1. Count your blessings.
Write down three things you’re grateful for. Gratitude is good for you. It shifts your perspective – forces you to think about the good rather than dwelling on the bad. And writing your blessings before bedtime can even help you sleep more deeply.
3. Dance!
OK, my preference is to dance. Turn on your favorite song, but if you prefer jumping jacks or a run around the block or whatever, do your thing. The point is, get moving! Exercise is a mood booster.
4. Sing – badly!
Did you know singing is good for you? But the key is to not care how good you sound. Just belt out that tune – off key, if necessary – purely for the joy of it.
5. Bless somebody.
There’s no better way to feel good fast than to do something to make someone else smile. Altruism takes the focus off of ourselves and helps us connect to the people around us, reminding us that what we do matters. Self-absorption is a recipe for depression. Who could you help right now?
My challenge:
Boost your mood in the next five minutes. Then put this list somewhere to remind you of the little things that can make a big difference in how you feel.
Journaling assignment:
What are your favorite mood boosters? What feelings do they provoke in you? Comment below, I want to hear from you! 🙂
Valorie Burton is an author of eight books, including her latest, Your 5 Minute Personal Coach. She is founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. Subscribe to her free e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com.