Feeling sad, stressed, depressed, disappointed, or exhausted with everything is a situation nobody wants to experience. It usually affects daily productivity, including possibly our way of communicating with people around us. This phase is something normal and we all surely have been through it.
When this condition occurs, we just want to quickly get rid of that bad mood because if left unchecked, it could get worse. Ignoring the triggers of bad mood doesn't make it disappear, but it's worth taking some time to focus on something that makes us feel better.
1. Listen to Music
Music is believed to have the ability to change one's mood, so this is one of the best ways to alleviate a bad mood, plus we don't need to spend a penny. There are already many platforms that provide it for free. Play your favorite genre of music, whether it's pop, hip-hop, rock, classic, ballad, or k-pop.
Listen and enjoy the rhythm, whether it's at a time you specifically set aside for listening to music or while doing tasks you don't enjoy. If necessary, dance along to the song, tap your feet, and enthusiastically follow the rhythm. Even if it doesn't bother anyone, hum along with the lyrics.
Music helps improve a bad mood.
2. Laugh
Laughing at something is the best medicine, perhaps there's some truth to that. Indeed, laughing can boost your mood for free, meaning you don't need to spend a penny. How do you laugh? Watch funny videos, animal videos, stand-up comedy, or even ask others to tell their jokes. In essence, make yourself laugh about things you find funny.
3. Take a Walk in the Park
Although not everyone thinks of this method, simply taking a stroll in the park can be used as a mood booster. Spend a little time (10-15 minutes), for example in the morning to get sunlight exposure, in the afternoon when the weather is cooler, or at night while admiring the twinkling lights.
4. Be Kind to Others
Instead of focusing on something that triggers a bad mood, try doing something good for others. When we do this for others, the focus shifts from our own problems to others, to help them feel better. The smiles they show will be contagious, bringing happiness.
What kind acts can we do for others without spending money? Encourage the office security guard, ask coworkers if they need help, compliment close friends, help children with homework, or leave a positive review for a favorite restaurant.
Being kind to others will bring happiness.
5. Meditation
We more commonly hear about meditation as a way to manage stress rather than improve mood. However, meditation will benefit both. If done regularly, it will result in greater happiness. Here are some meditation tips for those who have never tried it.
6. Aromatherapy
The sense of smell can communicate directly with the amygdala, the part of the brain that helps regulate mood. Use your nose to smell something that brings a calming feeling. There's no need to buy aromatherapy candles, but find something else that's fragrant, such as body lotion, flowers, coffee or tea powder, or an item that reminds you of sweet memories.
7. Hug Yourself
We all know that hugs trigger oxytocin release and make us feel better. However, when that can't be obtained from loved ones, hug yourself, for example using the butterfly hug method. Self-touch can also help us feel safer, more comfortable, and relaxed, thus improving mood.
8. Contact Loved Ones
Send a message or call your loved ones. This way, we can get the support and love that can boost our mood after spending a day going through difficult times. They can not only provide emotional support but also help us feel bigger-hearted, and even their jokes can make us laugh.
So, there are approximately 8 ways to improve mood for free, and they are quite easy to do. Try listening to music, laughing as much as possible, taking a leisurely walk in the park, being kind to others, meditating, aromatherapy, hugging yourself, and contacting loved ones. Happiness doesn't just come from something that needs to be bought!
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