5 Tips to Banish a Bad Mood
My family and I created this emotion called emo. It's when you are feeling down, EMOtional, and sad. Okay let me clarify what I mean when I say emo. I don't mean you have sudden urge to go listen to Pierce the Veil and buy some band tees from Hot Topic. It's when you are feeling down, EMOtional, and sad. Maybe you are feeling that right now and if not this is for your future emo self.
- GET OFF SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR PHONE -I know what you are thinking," C'mon Addi. I'm feeling like crap right now and all I want to do is to mindlessly scroll through Instagram." While I completely understand, being on your phone is going to make you feel worse. You will see your friends doing something fun, a celebrity's perfect life, or a stranger going on the vacation of your dreams. Seeing a person's highlight reel (aka their social media) while you are in down in the dumps, is going to make you feel worse!
- STAND UP, STRETCH, AND GET YOUR HEART PUMPING -I have realized that the times I am usually most emo happen when I am sitting or laying. Even though my mind is screaming at me to stay lying in fetal position, I override it and get up.(Here's the thing about our brains: they want to keep us 'safe' at all costs.) But your brain isn't smart sometimes so it thinks getting up will hurt it. Silly brain! Once you battle your brain to submission just stand up and then just stretch for a bit to warm up. Then it's time to cardio. My exercise of choice is jumping jacks. They are quick, easy, and don't require a lot. Or I plug in my earbuds and dance it out. Yay for natural endorphins!!
- Change up your room in a small way -I like to change the quotes on my letterboard and lightbox. But you can hang positive quotes on your wall, write positive messages in dry-erase marker on your mirror, or rearrange your desk.
- Paint your nails! -This is great when you are starting to feel a bit better. It focuses your mind on painting and not on what was bothering you. And as a plus, you have pretty nails!!
- Sit outside and read a book or listen to a podcast -There is just something about being outside that perks me up. When you have enjoyed nature enough, that's when the book or podcast comes in handy. I advise you to not be on your phone because while that is the easiest entertainment option, it's what most likely put you in a bad mood.
I know talking about ways to help yourself is SO much easier than actually doing it. Even though most of us have the tools to help ourselves it is hard to wield them. (I know that from personal experience.) Writing this post reminded me of the tools I have and I hope it helps you too!
-Love, Addi
