Little Ways to Improve Your Mood when You're Not Feeling so Hot ...

Yes, I know, it can be very irritating to hear this, especially when you haven’t been feeling well for a while and people repeat this over and over to you as if it’s going to cure everything. Thankfully I’m not here to pretend that water will be the end to all of your problems. Having a glass of water, however, can make you feel a little bit more hydrated and a little bit less terrible if you haven’t been able to eat well or get out of bed. In this case, it’s a small thing that could help make you feel the tiniest bit better when you need some relief. A glass of water is one of my favorite little ways to improve your mood.

Sometimes you don’t have the energy to shower, and that’s okay. In those moments, however, it’s difficult to not feel gross. Washing and moisturizing your face during a time like this can make a huge difference. It will make you feel a little bit cleaner and more refreshed, and it’s a small pressure-free way to show yourself some care. Washing has the added benefit of removing that unpleasant feeling of greasiness for those with oily skin, while moisturizing helps those with dry skin feel hydrated, so it’s a win all around.

Feeling pent up with emotions? When you’re not in the mood to socialize, writing about your feelings in a journal can be cathartic. You can vent about anything and everything and not worry about other people’s opinions since it’s for your eyes only. It can also help you get deeper in touch with your feelings and what you might need, as well as letting you expel some negative emotions so they’re not so overbearing. Writing in a journal can help in a small way to make big emotions feel slightly more manageable.

Sometimes we all need a bit of a break from reality, and reading or watching TV or a movie can help do that in an entertaining and safe way. A really enjoyable story can go a long way toward improving your mood, and you might be surprised to see yourself smiling once you’ve finished.

The most important thing you can do for yourself is seeking support when you need it. Whether that simply means asking a loved one for comfort, or it means it’s necessary to get professional help from a doctor or therapist, getting the support you need will ultimately contribute to your well-being. While small, these actions can become manageable stepping stones that can ultimately contribute to you feeling a bit better.