We know. It’s been a rough day. It feels like this mood has settled in for the next few hours at least, like the only thing to do is wallow in your sadness/frustration/anxiety and listen to “When I Die Young” on repeat, read more Trump news, or snap at your partner (respectively). And sometimes, yes, those things are unavoidable.
But not right now! Right now you’ve decided to make a change, to pick yourself up and dust yourself off, to turn things around! (Okay sorry you get it.) This list is stocked with specific, practical, actionable tasks that you can do right now to improve your mood. And they’re mostly backed by science.
1. Write a list of everything you’re grateful for.
This is something we were told over and over again by our mothers, and guess what—it works.
2. Organise something.
Even if it’s a single drawer, organising something is known to relieve stress. And personally, we find it to be the single most effective method of clearing our mind.
3. Do a quick workout.
We mean like really quick. Just get out of your chair and do as many pushups as you can (if you’re anything like us, that will be really really quick).
4. Call someone you love just to tell them you love them.
Works every time.
5. Make plans with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile.
(Skip if ~being too busy~ is causing your current mood.)
6. Eat something delicious (and healthy).
Yes we know, we would very much like it to be five doughnuts too, but excessive sugar might make matters worse here.
7. Listen to Hamilton OR Moana OR In the Heights.
Told you these were going to be specific!!
8. Watch a TED Talk.
We’ve got a list for twenty-somethings, thirty-somethings, and forty-somethings! We also love David Foster Wallace’s This Is Water.
9. Look at these puppies.
You’re welcome.
10. Look at these babies.
It’s not creepy it’s for your health.
11. Donate to a charitable organisation.
It’s okay if you do this good thing for selfish reasons. Seriously, go ahead!
12. Meditate.
There’s a reason people are obsessed with meditation—it can have near-magic results.
13. Take a nap.
We don’t care that we’re all adults here—sometimes a nap is exactly what you need.
14. Buy yourself some flowers.
Studies have shown that fresh flowers can reduce anxiety and increase productivity. And hey, worst case scenario, your office will look beautiful.
