5 Quick Ways to Snap Out of a Bad Mood

We’ve all had those mornings when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed or feel like every single thing that can go wrong is going wrong – your alarm didn’t go off or you forgot an...

5 Quick Ways to Snap Out of a Bad Mood

We’ve all had those mornings when we wake up on the wrong side of the bed or feel like every single thing that can go wrong is going wrong – your alarm didn’t go off or you forgot an appointment. And some days there’s no reason at all – you’re just in a bad mood.

It happens to the best of us. But don’t worry. You don’t have to stay stuck in a bad mood all day. Keep reading for five quick ways to snap yourself right out of those bad mood vibes.
 

5 Quick Ways to Snap Out of a Bad Mood:

1. Take a Deep Breath

Take a deep breath (and then take five more).

I don’t know about you, but when I’m in a bad mood – frustrated, angry or irritated – I have a tendency to hold my breath. Sometimes I don’t even realize it until I take a few intentional breaths and it feels like I haven’t taken a full inhale for hours.

So wherever you are, pause and take a few slow inhales and exhales. Your body will instantly respond. And those crazy thoughts flying around your mind will slow down.

Need a little guidance? Try these 4 Breathing Exercises for Meditation, Stress Relief, and Overall Wellbeing
 

2. Stretch

Stretching is a great way to release all the tension that builds up when we’re in a less than stellar mood.

The next time you catch yourself in a bad mood, notice how tight your shoulder and neck muscles are. You can unclench your jaw, do neck circles, lower the shoulders, and do gentle side body stretches.
 

You don’t have to stay stuck in a bad mood all day.

 
Combine stretching with deep breathing and you’ve got an instant mood-boosting yoga practice.

If you’re looking for more of a physical practice, check out these 9 Mood-Boosting Yoga Poses to Elevate Your Mood
 

3. Get Outside

Get outside if you can. Fresh air can do wonders for your mental health and mindset.

If you are in a bad mood, go for a long walk by yourself, head out for a quick walk around the block with a co-worker on your lunch break, or step out onto your front porch for a brief moment.

However you can make it work into your situation, find a way to change up your environment and get outside for fresh air. A little extra vitamin D will help, too!
 

4. Laughter is the Best Medicine

Who doesn’t feel better after a good laugh? That’s because laughter affects your stress response and can actually release endorphins.

Turns out, sometimes laughter is the best medicine and the quickest way to find lightness and change your perspective.

The next time you are in a bad mood, find something that makes you laugh, whether it’s your favorite stand-up comedy video, a chat with your funniest friend or ridiculous memes on Facebook.

We Aren’t Joking! Here Are 3 Serious Reasons to Try Laughter Yoga
 

5. Let it Out

When our bad moods are brought on by something specific – an argument, a rude comment, the weather – sometimes you need to get it out of your system. Let yourself vent for five minutes and then move on. Talk to a friend, write it down or talk to yourself!

Putting a time limit on your venting sesh ensures you won’t get stuck wallowing. Be sure to have a “next step” to move on to when your time is up, like going for a walk or checking something off your to-do list.
 
 

Create Your Own Bad Mood Plan

Bad moods happen to the best of us. Now that you have a few ideas for how to handle it, why not create a bad mood plan so you know exactly what to do when the next bad mood strikes.

Pick a couple things to try next time you feel stuck and write them down for reference (or save this article!)

Remember, there’s no shame in landing in a bad mood. It doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you, it means you’re human. So keep your head up and keep moving forward. You got this!

Take This Yoga Class to Boost Your Mood!

Join us on YogiApproved Classes for this 30-minute practice that is sure to help you bounce back and move forward in a better headspace.

Mood Boost Flow

With Michelle Stanger

30-minutes Class | All Levels