A Ray Of Happiness: 13 Things You Can Do To Instantly Feel Good And Uplift Your Mood

Our mood and state of mind affect everything in our day. If you’re feeling down or if you’ve ever been stuck in a bad mood, these 13 things can help lift up your mood and take you back to that happy place!

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a ray of happiness: 13 things you can do to instantly feel good and uplift your mood

Disclaimer: Please do not take any of the suggestions in this post as a claim for a quick fix to a diagnosed depressive disorder or any other mental illness.

When we are not in a good mood, or rather when we are in a bad mood, it affects everything from our interactions with other people to our productivity and ability to focus. This is why you need to have a backup plan for when things go south, you should have a go-to list of things to help you lift yourself up and get back to work and carry on with your responsibilities.

I personally don’t like being stuck in a bad mood for longer than a few minutes; I always have to figure a way to shake that feeling off and get back to my bubbly mood.

And today I want to share this list of 13 things I do that instantly enhance my mood and make me more open to work and, therefore, more productive.

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A Ray Of Happiness: 13 Things You Can Do To Instantly Feel Good And Uplift Your Mood:

  1. Little Box of Happiness
  2. Praise File
  3. Pump Me Up!
  4. The Toilet Flush Method
  5. Heavy Workouts
  6. A Little Bit of JAZZ
  7. LOL
  8. The Brain Purge
  9. Connect to Higher Powers
  10. Before Sunrise
  11. Some Pampering Never Hurts
  12. Yoga FTW
  13. Comfort Food with a Twist

13 Things You Can Do To Instantly Feel Good And Uplift Your Mood

1. Little Box of Happiness

Many years ago, when I was in high school, this idea occurred to me. I would write on a small piece of paper something good that happened to me that day, or anything that made me happy, I would then fold this paper several times till it’s so tiny, put it in a little sky-blue coloured box, and put the box in a drawer.

And then if I’m ever feeling down, I would get that box out and randomly pick a paper and read it. They never failed to make me smile.

Many of the things I read in there, I forget they ever even happened. So getting that happy memory back is always lovely.

2. Praise File

Recently, I started taking screenshots of compliments I get, either on my work or just positive, uplifting words that people so kindly pass my way.

I add all these screenshots into a file, and whenever I feel in doubt about what I’m doing, or whether or not I should carry on this path, I check that file and read all the positive things that people have said about my work.

It instantly make me feel better and gives me a confidence boost. It makes me go back to work with a renewed enthusiasm.

I learned this one from a book I read called Steal Like An Artist.

3. Pump Me Up!

This may sound cheesy, but you know the motivational videos which usually has some uplifting background music and a voice so full of energy fueling you to push yourself, giving you that boost to just get up and do something?

Yes, I love those.

I don’t know about other people, but I get a kick out of having someone screaming, enthusiastically, telling me I can do it.

It is more like if you are in a boxing match and you’re almost knocked out, but then in this break before the last round, your coach is screaming in your ears, “You’re so powerful, you can win this, go finish him!” And then you go and you knock him out.

Except it’s usually me knocking out some negative thoughts and feelings; it feels good, you should try it.

Some of the videos that come to mind right now are this one (an absolute favourite),and there is also that one and this too.

4. The Toilet Flush Method

I got this one from my mother. She used to say that whenever she found out someone was mean or hurt her in any way, she would throw them in the toilet and flush it, and BAM! them and everything about them is gone out of her life.

At first, I thought this was irrational. You can’t just mentally flush someone in the toilet and feel better. Then I tried it, and guess what? It works.

Just focusing on this person that has wronged you in any way, or this situation that keeps replaying in your head and stopping you from carrying on with your day, focus on this for a moment.

Focus hard enough that you can mentally see this thing/person physically right there, down the toilet.

Then hit that flush button with all your energy and see them get pulled down with the water and disappear into the darkness that is the sewer.

It might sound odd to you, but believe me, it feels good!

5. Heavy Workouts

This is especially effective to me if I’m angry or feeling frustrated for any reason. Working out and pushing myself physically sort of gets out any negative energy I have.

And, apart from this, I generally feel good and energetic after workouts. This is why I implement them in my daily routine.

Because you don’t have to wait until you feel bad to start thinking of ways to make yourself feel good. You should work on feeling good every day, regardless of the type of day you’re having.

And, speaking of workout routines, if you want to start working out daily but lack the motivation, I have a workout challenge every month and there is one coming up September 1st.

6. A Little Bit of JAZZ

Most of the time, an upbeat track will instantly transcend me into a whole different zone.

Something many people do when they feel down is listening to sad music, which is sort of counter-initiative; why do you want to listen to sad music when you are already sad? It will only make you feel worse.

So if this is not what you are aiming for, put on some cheerful songs or just upbeat instrumentals and let the music do its magic.

Here are some of my favourites: Some French instrumentals and some more, these Elvis songs, and this Jazz channel.

7. Laugh Out Loud

Sometimes I’d have an unpleasant conversation or go through a bad a situation and it puts me in a bad mood. And when I can’t get myself out of this feeling, I know I need a laugh. So I will put on a good a comedy show or film.

Being immersed into the show/film takes my mind off of whatever it is that was bothering me; and laughing puts me in a good mood. So, once I’m finished watching, I would be back in a happy place again.

If you don’t have something in mind to watch, here are some film suggestions.

8. The Brain Purge

This is a very effective method when you have so much on your mind, or when you are feeling sad and are not sure why exactly.

Bring a pen/pencil and a piece of paper and start writing down whatever you feel could be bothering you, or anything that comes to your mind. It is basically a way to empty everything in your head on paper.

Once you are done writing, you are free to cut it and throw it away, burn it, (or keep it for writing inspirations?), whatever you decide to do with it, it doesn’t matter, you will still feel so much calmer once these thoughts are out of your head.

9. Connect to Higher Powers

I am a huge believer that prayer and meditation can greatly affect your mood. I get that some people may not agree with this, but it works for me.

When you pray, you are in a one-on-one conversation with God, and I can’t think of anything that can make someone feel more at peace.

Another similar thing would be meditation. Meditation is trying to be one with the universe, letting your thoughts flow through your mind and be conscious of every breath you take, every sound, till you feel you have reached some clarity and peace of mind.

You can also implement these things in your daily routine; it is good to practice having a peaceful mind every day.

10. Before Sunrise

That hour or two before sunrise is my favourite time of day. It is so clear and quiet. You only hear birds and it’s just you and the sky and the empty streets. It is also before the temperature starts rising and everything becomes hot and sticky.

And that is the best time to go out for a walk or a jog. It is a great way to decompress, clear your mind, and have a breath of fresh air.

If you can’t go out for any reason, then maybe stand in the balcony for a bit, enjoy that morning breeze and treat your mind with some beautiful sky scenery.

11. Some Pampering Never Hurts

Sometimes, just going to get my nails done or my hair cut, makes me feel better. I am not exactly sure what would be a male’s alternative in that case, though. But I think both genders may agree that having someone doing your hair, instead of you doing it yourself, does feel nice and relaxing.

I usually do this stuff myself, because budgeting! But still part of the budget should have some money set aside for just spoiling yourself when you need it.

12. Yoga FTW

I don’t even know what to say here. Just do yoga. You won’t regret it.

Yoga is like workouts and meditation wrapped into one. It is the perfect combo to get your body’s strength and flexibility, get your blood flowing, and feel good, relaxed and calm, all at the same time.

Trust me, you can never go wrong with yoga.

13. Comfort Food with a Twist

I love food. And I have a number of dishes that are absolute favourites, just eating one of them can make me feel 10 times better.

These dishes though are mainly ones that are high in carbs and sugar. Things like pasta, pizza, cinnamon rolls, donuts, cakes, etc.. So this is not a very healthy option, and not really something I would advice you to do.

Sometimes, I can also be on a very strict diet (like right now…) and I can’t eat any of those dishes. But even when I’m not on a diet, I still felt I should have some healthy alternatives that I can turn to instead of my usual ones.

And I found plenty of recipes online for dishes you can eat that would lift up your mood and are also healthy. You can check a list of 25 healthy comfort food recipes and 98 more!

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I hope one of these things can help turn someone’s day to the better. Let me know in the comments if you do other activities to lift up your mood.

Till next week, happy days!

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Author: Ray

Because a goal is a dream with a deadline, I started my one-year journey to achieving financial freedom. On those rare hours of day when I'm not working on that goal, I'm writing fiction, watching a film, or feeding birds.

46 thoughts on “A Ray Of Happiness: 13 Things You Can Do To Instantly Feel Good And Uplift Your Mood”

  1. Great and powerful tips to get our off a funk. I used to do the first too, I had a jar to which I would had positive memories. It’s one of the exercises we suggest the most when applying positive psychology, it really is mood lifting and it helps us shift our attention toward the positive ?

    1. Oh great to know my teenage hack to get myself out of a bad mood is actually a thing advised by professionals! 😀 Thanks, Vanessa!

  2. This is so awesome! I really love the idea of the Praise File because I would assume it would help with the thoughts I have on myself. I bookmarked this page for the next time I’m feeling lousy, which I’m in sort of a rock bottom feeling right now, to use!

    Thank you so much for sharing this.

    1. Praise File certainly helps when going through some self-doubt, or just losing motivation.

      Happy to know you found this useful, and hope you’re feeling better now! 🙂

    1. These are all simple yet effective suggestions. I especially liked the toilet flush method. I am also going to try the little box of happiness method. Motivational post! ?

  3. I absolutely love this post. My favourite thing to do to lift my mood as quickly as i can is a quick HIIT workout alway blows the stress right out the window.

    Thanks so much for sharing!

    Alicia

    1. Oh yes, HIIT is capable of ridding me of my soul—as in I can see it jumping out of my chest as I grasp for air—not just some negative vibes xD
      It’s definitely a great option to get rid of stress!
      Thanks for reading, Alicia!

  4. Even reading this post made me feel good already!
    Really useful tips. Some of them I use them already and are effective.
    Thank you for sharing!

  5. Lovely post! I relate the most with the jazz one haha. I usually play dance or pumping up beats and dance at home. Just make random moves and get myself feeling better ?

  6. I thoroughly enjoyed each of these tips! The best thing for me is to listen to Jazz music. I listen to Jazz at work (when my coworker annoys me), in the car (to keep me from road rage and being in my head too much), and when I’m writing blogs (to get my creative juices flowing. Jazz really does work. I also love the idea of the toilet flush. I’ve never heard of that until now and now I am interested in seeing if it will work for me. Thank you for these tips!

    Kendra | Self-Care Overload

  7. So let me start with #2 – what a great idea! It is those messages that keep me going and I am going to do that – now I have to go back and find some. I also love the toilet bowl flushing and can’t wait to try that. I think that is something that is great for kids when they have a bad day at school. They were all great ideas, but … no way I am getting up 2 hours before sunrise! Lol! I am not nor have I ever been a morning girl. xoxo

    1. Oh you’re right about the flushing being a good idea for children, it hadn’t actually occurred to me, but now I see how it can be fun for them and also a way for them to cope with bad days!

      And yea I hate waking up early morning too, so you know what I do now? I wake up at night! Haha!

  8. These are all great. I especially love the idea of the little box of happiness. Such a fantastic way to bring a bit of joy into your day. I’m going to have to make one.

  9. Talking to God is my ultimate favorite!!! It always brings me peace. The flushing down the toilet is hilarious. So many times I would have wanted to do that in the past. Thanks Mom!!! Great article! ~Linda

  10. Heavy workouts anytime. They clear my head instantly especially when I check myself out in the mirror?

    The toilet flush method is really odd.

    Also, I think most of them works only for not too severe hurt. The severe ones are scars and, sadly, won’t help.

    But great tips overall.

    1. I agree on the “checking self out in the mirror” bit too! Definitely a great mood boost! 😀

      And these certainly do not have a magical effect in healing deep emotional pain, however, some of these things when adapted and developed into a daily routine will will lead to a positive change in one’s life over time, which in turn can help reduce the effect of whatever negative emotion someone’s feeling.

      Of course, this will vary from one person to the other and from one situation to another, however, we should always try new ways until we find the technique that works for us and can help us cope with such emotions.

  11. These are genius! My favorites: Little Box of Happiness (I’m 100% giving that one a try) and the Toilet Flush Method (moms always know best, right?).

    I’ve never enjoyed yoga, but I want to so, so bad. One of my best friends does yoga like twice a day and she swears by it.

    I agree with you so much on the “before dawn” part. It’s 5:40am in my city right now, I’ve been up for 30 min working on my thing and feeling so motivated 🙂 It’s quiet and perfect.

    1. Oh I’m so happy you liked them, EmJay! Do give the box of happiness a try, it is amazing!
      Yoga was also not something that I was into a few years back, but it definitely grew on me; the more I practiced, the more I liked it. You just need to start with beginner poses first and work from there onto more complex ones. Let me know if you need suggestions any time. 🙂

  12. Music definitely helps me and organizing/sorting/cleaning too. I find that putting some energy into organizing a cupboard or area of the house, etc really helps. It focuses me on something positive (getting stuff done) and takes my mind off what is bothering me for a bit while also letting my brain sort through the issue without it being at the forefront of my thoughts. I often find I come to some kind of soluton this way.

    Great post with great tips!

    1. Molly, I absolutely agree with you. Sometimes when I’m not in a good mood, I find myself doing some house cleaning too. It does put my mind at ease and I’d be more relaxed afterward and feeling positive for being productive. I guess that might be the only time I actually like house chores. 😀

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