The complexity of human nature, emotions, and life almost demands that we have just as many bad days as good ones, if not more.
We all feel a bit low from time to time when things don’t go our way, or a day is particularly nasty from start to finish. Since we don’t have control over everything happening around us, and sometimes even things happening within us, feeling down is normal.
A useful skill to have when those days come is to know how to cheer up and bring back a positive attitude. Because let’s face it, the after-effects of a bad day mostly revolve around our mood.
So, what can we do when we’ve established that we can’t control what events will take place on a particular day? Should we opt for a magic eight ball to counter the luring bad days?
Fortunately, there are many simple and quick things that you can do to alleviate your bad mood and cheer up within minutes. You could also be wondering how to cheer up a friend when they’re feeling down, and you’re unsure of what to do.
In this article, we’re going to show you exactly how to cheer up when nothing seems to be going right.
1 – Deep Breaths
This one might sound like the ultimate cliché, but taking deep and regulated breaths is a miracle worker. You’ll be surprised to know that deep breathing is commonly used in psychological therapy to boost patients’ moods.
The simplified science behind this is that if we make a large amount of oxygen available to the brain, we immediately enhance its functioning.
Simultaneously, the expulsion of carbon dioxide from your system is not the worst thing either.
Next time if you’re struggling with how to cheer yourself up, just take a breather. It’s a cliché for a reason.
2 – Catharsis
Catharsis is a unique psychology method that refers to expressing a build-up of emotions however you find suitable.
The good news is that, however you feel, it is best to take out your personal baggage out in the open in a safe environment.
Some people do so by writing, others eat their feelings away, and still, others are prone to breaking things.
Are all of the ways of expressing emotions equally healthy? Of course not.
You should probably invest time into developing a healthy outlet for your inner tension and the emotions that build up over time. Nevertheless, the best part about this is that there is no judgment, so you do you!
3 – Music
Music is a scientifically proven mood booster. Not only that – it is an extremely effective one.
Of course, this will also depend on the music you listen to when you are feeling down. You can’t hit play on a ballad and expect it to take you to cloud nine.
The best tip we can give you on how to cheer up using music is to opt for a familiar but lively vibe. Upbeat music can brighten up your day in no time!
Why should it be something familiar?
It is no secret that all of us have many songs that are attached to some memories. Search through your mind for the ones that bring good times to focus, and you’ll find your mood improving before you know it.
4 – Pets
Did you know that having pets reduces the chances of suffering from heart diseases by a good thirty percent?
Well, now you do, and you can only guess how good pets can be for your mood. Now, we’re not saying to get a pet to cheer yourself up temporarily.
But if you’ve been toying with the idea of getting one, you won’t regret it. Better yet, if you already have one, just cuddle with your little friend and chase the bad day away!
Pets like dogs are also especially sensitive to your mood, and you might be surprised at just how well they can detect when something is wrong with you. If you want to know how to cheer up, ask your furry friend – they have all the answers.
5 – Introspection
Some people are deep thinkers, and engaging in external activities does little to cheer them up. For such people, introspection is the way to go.
Introspection refers to a deep form of self-reflection that helps people bring out and examine various aspects of themselves.
The goal is to understand why you reacted a certain way and which part of a particular event is causing you to feel low. Introspection is a good way for over-thinkers to cheer up, especially if they tend to blame themselves for something.
If you can relate to this and are letting a bad day eat away at you, try searching for the solution to your mood inside.
6 – Venting
You might’ve heard that the gift of a friend is unparalleled, and this also stands true in case you are wondering how to cheer yourself up.
Talking to a friend and sharing your experience is a very good way to rid yourself of bad emotions and make room for positive ones.
Sharing our take on a bad day with a friend also allows us to express ourselves without the fear of judgment, which is a great catalyst for mood improvement.
You might have heard that sharing equals caring, and now you know why it’s true.
7 – Sleep
Have you ever come across the age-old saying “sleep it off”?
Well, they do not say that for no reason. Rest is a good way to unwind and recharge when what the day throws at us becomes a little too hard to take. Sleep is a good way to rewire our brain and wake up with a fresher perspective.
Do you remember a particular day when you skipped a good night’s sleep and felt awful the entire day? Connect the dots now.
Taking a good nap is probably the best option to cheering up quickly. I mean, we all love to sleep anyway, so doing it for the sake of the greater good almost makes it a better nap.
Your Turn
Would you like to share your favorite way to cheer up? Leave a comment and let us know – your routine may help someone else reading this article!
