Today is mental health day! And honestly, it seems silly that there’s one specific day to focus on mental health — every day should be mental health day. How we feel about ourselves and our lives is incredibly important. If we’re not confident, or at peace with who we are, then how on earth are we ever going to be able to succeed in everything we do?!
If you’re in a bad mood, don’t let that mood control your or worst, last longer than it needs to. People don’t realize just how easy it is to fall into a depression but it can happen quickly and without much notice. If you’re ever in a bad mood, use these 8 tips to shake it off (and if these tips don’t work, consider finding additional help):
Turn Off Your Phone For
Take a minute to shut down everything that could be affecting your mood. Turn off your phone, close your computer, and hide your iPad. Move away from electronics that give you access to the outside world. I’m not saying you should sit in the dark but take time to do something not so “millennial.” Don’t take a selfie, take a bath and play some soft jams. Or, cook/buy yourself one of your favorite meals. Read a book, clean your home, do something that separates you from the world for a little bit. Unplug and zone out!
Consider Exploring Passion Projects
We all have hobbies, but sometimes those hobbies can get put on the backburner when we’re busy with work and everything else. When you’re in a bad mood, take some time to think about your hobbies and maybe figure out how you can spend more time doing them. You could start now, at this moment, when you’re not feeling good.
Get Out Of The House
Even if it’s just to buy toilet paper, get the heck out of the house! The last thing you want to do when you’re in a bad mood is to continue doing what you’re currently doing. Get out of the house! Go on a walk around the neighborhood or go to the grocery store to pick something up. A change of scenery, no matter how small, will make a huge difference in how you feel. Get off the couch and look at something that’s not the inside of your home.
Call A Friend You Enjoy
Don’t call the friend who always comes at you with problems, he or she might ruin your mood. Instead, call your funny friend. You know, the one who always makes you laugh. She’s the friend you need to talk to when you can’t seem to shake your bad mood. The best way to feel better and get out of your funk is to smile. It might sound silly, but smiling actually works to improve your mood — even when it’s forced.
Reassess Your Tasks
Are you constantly in a bad mood? It might be because you’re trying to handle too many tasks? You might not think you’re biting off more than you can chew, but there’s a chance you are. Really think about your workload and if your schedule is overwhelming. If so, you might want to have a conversation with your boss and see if you can delegate tasks. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting your mental health first!
Plan A Trip With Friends
Are you in a funk? The best way to get out of that funk is to look to the future. Plan a trip somewhere with friends. Odds are, you need a vacation — and so do your besties. You don’t have to go far and drop hundreds on airfare. Your trip can be a two-hour drive away. It doesn’t always matter where you’re going, as long as you’re going somewhere and have something fun to look forward to!
Push Away Those Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts are bound to creep up into your brain every now and then. Unfortunately, those thoughts only heighten when you’re in a bad mood. It’s not going to be easy to shake off that negativity when you feel horrible about yourself, but it’s important that you try. When your mind can only focus on your flaws, force yourself to remember your positives.
Talk To A Professional
If your bad mood lasts weeks or even months, you should consider taking to a professional. You might not think to talk to someone will help clear your mind, but it will. And it’s worth a try, isn’t it? There’s no reason to live every day feeling bad about yourself and your life. You deserve to be happy, everyone does. Don’t be afraid to seek help. It’s better to do so now, then later on. Depression is a slippery slope and you want to get ahead of it before it completely controls you!