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Health and Wellness

5 Ways to Instantly Boost Your Mood

For the days when you feel down and blue.

Bailey McCall

Nov 05, 2016

Colorado Mesa University

Pexels

We all have those days where we simply feel below our best. Whether it's because you didn't do well on an exam, you're having problems with family, or you just don't feel happy, experiencing down days is a normal part of being human. Luckily, there are many ways to easily boost your mood. Here are 5 simple tricks to get you out of the dumps.

1. Try Aromatherapy

Throw on a sweet smelling vanilla lotion, spray a citrus room spray throughout your house, sniff a bottle of lavender oil. Whatever your favorite scent is, you can immerse yourself in that smell and instantly boost your mood.

2. Go Out and Move

Try going for a brisk walk or a jog. Do a few dozen jumping jacks or push-ups. Getting your blood pumping and heart rate up can really help to clear your head. If you have time, try to do a full workout. You will really feel a difference.

3. Get Romantic

If you have a significant other, having romantic time with that person will boost your mood. Whether that means cuddling up on the couch and watching Netflix or going all out, those feel-good hormones will be released in your brain. If you don't have a significant other, you can still lift your mood by hugging a friend.

4. Play a Mood-Boosting Playlist

Listening to just 20 minutes of mood-boosting songs will really have an effect on your mood. Pandora and Spotify both have pre-made mood boosting playlists that you can listen to now. You can also make a playlist of your favorite happy songs. Put on your headphones and jam along.

5. Smile

Did you know that the act of smiling alone can lift your mood? It may sound silly, but try smiling at nothing. Hold your smile for 10 or 15 seconds. You will feel your mood get better instantly.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Ways to Instantly Boost Your Mood

For the days when you feel down and blue.

1. Try Aromatherapy

2. Go Out and Move

3. Get Romantic

4. Play a Mood-Boosting Playlist

5. Smile

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Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

Syllabus week doesn't exist.

All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

I get it... I'm pale.

1. At least I can't lose you in a crowd!

2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

6. *holds arm against your arm* Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!