12 easy ways to instantly cheer yourself up

In difficult times, cheerfulness of mind is a valuable resource. But how to keep it, if stressful situations or news come in a thick shoal? We offer to analyze effective ways to raise your mood. Catch tips from psychologists.

psychologist-dispenser, neurologist

“If you are not the first day, or even not the first month are in a depressed state, do not dismiss it, do not ignore your discomfort. Try some remedies that require little to no cost to get started.”

1. Laugh

There’s a reason why some news publishers today have started posting videos of funny animals. Humorous content is a great antidote to heavy thoughts, at least for a while. Some like Soviet comedies, some like stand-ups, some like weird memes “for their own”. Organize yourself uninterrupted access to funny and try to laugh at least once a day sincerely laugh in your voice.

2. Socialize with friends

Schedule a meeting at a café for a cup of flavored tea, in the park or at home. If you can’t make it face-to-face, make a video call. Set a positive and light tone to your conversation. Recall childhood mischief, tell each other about books you’ve read, what curious observations you’ve made during the time you haven’t seen each other. You will definitely feel better. As the saying goes, “a man needs a man”.

3. Move around

Any physical activity supplies your body with a healing dose of dopamine, the pleasure hormone. Yoga, dancing, warming up, cleaning the house – anything will do. Outdoor activity works especially well. For example, a brisk walk or jogging in the park.

By the way, you can combine two options at once: movement and socializing. You can call a friend not for a cup of coffee, but for a light jog, bike riding or yoga.

4. Declutter your closet

Take a few hours to give your closet a thorough overhaul. Does that shirt look old and boring to you? Shouldn’t you wear that sweater that conjures up the day of your promotion more often? Isn’t it time to buy new, stylish socks, because there are only “singles” left on the shelf? There’s really something magical about this process: it’s like you’re bringing control and perspective back into your life.

5. Listen to music and dance

Update your playlist: less sad ballads, more drive – techno, disco, funk and so on. It has been observed that almost everyone benefits from Mozart. Re-listen to songs that you associate with the most pleasant events of the past. Sometimes even a commercial jingle from the 90s can unexpectedly improve your mood. Do not be lazy to look for new tracks, so you will also “cheer up” your brain. Well, the combination of “movement + music” can quickly turn Donkey Ea into an enthusiastic Tigger.

6. Remember small victories

Every day, think of two or three things that you did well today. Let’s say you parked your car perfectly, fried the perfect frosting, or made a sharp joke in a friendly chat room. Don’t devalue these moments, they are the sugar and pepper of life.

7. Do a good deed

“Are you feeling bad? Find someone who is even worse off and help them.” The principle is not new, but it works as reliably as gravity. Helping can be more than just a large sum of money or some kind of labor. Listening is help. To support is help. To say a sincere compliment, to distract from the heavy thoughts that actually haunt you – it is the same.

Do not pass by an elderly person with a heavy bag or a young mother with a bulky stroller at the underpass. Stop, invest five minutes of your life in a positive action. And then compare your state before and after.

8. Do nice little things for yourself

Drink coffee in the morning from a fine china cup for guests. Not keeping a set of dressy linens for a “special occasion” but deciding that it is today. Eat a fresh Napoleon cake after dinner (yes, yes, after six, how awful!).

Remember the parable of the monk driven into the abyss by a hungry tiger: holding on to some driftwood with one hand, with the other he reached for the red, juicy strawberries overhanging the abyss and plucked them. The legend is silent about whether he was saved or not. However, we know for sure: he managed to taste the sweetest, most delicious berry.

analytical psychologist, psychosomatotherapist, coach.

“There’s a beautiful fall season ahead – colored leaves and cozy sweaters. But even here there is something to be sad about. After all, the day is getting shorter, and we would like to prolong the sunny mood. So how can we provide ourselves with an influx of positive emotions? To the above tips I would add a few more. They are also simple and effective.

9. Master deep breathing

Pause and concentrate on your breathing. Deep inhales and exhales can help reduce stress and tension, as well as improve circulation and supply your brain with more oxygen. This lifts your mood. Also, conscious breathing, especially when exercising, can help increase stamina, reduce fatigue, and help you succeed in an argument.

10. Incorporate positive affirmations

These will help focus on the positive aspects of life. Positive affirmations affect negative emotions and thoughts, shifting attention from them to more optimistic ones. So you can not only raise your mood in the moment, but also learn to control your emotional background.

So, try repeating positive affirmations about yourself and your life. If you are not ready for a long practice, let it be just five minutes a day. What wording should you use? “I value myself,” “I am able to overcome difficulties,” “I can do anything” – let them sound something like this. Positive affirmations are a good way to get rid of negative thoughts and put yourself in a positive mood.

11. Practice gratitude

Research shows that practicing gratitude is linked to increased levels of happiness and life satisfaction. It helps us recognize simple joys and notice small and big wins. Try to find a few moments or things for which you can be grateful. This will change the focus of your thoughts, shifting it in a positive direction. A good mood should pull up automatically.

12. find a hobby that is engaging

Engaging in something we really enjoy makes us feel joy and fulfillment in the process of creating or accomplishing something meaningful. A favorite craft, playing the guitar, or photography can really make you happier. It’s a great way to boost your endorphins.

So, how can you cheer up if you feel sad and sad? Remember that a person’s mood depends on many factors, both internal and external. To control your mood, you need to be aware of them. Don’t forget that moods can change and it is important to listen to your emotions and pay attention to your own needs. By combining different methods, you can effectively improve your state of mind in the moment.