How to Get Out of a Bad Mood

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Bad moods happen to everyone and they can come up for no apparent reason. When you’re in a bad mood, it’s hard to get out of the funk. A part of you wants to stay and sulk while the other part of you wants to feel normal again but don’t know how to.

There are 12 instant fixes. I have done all of these before while trying to get out of a bad mood. Sometimes, using only one cure from this list can make me feel like I’m myself again. Other days, I need to do several things off this list. It depends on why I’m in a bad mood in the first place.

1) Cure 1: Rediscover Past Playlists

There are songs on your playlist that you probably forgot were on there. Listening to a song after months, or even years will bring back the nostalgia. Last weekend, I was on my iTunes scrolling through songs. All of a sudden, I saw Hilary Duff’s name and there was a sudden urge to listen to “Come Clean.” I legitimately got goosebumps throughout the song. I haven’t listened to Come Clean for months. When I listened to the song again, it takes me back to the time when I was a child watching the music video on TV. It made me smile and think of happier times.

2) Cure 2: Have a Dance Party

Listen to songs that make you want to dance. Dancing is fun! I love dancing to The Fitness Marshall on YouTube. He and his two best friends upload a new video every week. They have oldie songs like Teenage Dream by Katy Perry but also more modern songs.

It’s a fun exercise that everyone can do. The moves are challenging but not TOO challenging. Worried about not following the steps correctly? It’s okay! I would like to think that I pick up the moves relatively quickly for someone who has no dance experience but I probably look like a crazy person. You don’t have to be a good dancer to dance. It’s even better if you do it with someone and can laugh together when trying to figure out the moves.

You’ll feel such a sense of accomplishment if you practice a few times and are eventually able to follow all the steps in the song. You’re going to feel like a pro. Bring out your inner diva!

3) Cure 3: Talking To A Friend (On The Phone)

This method is almost a guaranteed success. Whenever I’m in a bad mood, my best bet is to call a friend but this isn’t the most realistic option with the time difference (HK and Toronto are exactly 12 hours apart right now).

Texting works too although a phone call is more effective. Sharing how you feel is a weight lifted off your shoulders. You can then ask about your friend and how her life has been. Soon enough, you’re distracted and start cracking jokes. Talking to my friends always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.

4) Cure 4: Journal

I’ve always loved to journal; I’ve been journaling on-and-off for more than 10 years now. When everything seems like a mess, writing things down is a way of calming down your mind. It can be hard to put a finger to WHY you’re in a bad mood. Journaling lets you think and put your thoughts into words properly.

It’s also another way to look back at the past you. I have an online journal on Penzu and a physical notebook. Each year, the website sends you an email to see what you wrote in the past. According to one journal entry, I struggled with starting university. Had I not seen that journal entry, I wouldn’t have remembered that. I forget things I write in my journal, I would say, nine out of ten times. Reading previous journal entries is a reminder that whatever I’m going through right now, too shall pass, just like everything else. It’s a little piece of history.

5) Cure 5:  Go On YouTube

YouTube is my best friend. I’m on that website every day. Netflix has gotten better with its show selection but it takes time and dedication to finish a show or movie. YouTube has shorter videos so I prefer YouTube. Also, I no longer have Netflix because I chose only one ongoing subscription, and that is, Spotify. I had too many unnecessary expenses and had to make some decisions to cut my spending.

YouTube is a great distraction and my escape place. Just browsing the catalogue and choosing what you want to watch will keep you busy.

I like watching short documentaries or interviews with the less fortunate when I’m in a bad mood. It’s easy to get caught up with our own lives to remember how privileged many of us are. I definitely need the reminder sometimes. Even though I’m not in a good place right now mentally, it makes me appreciate where I am today compared to so many others. Or if I need a laugh at funny videos, I also turn to YouTube.

6) Cure 6: Do Something You’ve Been Putting Off

Working on my blog gives me immense joy especially when I figured out something I was trying to for the longest time. As you may know, I’m a Vestiaire Collective affiliate which means the company pays me a small commission if you use my link to buy something on the website.

I was trying to find a suitable banner image that can take my readers directly to Vestiaire Collective.  A lot of the affiliate links are within each post’s text but people tend to click on pictures more. I couldn’t figure it out for a while but when I did, it felt so nice! My bad mood improved significantly. Do something small you’ve been putting off. You will feel better.

7) Cure 7: Shopping

SHOPPING! Shopping does cheer me up but I would use this one cautiously. You obviously want to get out of a funk but not at the cost of your wallet. There are many cute and affordable clothing stores in Hong Kong. If you’re open to buying some designer brands, Vestiaire Collective is a great website. Don’t be fooled, even though it’s a preloved luxury platform, there are 100% new and unused items as well.

8) Cure 8: Cook Something

It’s easy to sit and sulk when you’re in a bad mood. The hardest part is forcing myself to get up and doing something. The process of gathering the ingredients to the finished product is something I still marvel at because I did that. All. By. Myself. Although I don’t cook as much as I used to, I’ve gotten much better at it. Simply because I’ve had more practice.

Sharing the food I’ve made with the people I love is a mood booster. People don’t usually pass up on good food. It’s even better when they shower you with compliments on the recipes I found online.

9) Cure 9: Eat Something (Indulge A Little!)

What’s the next step after cooking? The best part! EATING. I’m not telling you to pig out but if there’s something you’ve been craving and you haven’t allowed yourself to indulge, go get yourself a treat.

Have you been craving a donut but haven’t had one lately? Go for it!

10) Cure 10: Go Out For A Walk

I prefer cooler weather so in Toronto, this is always my first option to heal my bad mood. It’s hotter in Hong Kong so I prefer going to an air-conditioned area. Physically getting out of the house can feel like a lot of work but getting your body moving and being in a new environment will help you feel better. Are you still following your New Year’s resolution to be active? Here’s your chance!

11) Cure 11: Take A Warm Bath Or Shower

Ah, just THINKING about a nice warm shower or bath is relaxing now. It would the perfect end to a day soaking in bath salts with bubbles all around you. My mind is clear when I take a warm shower. I never want to get out once I’m in there. The warm water will relax your muscles. You’ll feel more energized too because you’ll be clean.

What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re in a bad mood? Leave a comment down below!

Xoxo,
Nicole