Everyone has bad days now and then; but feelings of discomfort, disconnection and lack of confidence can really take their toll on your wellbeing if you start having more bad days than good. There are, however, things you can do to uplift your mood, confidence and spirit, so you can feel happier within 24 hours.

1. Move your body

While it’s easy to stay on the couch watching Netflix when you’re feeling down, get up and move! Moving your body has a physiological effect on your body. Endorphins are released, which can immediately affect your mood. Go for a walk, ride a bike, workout with yoga, pilates, kick boxing or whatever is fun for you.

2. Don’t take on other people’s stuff

One of the most effective tools for depression is a little question I heard: ‘Who does this belong to?’ We are all very aware of the people around us. If we have people around us that are depressed, we often feel depressed and think that we are as well.  In reality, we are just aware of others. When you notice feelings of depression or loneliness, stop and ask, ‘Who does this belong to?’ You may soon discover that the depression that you think is yours, isn’t.

3. A little gratitude goes a long way

What we acknowledge grows bigger. When you start to focus on the things that you are grateful for, more of those things show up. A great way to be more aware of all of the amazing gifts in your life is to start a gratitude journal and actually write them down. Everyday, write down 3- 5 things that you are grateful for. Include what you are grateful for about yourself.

4. Ask questions

Asking questions is one of the greatest tools you can use to shift and change your mood.

When you wake up unhappy in the morning, ask yourself:

Universe, will you please show me something beautiful today?
What else is possible here that I’ve never considered?
How does it get any better than this?

You don’t have to wait for your circumstances to change in order for you to be happy. Start using these easy, effective tools every day and rediscover a sense of possibilities that is available for you now!

Dain

P.S. For even more tools and possibilities, feel free to check out my Tour of Consciousness series!  And for an even deeper dive, check out Global Foundation coming up this week.

P.S.S. Also, for the full article in Better Homes And Gardens, you can read more here.