Singing

University of Manchester researchers found that there is an organ in the inner ear which responds to singing sounds and is connected to a part of the brain that registers pleasure. When someone sings, whether alone or in a crowd, it can contribute to feelings of happiness and improved mood (Health, 2020).

Deep Breathing  

Deep breathing is a way to bring about calm via slow and intentional breathing practices. This technique sends signals throughout the brain and subsequently the body that initiates a relaxation process. This induced state of calm makes way for decreased stress and improved mood.

Meditation

Meditation is the practice of focusing intently for a set period of time. Numerous studies suggest that the act of meditating can help decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Research conducted among long-term meditators has hinted at a heightened sense of awareness and greater emotional control. All of this means improved levels of emotional consciousness and improved mood overall.

Wake Up Early

Waking up early contributes to an improved mood by making you feel more in control of your day. When you wake up early you get an earlier start on your tasks, have more time to plan, and can complete the day’s goals sooner than later leading to a sense of achievement and accomplishment.

Journaling

Research shows that writing out thoughts via pen and paper can be useful for boosting mood. As thoughts and emotions are put onto paper, people are given a place to work through their feelings and improve their mood by releasing those negative feelings and leaving them in a neutral place versus allowing them to ruminate in their minds.

Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is another way to go about lifting mood. Psychologists at UC Davis reported in a recent study that there was a link between optimism and gratitude. In the study, researchers had 3 groups of volunteers keep weekly journals focused on a single topic.

One group wrote about a major event, the second group wrote about hassles they experienced, and the third group wrote about things they were grateful for. After 10 weeks those in the group keeping the gratitude journal reported feeling more optimistic and satisfied overall than those in the other groups (Brodwin, Orwig, & Spector, 2016).

Exercise

Engaging in some type of exercise is another way to take a step towards lifting mood. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain shown to reduce stress hormones, decrease anxiety and depression, and enhance feelings of happiness. Researchers at the University of Vermont found that just 20 minutes of exercise can create mood-boosting benefits that last up to 12 hours. Their research also found that active people were generally happier and more satisfied with their lives.

CBD

CBD derives from the cannabis plant and produces effects in the body by reacting with cannabinoid receptors. When CBD is ingested or applied and reacts with CB1 receptors, it can induce a calming effect in the brain and, subsequently, the body, effectively easing pain, soothing emotions, settling appetite, calming thinking, and boosting mood.

Community

Having the support of a community of people can be another strong way to lift mood. Friends, family, and other individuals who are a part of your community can offer mental, emotional, and physical support in a way that helps you cope with feelings and emotions, decompress, manage stress, and boost mood.

Spend Time Outside

Getting outside can almost instantly improve mood. The change of scenery and pace combined with the fresh air can enhance mood boosting signals in the brain and decrease overall stress and anxiety.

Read a Book

Reading is a means to decompress that can completely take you out of the present and away to an entirely different place (mentally). Reading has a way of transporting us to new places via characters, setting, and plot lines that gives us the chance to escape from present stresses and decompress in a manner that calms us and boosts our mood.

Power Posing

It may seem silly, but there is some research to support the idea that the simple act of holding a power pose can decrease cortisol. Since cortisol is responsible for stress, a reduction in cortisol equates to an increase in confidence and a positive shift in mood.

Have a Laugh

Making time to laugh is an important part of mood management. Laughter reduces stress levels, and boosts mood by bringing about happiness and joy. Whether it’s watching or listening to something that makes you laugh or engaging in an activity that brings about laughter, the act of laughing is sure to improve mood relatively quickly.

Caffeine

Taking some time to have coffee or another caffeinated beverage can also work to boost mood. Caffeine is often used to combat headaches, relieve sinus pressure, and boost energy. As these issues are alleviated, a boosted mood is a natural by-product of the other positive impacts.

Adequate Rest

As it turns out, the amount of sleep we get can impact our mood significantly. A lack of sleep can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and general fatigue which can impact mood for the negative. A simple step we can take to make sure our moods remain positive is ensure we get adequate sleep each night. By establishing a strong sleep routine ensuring we go through each of the sleep stages, our body gets the chance to recuperate and restore and lend itself to a better mood.

Affirmations

Affirmations are words or phrases that we recite that can alter our state of thinking and feeling. The idea is that by practicing positive affirmations we can influence our emotions and subsequently our mood for the better. Choosing to focus on and repeat an affirmation such as “I am happy” or “Things will turn out good for me” can influence our mood towards the positive and cause us to believe the very affirmation over time.

Optimism

The outlook or perspective we hold regarding our lives, experiences, and circumstances can shape our mood negatively or positively. When we choose to look on the bright side and see the positives amongst the negatives or instead of the positives, we can influence our mood based on our outlook for the positive.

Vitamin D

Getting vitamin D via time spent in the sun or taking a supplement can be great for our mood. Vitamin D impacts mood centers in the brain and works to stabilize them, leading to an increase in the release of hormones that reduce stress levels and increase happiness. Just 15 minutes spent in the sun each day can dramatically boost mood.

Weight Loss

There has been research to suggest a link between obesity and depression or decreased mood. A 2010 study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that obese people were at a higher risk of developing depression and reversely that depressed people were at greater risk of becoming obese.

Spend Time With An Animal

Research from the University of Missouri-Columbia showed that petting a dog for a period of only 15 minutes released the hormones serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin while simultaneously lowering the stress hormone cortisol (Health, 2020).

Eat Chocolate

Chocolate contains tryptophan which has been linked to mood-boosting serotonin within the brain. Some studies have found that even the taste, texture, and smell can improve our mood and increase our overall sense of happiness.

Art

Participating in art can influence mood for the better. A Boston College study showed that when participants created artwork as a means of expressing their negative feelings, they became happier with the effects lasting for hours to days after the art was created (Health, 2020).

Diet

The foods we eat can also influence our overall mood. Individuals who have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids and low levels of selenium are more likely to experience depression and dips in mood. A diet rich in omega-3s found in foods like fish, and rich in the antioxidant selenium which can be found in Brazil nuts, as well as a diet rich in folate, which can be found in orange juice can help keep mood stable.

Dance

Research has shown that there is a link between dance and mental health. Studies have shown that dancing boosts mood and improves mental health because of the release of endorphins that occurs as the body moves.

Eat Spicy Foods

It turns out that eating spicy foods can also stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain that boost mood. Research shows that the spicier the food is, the better for overall mood it can be (Pietrzak, 2020).

Don’t Procrastinate

Procrastination leads to stress and anxiety which can dramatically decrease our mood. Staying on top of our tasks prevents unnecessary stress and helps us feel in control of our work and responsibilities. This leads to an overall sense of calm and accomplishment that ensures mood is maintained at a positive level.

Retail Therapy

At times, a little shopping is just what you need to elevate your mood. No one is saying go broke spending but buying something as simple as your favorite body wash or cup of coffee can be a small joy in your day/week that brings you happiness.

Stop Smoking

In addition to the host of negative health effects that smoking can create in the body which can lead to a decreased mood, smoking itself is also linked to an increased risk of depression. Additionally, those attempting to quit smoking and experiencing withdrawal symptoms are highly likely to feel more irritated and down as compared to their peers.

Consider a New Paint Color

As it turns out, the colors of rooms in the spaces we reside can actually impact our mood. In a study from the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, adults reported feeling happier around the colors blue and yellow. Blue was said to emote feelings of being soothed and relaxed and reminded people of the sky and the ocean. Whereas yellow was reminiscent of the sunshine and brightness and therefore brought on feelings of being upbeat and joyful (Health, 2020).

Physical Touch

Human touch, in the form of hugging or holding hands, releases endorphins such as serotonin that contribute to feelings of relaxation and contentment according to research. This leads to decreased stress and improved mood.

Play a Game

Playing games can be good for boosting mood. A study found that 91% of families reported playing games together improved their mood. The act of playing games brings joy, excitement, and joy that elevates mood.

See a Therapist

Therapists and counselors are trained medical professionals who can help you work through a host of mental and emotional concerns and conditions. Therapists can be great sounding boards, help you reason through issues and feelings, and help develop strategies for coping with emotions and problems that then help you move towards an overall improved mood.

Acupuncture

There are certain pressure points in the body that when gently stimulated by needles can release endorphins that boost mood, decrease anxiety, and minimize depression.

Green Tea

Green tea can be linked to a boost in mood. A US study found that drinking green tea can boost dopamine which is a neurotransmitter in the brain linked to enhanced mood.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people improve mood by teaching them to alter their patterns of thinking for the positive. In therapy, patients learn to recognize harmful and irrational thoughts and how to replace them with more constructive and positive ones, thereby boosting mood.

Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy is a means of addressing interpersonal conflicts and lack of social support that may be at the root of poor mood. Interpersonal therapy works to help individuals address relations with family, friends, co-workers, and other significant people in their lives to help improve communication and develop a more secure support network.

Social Outings

Social outings can also be another way to boost mood, as it is far more likely to experience depression and other negative impacts on mood when in isolation. Studies show that surrounding yourself with other happy people can increase the likelihood of happiness by nearly 9%.

Avoid Negative People

The company we keep can influence our mood heavily. If we are surrounded by people who are negative and pessimistic, this is highly likely to influence our mood and perspective as well. Research suggests that being surrounded by people who complain and nag constantly can impact the odds of being negative also by about 9%.

Limit Social Media

There is research to show that spending too much time on social media can be damaging for our mood and self-esteem. One study found that the more participants used Facebook at a given time, the worse they felt the next time they used it. The more Facebook was used over a two week period, the more their levels of satisfaction with life declined over time (Schupak, 2015).

Listen to Music

Music can influence our mood in powerful ways. It impacts the mood centers of our brain and can actually make us more happy or more sad, depending on the song or playlist we choose. Thus, we can simply influence our mood by choosing upbeat songs that we associate with times and feelings of joy.

Stretching

Tension can be stored in our bodies which can influence our mood for the negative. Taking a moment to pause and stretch can release that physical tension, thereby reducing physical stress and inducing calm and improving overall mood in the body.

Chew Gum

There is evidence to suggest that the repetitive action of chewing on gum actually promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety and stress.

Essential Oils

There are certain essential oils known to possess stress and anxiety relieving benefits, as well as mood boosting benefits. Lavender is an oil known to induce calm and relaxation and is generally used for stress, anxiety, and sleep. While orange is an oil known to stimulate positive mood and alertness.

Be Kind to Others

Sometimes the simple act of doing something nice for someone else can do wonders for our mood. When we help others, it makes us feel good that we were able to be a blessing and gets the focus off of ourselves and any negative circumstances in our lives that may be causing us to feel negatively. This can be the shift we need to see a boost in our mood.

Get Organized

Evidence shows that a decluttered space can make us feel less stressed almost instantly. Just 10 to 15 minutes spent making our space more organized visually triggers something in the brain that induces calm and helps us feel better equipped to work, manage, and navigate through life.

Have Sex

There is a release of endorphins that occurs during sex and orgasm that can elevate the mood and contribute to reduced stress, decreased anxiety, and reduced risk of depression.

Set Boundaries

A failure to set boundaries can lead to overextending yourself and mounds of stress. When you set boundaries, you are able to protect yourself from people taking advantage of you and from doing more than you are truly capable of doing. This decreases stress and anxiety levels and helps you maintain a sense of balance and calm in your life that maintains a healthy mood.

Probiotics

A landmark UCLA study linked human gut bacteria to regions in the brain responsible for mood and mood-based behaviors. This demonstrated the vital importance of having a balanced gut for having a balanced mood. Thus, one way to establish this balance is to take probiotics (Shea, 2019).

Self-Care

Self-care is the act of doing those things that prioritize your overall sense of well-being. When we are well cared for, it is a given that our mood is improved because our needs (mental, physical, emotional, etc.) have been met.

Massage Therapy

There is a mind-body connection between mental health and massage therapy. This technique works to calm the body and release physical tension which in turn has an impact on the mental as well, leading to improved mood overall.

Smile

The simple act of smiling even if you don’t authentically feel happy in the moment can actually lead you to feel happy. According to research, the act of smiling stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone linked to positive feelings. So sometimes faking it until you make it is the route to take.

Bang on Something

It may seem silly, but researchers speculate that drumming can help the body feel more relaxed. A study published in 2016 found that group drumming reduced depression and anxiety, as well as improved social resilience in mental health service users over a 6 to 10 week span.

Change Your Routine

Doing the same thing day in and day out can make life too predictable, boring, and mundane. Changing your routine can do wonders for your mood by adding a spark of excitement and joy and giving you something to look forward to. From going somewhere new to eating somewhere different to changing the location in your home where you typically work out or work from home- all of it can add a freshness that elevates the mood in a simple but impactful way.

Bird Watching

Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology at the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland uncovered that there is a link between bird watching and improved mood. In their research they found that the higher the number of birds watched in an afternoon the greater the reports of reduced depression, anxiety, and stress among participants (Ketchie, 2020).

Cry

It may seem counterintuitive to cry when you are trying to feel good, but sometimes a good cry session is needed to boost mood. Crying can release a build-up of negative emotions that can be impacting mood for the negative and then allow space for positivity and clarity of thought.

Get Dressed Up

When we look good, we tend to feel good. Even if you don’t have plans to go out, the simple act of getting dressed up and making yourself look nice can make you feel good as well.

Look at Photos from Happy Times

Reminiscing about happy times by looking at old photos can be a positive way to boost mood. When we look at the old photos it can take us back to the positive memory and allow us to relive the positive feelings the memory creates, thereby enhancing our mood.

Watch Cartoons/Favorite TV Shows

Watching cartoons from our childhood or our favorite television shows can bring us happiness. Allowing us to relive past experiences of joy or enjoy present laughter can improve our mood. Also, television can take us away from present realities which can be unpleasant and allow us to experience a bit of an escape as needed.

Call a Friend

The ability to talk with our close friends can bring joy, peace, and calm to our lives. Whether it’s talking to vent and release emotions, talking to reminisce about good times, or talking to catch up and enjoy a laugh- all of these can work to reduce stress and promote calm which helps our mood.

Be Silly

It may be uncomfortable initially, but letting your hair down and doing something silly can be very good for your mood. When you’re able to be silly, it means you are able to be free and uninhibited. This freedom allows us to experience joy. Our mood is, therefore, influenced for the better.

Set and Reach Goals

The feeling of checking something off of our to-do list can go a long way for boosting our mood. When we accomplish a goal, it makes us feel pride and dignity in ourselves which boosts our sense of belief and self-worth. So even if it’s something small like taking out the trash or completing a workout, making sure we accomplish something each day will improve our mood.

Have a Glass of Wine

Enjoying a glass of wine can be a huge benefit for the mood because wine is reported to have a relaxing effect on drinkers. This effect brings about calm, reduces stress and anxiety, and makes drinkers feel more at ease which effectively improves their mood. However, this effect only appears to be true if drinks are kept to a minimum, as the effects of alcohol can become more negative and aggressive as the number of drinks consumed is increased.

Take a Selfie

A 2016 study found that taking pictures of yourself can actually lead to increased confidence. This in turn leads to enhanced feelings of happiness and improved overall mood.

Live in the Moment

Living in the moment is about tuning out the outside noise and choosing to focus on the here and now. That can be good in helping us to avoid the anxieties that the future holds. Instead we learn to find the good and joy in what’s taking place right in front of us, and as a result, our mood benefits.

Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is about the inner dialogue we have with ourselves. When we speak positive to ourselves, we subconsciously impact our thoughts to become more positive and as a result our mood improves.

Watch Something Inspirational

When we see something inspiring, it uplifts our spirits and encourages our hearts. Whether it’s a documentary about someone’s life, a positive news story, or a short video on social media- finding something encouraging that will help us believe in the good of people, humanity, life, nature, etc. can make us feel more encouraged and improve our mood.

Medication

As a last resort (exhausting all natural possibilities) and after consulting with your doctor, medication can be a great way to boost mood. There are anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications which can address hormonal and brain balance issues which can be the cause of low mood.

Take a Shower/Bath

The act of taking a shower or a bath brings about relaxation which can induce calm and improve mood. Taking the time to pause and shower/bathe offers the down time to reset, refresh, and recover.

Go for a Drive

Going for a drive is a simple way to take a break and change the scenery and pace in the middle of the day. Separating from the business of life, disconnecting, and partaking in an activity that requires little mental effort can be decompressing and allow for mood lift.

Spirituality

If you are a religious person, tapping into your spirituality can boost your mood by reminding you that there is a higher being in control. Releasing fears and anxieties by engaging in practices like prayer and reading spiritual texts can provide the calm and mental reset that helps you become more at ease and, subsequently, more at peace.

Volunteer

Spending some time less focused on self and more focused on the betterment of other people is a great way to boost mood. When we volunteer and help others, we get joy from seeing others benefit and find pleasure in our efforts and assistance which brightens our mood.

Learn Something New

The task of tackling and learning something new engages our brains and gives us the chance to focus on something positive and challenging. When we finally achieve that new task or activity, it gives us a sense of pride that elevates our mood.

Go for a Run

Running is a therapeutic and effective means of mood management. Research has shown that running can be just as effective for depression as antidepressants. Using running as a preventative mood management or to help address negative moods can be a highly effective strategy.

Gardening

Gardening can be a therapeutic and relaxing activity that allows participants to focus their efforts on something meaningful and rewarding. Gardening has been shown to offer restorative mental benefits as well as respite from mental stress.

Limit Media Consumption

At times, the media (news, entertainment, etc.) can be incredibly draining. Media can be filled with a lot of negative stories and tragic news that can take a toll on our mental state. Limiting the amount of time we spend consuming media (watching/listening/reading news) can help us maintain a healthy balance of information and a more positive perspective of a world that doesn't jade us.

Cook or Bake

Cooking or baking is another example of a focused activity that yields a return which can be therapeutic and rewarding for participants. Cooking and baking is also known to have stress and anxiety reducing benefits.

Visit a Museum

Museums can be places that offer mood boosting benefits for visitors. A 2011 study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology showed that visiting museums can lower the risk of anxiety and depression in men. Museums were also shown to reduce stress and have as great an impact on well-being as playing sports.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is the process of strategically tensing and releasing muscles. This is often done to alleviate disruptive emotional symptoms and negative feelings. This technique of relaxation gets the body out of the fight or flight response and boosts mood by inducing calm.

Fishing

Fishing is an activity that can reduce stress and anxiety and induce calm. The combination of time spent outdoors in the fresh air and sun with the pleasure of engaging in an activity that is easy on the mind can be a great boost for mood. Not only that but succeeding at catching fish can also create a sense of accomplishment that boosts mood.

Go for a Swim

Swimming, another form of exercise, can be great for boosting mood. Swimming laps have been shown to help the brain replace cells that have been lost through stress, effectively helping mood change for the better.

Set a Routine

Establishing a set pattern for how to go about your day or your week can help eliminate a lot of stress and anxiety that might lead to a negative mood. When you know what to expect, your mood is lifted because you feel better prepared in meeting your expectations for the day.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that emphasizes awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations as a means of gaining more insight, increasing attention, improving concentration, and enhancing self- control, among many other benefits. The ultimate idea being that via mindfulness producing improvements in these areas, positive changes can be made to influence our attitudes and behaviors for the better. Through mindfulness, we can reduce stress, gain greater control over our emotions, and decrease rumination which improves our mental health and boosts our mood.

Flowers

A study found that scent can play a role in mood and our experience of joy. Study participants placed in a floral scented room were found to select three times as many happiness related terms as opposed to negative terms when given a survey.

Spend Time with Kids

Connecting with children can reconnect us with the innocence of our youth and the joys of childhood. The sweetness, kindness, and innocence children possess often can instantly bring us to a place of happiness and calm and reduce stress levels.

Sustainability Mindset

A sustainability mindset is one that focuses on the big picture, not just the right now. This type of mindset helps us not get stuck on all the bad of the present. This mindset helps us get through tough times by giving us something to look forward to in the future, essentially giving us hope and improving our mood in the process.

Alone Time

Sometimes time alone can recenter and refocus you, thereby getting you away from the chaos and cause of stress long enough to return to a place of calm, which can improve your mood.

Turn Off Your Phone

Phones can be great, but being available to everyone all the time can be an incredible drain that leaves you feeling stressed. Turning your phone off for periods of time and going silent/dark can give you the freedom and quiet time to regroup and return back to a neutral state of calm and increase mood.

Forgiveness

When we harbor up bitterness and old hurts in our heart, it weighs heavily on our emotions. Being intentional about forgiving people from our past that we are holding things against can free us from the negative emotional burdens and open our hearts to experience more happiness and joy.

Take a Vacation

A trip away can be great for your mind. Getting away to a new place can take us away from the mundane nature of our daily life and give us something exciting to look forward to. The new scene and experiences can boost our mood, anticipation, and sense of joy.

Give a Compliment

When we go out of our way to make someone else feel good by giving them a compliment, we can also make ourselves feel good. Seeing the joy we’ve been able to bring others, in turn, brings joy into our own lives.

Reduce Workload

Cutting down on the amount of work and responsibilities you have can drastically work to improve mood. When you are overworked and stressed out, your mood worsens, and you tend to become negative because you are anxious, worried, and drained. However, when you cut down on your workload, you reduce stress and anxiety and boost your mood.

Do Something on Your Bucket List

When you do an activity you’ve had on your bucket list, your mood will improve because you’re doing something you’ve always wanted to do and because you’ve accomplished something meaningful to you.

Watch Your Posture

Simply put, our posture can affect our mood. If we are slumped and slouched, our mood is more likely to be negative. However, if we are upright and tall, our mood is more likely to be confident and positive.

Magnesium

Ensuring adequate magnesium intake via supplement or diet (i.e. beans, peas, legumes, etc.) is known to boost energy and overall mood. Just two servings of magnesium rich foods each day can result in elevated mood.

Stay Hydrated

Believe it or not, dehydration can contribute to a decrease in mood. Not only can dehydration lead to a host of health ailments that can create discomfort and pain leading to decreased mood, but the dehydration itself can take a toll on the mind, draining it of brain power and leaving it more susceptible to frustration, anxiety, and overall unhappiness.

Celebrate Something Positive

Finding something positive in your life or the life of someone around you that you can celebrate is an easy way to bring about joy and elevate mood in the process.

Do Nothing

Sometimes the body and the mind simply need time to relax and recuperate. Time spent doing absolutely nothing can be great for allowing the mind to decompress and reset, bringing about relaxation and contributing to reduced depression.

Stay Hopeful

Ultimately, choosing not to give up in the midst of less than positive circumstances is key to maintaining a positive mood. When you choose to focus on the possible good that can come out of a situation as opposed to the bad, you set positive expectations and give yourself something to look forward to.

Compliment Yourself

Finding at least one thing about yourself that you like to highlight each day can enhance your sense of confidence. When you believe more in yourself and your abilities, you are more likely to have a positive outlook and mood.

Believe in Yourself

Believing in yourself is about understanding that you possess the knowledge and ability to achieve a particular goal. Having a general belief in yourself increases your confidence levels and makes you feel more competent and capable. As a response your mood is improved because of this enhanced belief in yourself.

Be Yourself

Being yourself is about living free from expectations that other people might set for you. When you release yourself from what other people might want or expect you to be, the burden of trying to live up to what other people want is released, and you can experience the joy of living your truth.