have learned alot in the last 1 and 1/2 years and I would have to say that smiling is the first thing that I do to get into a more positive mood. I still enjoy driving around with a smile and giving BIG SMILES away to perfect strangers! It still amazes me how quickly something as simple as a smile can help make another person's day brighter!

Then I force myself to get up and get busy... busy doing almost anything that makes me feel like I accomplished something. Like NIKE's slogan was... JUST DO IT.

I LOVE to go listen to birds and surprisingly, I heard a few singing today! It made me feel like it was spring rather than autumn. Anything that brings me close to nature always puts me in a more positive mood.

Trish

The quickest lift for me is beautiful music

Loud music and usually if I am angry, I clean something aggressively! LOL

Think of an appreciation and go for a bike ride!

I love to do a few yoga moves, or jazz music. Since the weather is nice in Florida right now, I love taking evening walks after work.

Power walking and spending time outdoors in nature!

This is a really good thread!

I am loving this list!!!

Wow, this thread has been around for 6 years - I'll say what I said years ago - go for a bike ride, for me it is exhilarating.

I like to go to work at Costco. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. Plus, I am exercising like crazy! My worries, cares, and frustrations drop away.

I always feel better after I exercise! Yoga is my mood booster; it works every time

Exercise helps! I really enjoy running. Sometimes a hot bath with a book and a cup of tea helps.

I like to look at pictures of my kids.

I stay away from my parents which is very hard since I am still living with them and they are almost always in the house.

1 - Turn off the tv.
2 - Turn on my laptop with some Popeye and Betty Boop cartoons.
3 - Eat lighter, adding more fruit than meat.

Find things that make you happy! I know that seems really simplistic, but each of us have different sources of positive energy. Believe it or not I have a friend who gets happy cleaning out a drawer - well, maybe not the cleaning out, but the end result. For her that gets her in a positive mood. I like to imaging quilts or embroidery projects - that puts me in a good mood- and not looking in my junk drawers is also I good idea.

I find that eating well is a key to feeling happy. Food can have such a direct tie to one's mood. The body can't feel well if it doesn't have all the nutrients it needs.

Also, I find I feel so much happier and better after my morning yoga. Probably the same reason.

I'm thinking about this topic a year later and I agree wholeheartedly with what I wrote last year:

1) Eating healthily. That is absolutely key in feeling good, having low stress, and getting good sleep. If garbage goes into the body, it's going to have all sorts of problems. Cut out the junk food and soda. Eat healthy things. Suddenly everything else is worlds better.

2) Yoga and meditation. The brain and body need healthy daily exercise to work properly. Otherwise they just break down.

Take steps toward those goals every day!