17 Ways to Boost Your Mood Naturally

We've all been there before.

You have a rough day at work, the kids are giving you a headache, or perhaps you're simply just having an off day for no apparent reason. Bad days happen to anyone at any time. It's important to have a strategy in place to help pull you out of such moods because let's face it, life is hard enough.

When bad moods come creeping back, try some of these tips for busting through a bad mood in minutes.

1. Open the Blinds and Let the Sunlight In

It's well known that sunlight, or the lack thereof, has a direct effect on one's mood. It's one of the reasons some people experience seasonal mood disorder when the sunlight is lacking for longer periods of time. It's widely believed that sunlight can cause the brain to release a hormone called serotonin, which has a calming effect on the mind, increasing one's focus and overall spirit.

2. Get Outside

For the reason listed above, yes, but also to experience the larger, more natural world. If you are cooped up all day, whether in the house or in an office, it can begin to feel like a prison. Free yourself by enjoying the outdoors.

3. Cuddle a Furry Friend

Pets, especially dogs, have many positive effects on a person's mental health. Caring for another animal can take you outside of your own mind, but certain animals, namely dogs, are able to perceive a person's mood. Dogs are known to help owners cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. When needed, they are the perfect shoulder to cry on.

4. Smile

Did you know that by simply smiling, you can trick your brain into feeling like it's happy? Studies have shown that smiling releases a chemical in your brain that can improve your mood, lower stress, and even improve your immune system. Suddenly, hearing "cheer up and smile" actually sounds like it has some merit behind it.

5. Flex Your Creative Muscles

It can be painting a portrait, sketching a picture, photographing a landscape, or writing in a creative journal. Give your brain something else to focus on, exercising a different part of your brain altogether.

6. Do a Good Deed

Have you ever heard that it's hard to worry about yourself when you're focused on helping someone else? It's scary how true that can be. Multiple studies have proven that doing good helps us feel good, even if it's just giving us a sense of purpose. It allows you to get outside of yourself and empathize with others, most of which are probably worse off than you.

7. Get a Good Night's Sleep

We know you already know this but it's worth repeating. It's crazy how much a lack of sleep can be detrimental to nearly every aspect of your health: physical, emotional, and mental. There's a reason that sleep deprivation has been used as a form of torture. Your body and your mind simply cannot function on a healthy level without it. So save that Netflix show for another time at a more reasonable hour. Your body and mind will thank you.

8. Write in a Gratitude Journal

In case it's not already obvious, identifying and listing out things you can be personally grateful for has significant benefits on your mental health. It can help train your brain to look for the good instead of the bad, improve self-esteem, reduce stress, and more. Often, the glass really is half full instead of just half empty.

9. Move - Exercise, Walk, Play a Sport, or Ride a Back

Exercise...it's not just for the body; the mental benefits are quite extensive as well. Regularly getting out for some quality exercise can improve your self-confidence and boost your mood. And if you're harboring any negative feelings, exercise can help get that negativity out of your system. Even just a peaceful bike ride can do wonders for your mood, allowing yourself to feel a sense of freedom as the fresh breeze passes over you.

10. Sing

Cue up that favorite song or album, whether it be melancholic or upbeat, and just sing your feelings. We recommend singing in the car or shower so that you can really allow yourself to be uninhibited.

11. Visit with a Friend

Sometimes you just need someone to commiserate with, and that's okay. It's also helpful to have that friend you can call up whenever you need a laugh or a good time. Find a good support system of friends around you and cut out those who don't have your back.

12. Laugh

If smiling is scientifically proven to help improve your mood, then imagine what genuine laughter can do. So call up that friend or cue up The Office on Netflix for the 100th time. You can always look up funny videos on YouTube, TikTok, or Twitter. Whenever you come across them, add them to your bookmarks for those rainy days when your mood needs a good boost.

13. Get Present

If life is overwhelming you, try sitting for 5 minutes in complete stillness and silence. Take slow, deep breaths while focusing on what you smell, feel, see, taste, and hear. Allow your mind to reset and focus on the small world around you, whether you're in the comfort of your living room or out at a park, find your center and your happy place.

14. Declutter or Rearrange Some Furniture

It's no secret that clutter and disorganization can increase stress and anxiety. So if your mood is taking a dive and you can't figure out why, look to your living or workspace...could they stand some tidying up. Or perhaps your space just needs a new arrangement. Give yourself a fresh start by having a clean and organized.

15. Spend Time Around Happy People

Positivity and happiness can be contagious. When you find that your mood is dipping, seek out those who can lift you up. You may find that you'll soon be joining in on the fun.

16. Smell Certain Scents

There are a handful of scents that are known to not only improve mood but also productivity -- a win-win. Seek out scents such as lemon, lavender, jasmine, peppermint, and cinnamon for a little boost to your mood.

17. Donate to or Volunteer for a Cause You Believe In

You can often kill two birds with one stone when you combine this tactic with "Do a Good Deed." Giving back is a great way to lift you up from a foul mood. There are so many in need and though we all have good intentions in giving back, the sad truth is we rarely do. When the bad mood hits, take the opportunity to seek out those who need help. It could be a charity or a cause that needs more awareness with your help. Make sure it's something you're passionate about and you'll feel that much more rewarded and satisfied.

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