Acknowledge your bad mood.
I happen to work with my mom and because of our level of comfort with each other she usually gets the brunt of my frustration. Rather than being a brat, I try my hardest to be upfront and simply let her know that I’m having a moment (or a day). Maybe I need a little alone time or maybe it would be good to talk it out. Either way it helps let your loved ones know that it’s not something they did and lets you face the mood head on.
Exercise.
Regularly is better of course but anything will do. Go for a walk outside, jumping jacks, push-ups or a quick dance party. I mean it’s science, exercise=endorphins, tension release and all that. My personal favorite thing to do is to get upside down, as in a headstand or handstand. By literally turning your frown upside down and letting all the blood rush to your head can do wonders. I know it sounds crazy but it works!
Eat a healthy snack.
I think it’s pretty common to get a little grumpy when you’re hungry. Get that blood sugar level back up but make sure it’s with something that is in line with your healthy lifestyle.
Music.
We all know music is a powerful thing and can greatly affect us and our mood. Use it to your advantage. Luckily there are so many apps that make finding new music easy. Go on Spotify and find a mood booster playlist. Boom.
Smile and/or laugh.
Even if you have to force a smile it is actually proven that smiling releases dopamine and serotonin causing you to feel happiness. I like to go look at my favorite funny Instagram accounts or watch a quick funny YouTube video.
Meditate.
I know so many people are intimidated by meditation or think that they cannot do it. But here’s a little fact, meditation is simply sitting in stillness and breathing. I know, seems too simple to be true. Of course there are different types and levels of mediation that take practice but when you feel stressed and irritable sitting in stillness and breathing even just for a few minutes is like hitting a reset button. Set a timer on your phone for 3 minutes, sit comfortably, close your eyes and count your breaths. In for three and out for three.
Always,
Amber
