Contrary to popular belief, moms are not perfect. We are so swamped with chores at home, budgetting, planning, cooking, cleaning. Sometimes it’s hard to come up for air. I understand that. All of us have days when we’re out of sorts. Were so easy to get annoyed. And sometimes, you just wish you were in a better mood and feel sorry for snapping at kids or hubby. You’ve had days like that, haven’t you? Perhaps you tried to get yourself into a better state of mind but struggled to achieve it.
Sometimes we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood. Many people have found them useful. Some of them may surprise you!
These are all pretty simple. There’s nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quick and easily–surprisingly so at time– than you imagine. You can do it mom!
1. Go for a walk.
Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. Can you think of such a setting not? What do you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll.
2. Listen to quality music.
Music can shift a listener’s state within moments. It’s effect can be nearly magical. Dig out that playlist you haven’t listened to in ages or tune in your radio to something you’ve never listened to before.
3. Open yourself to discovering something new.
Read something (printed, not on line) different than what you would normally watch. There are a ton of different types of magazines can you get these days. Visit your local library or browse through a magazine rack. Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn’t normally buy. Get lost in your neighborhood. You may discover something wonderful.
4. Find something to laugh at.
Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Find a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Our everyday life is full of something funny if only we care to look. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others. Trust me, this works! (even if you may just end up laughing at yourself)
5. Simple breathing meditation.
Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That’s all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.
6. Shopping or grocery.
Some people would argue, but this is actually my favorite. Nothing can lift me up better than going to the grocery store. It’s a combination walk, quiet time, and zen. For some it may be shopping. Reward yourself. A little something to make you happy is not a bad way to feel happy. Don’t feel guilty about it. You deserve it! Notice how your state of mind shifts.
7. Think of others less fortunate.
The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. At times this may be hard to believe, but if you can read and have access to the internet, just those two things alone means you are better off than most people in the world. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival. There are people in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow.
These are all pretty simple. There’s nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quick and easily–surprisingly so at time– than you imagine. You can do it mom! 
