Some days are just rough, no way around it.
And Mondays?
Let's not even go there.
Whether you aren't feeling well, or the kids are uncooperative, or life just starts crumbling, it's easy to get lost in the downward mood spiral. I'm guilty as charged for following the Downward Mood rabbit hole. It only takes one little thing to set me off: A child whining firstnd.thing in the morning, forgetting to pay a bill on time, getting out the door late for any number of reasons. And just like that, my mood sinks until I'm just a bear to reckon with by the time bedtime rolls around.
Sound familiar?
It's hard to feel motivated when you are down and out. But no worries: I have a few sure-fire ways to brighten my mood, to stop the downward spiral in it's tracks, and even put a smile on my face. Do you need some ideas on how to put some spunk in your step?
Here are some of mine:
Sing it out
I'm that crazy person in the car who blasts the cheesiest music possible through my speakers and sings along at the top of my lungs. There is just something about bad music and singing that perks up my soul. And really, who can feel bad singing to this, this or this?
Dance it out
If I'm in a particularly foul mood, I like to crank the music in my family room (or even the car) and just dance. I'm certain people have driven next to me and considered calling 911 as I gyrated in the drivers seat. Just dance, people. Take a cue from Meredith and Christina (or Meredith and Derek, for that matter). It doesn't matter if you can't keep a beat. It doesn't matter if you've got no moves. It doesn't matter that people might mistake your rhythm for back spasms. Just dance.
Eat cookie dough
Yup. Straight from the tube. It may not be the best thing for your diet. And sure, it could give you salmonella. But can we all agree that cookie dough is just the bee's knees?
Go for a jog
In direct conflict with the above statement, exercise does a body good. And when you are feeling stressed, going for a quick run (however loosely we are using the term "run" here on this blog) releases endorphins. And endorphins just make you feel awesome. Perhaps eat the cookie dough first, then run. And then possibly puke.
Dress up
Many of you work, and have the opportunity to spruce up your look on a daily basis. As a stay-at-home Mom, I easily fall into the rut of hanging out in my pajamas. And contrary to popular belief, I don't stay in my flannel pants all morning because it's comfy. Rather, I sometimes just can't get around to changing my clothes in the midst of changing diapers, pouring bowls of cereals, breaking up sibling fights, attempting to clean and keep the house tidy. Ok. And maybe because it's kind of comfy. I also hate wasting a nice outfit on the interior walls of my home if I know I'm not leaving the
So there you have it. 5 easy ways to brighten your mood today. They may be small things. But small things can make a big difference.
What do you do to put a smile on your face when you're having a bad day?
PS - Or you can just watch this clip of Ron Swanson drunk dancing. Puts a smile on my face every time.
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