HOW TO LIFT YOUR MOOD

Hi my friend,

I’ve been thinking about the word ‘MOOD’. It is mostly used in a negative way and associated with being in a bad mood. If someone says to you “Are you in a mood?” or “You’re moody today!” you would straightaway assume that they think you are not happy; and if you were happy in that moment, this could make you feel unhappy. When we want the word MOOD to express positivity, we add a word in-front of it, such as good mood, festive mood, generous mood.

TODAY I WANT TO USE THE WORD IN A POSITIVE WAY AND LIFT YOUR MOOD

It’s quite understandable in this state of lockdown, that we may experience a bad mood at one time or another. Sometimes we just cannot think of anything but what we can’t do during this confinement … and that is normal. But when you stay with those negative feelings for too long, it can be harder to pull yourself back up - more so if you live alone.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS YOU MAY FIND USEFUL

We all know the usual things to do, like meditation and exercise, but here’s some different suggestions ….

SMILE - the act of smiling really can turn a frown upside down. REARRANGE SOME FURNITURE - by changing the look of your room really can lift your spirits. CHEW GUM - strange, but the repetitive action can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety and stress. MUNCH ON CHOCOLATE - it’s true! Try it, it works. SNUGGLE - wrap a soft blanket around you and snuggle. PUT SOMETHING GREEN ON - green symbolisms happiness. LIGHT A CANDLE - watching a flickering flame can relax you. SNIFF CERTAIN SCENTS - orange, lemon, lavender or your favorite perfume, can reduce anxiety. ACHIEVE A GOAL - something fun like picking a pencil off the floor using only your toes. GO TO THE LOO - a few minutes with no external stimulation can do wonders for stress. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS -write down what you are thankful for, even the little things like a friend sent you a message. CUDDLE - physical touch can decrease stress and improve health. DE-CLUTTER - now is the perfect time to sort that kitchen drawer.

At times like this it is also good to plan things to look forward too, such as video calls with friends or a group of friends. Put that date on the calendar so you are all ready with a drink in hand. Make a timetable to give your day structure, like you had for work - a time for exercise (lots of routines on the internet], a time for calling family, a time to listen to or watch inspirational material, a time to mediate or read quietly - you are only limited for ideas of things to do, by negative thoughts. Use the time in a positive way and your mood will be lifted immediately.

I hope this has helped in some way.

With gratitude and hugs

Jacqueline