How to Cheer Yourself Up: 20 Instant Mood Boosters!

Hey yall! I know we all have those bad days. Days when we feel so down, we can't seem to get back up. "The Mean Reds" as the elegant Miss Holly Golightly put it. This is in no way professional advice, but some easy-to-do mood boosters to cheer yourself up instantly! While the sentiment may seem a bit cheesy, I see no point in a wasted day on a bad mood. I think it's especially important to keep in mind the good little things in life, when times are so hard right now. Here are some easy-peasy mood boosters to try out right now!

Some may work for you better than others, so try out what feels good! Read to get happy?

1. Watch a movie:

It's seems too simple but all your need are your coziest pajamas and favorite movies. If you have a cuddle buddy, even better! Snuggle onto the couch or bed and just let yourself immerse into the movie. Sometimes, life is just too much.

2. Send a nice email:

Sometimes when feeling down and detached, it's best to re-connect. Email that old pal you haven't spoken to in ages. Email a new friend to meet up. Or email a hubby a nice compliment. Doing good for others can help cheer you up in the process!

3. Call your mom:

Yes, this one is pretty lame. But, if you have a good mother-child relationship, it can work. Lately, my mother has been my lifeline through my moodier days. (Like bombing a job interview!) It helps to talk it out with someone who'll put it into perspective; It helps you realize that life is not over, and that you likely won't care about what's hurting you now in 5 years.

4. Smell coconut:

This one is strange, but proven to be true! Studies show that smelling coconut is an instant mood booster.

5. Look at old vacation pictures:

One of my favorite cheer-up things to do it look at fun vacation pictures. It reminds you of happier times, and how life gives you plenty of good and not-so-good days. It'll also reignite your excitement for travel and being with family or friends.

6. Plan a vacation:

Sometimes, we all just need to get away. Broke? Have no fear. Planning a vacation is almost as fun as going on one. Explore new destinations you may want to visit someday. Check out the local food and festivities. Even if you can't afford this dream vacation now, it's an instant mood booster just to dream.

7. Bake cookies and share:

Keeping yourself busy is a great way to forget your stressful day. Bake loads so you can share with neighbors, co-workers or friends!

8. Be active:

Any kind of activity will instantly boost your mood. My best friend gets happy automatically when seeing a clean place, so when she's sad, she hits her apartment hard with her duster and pledge. When I'm feeling particularly down, I like to do calmer activities such as walking. When I'm down and angry, I love taking my anger out on a sport such as basketball or boxing. It's a great way to get in some exercise and boost your mood!

9. Just dance:

Turn on the music and start dancing. It'll get your endorphins going and remember, happy music only!

10. Get organized:

Getting clutter out of your space is a perfect way to de-stress. Cleaning out the clutter in your home can be related to cleaning out the clutter in your mind. Stop re-living the embarrassing moment, and just sweep it all away. Once you've mastered the organization, your life will seem much more manageable to be handled in the same way.

11. Take a day off:

Off work, if you can. If that's not a possibility, take a day off of your routine. Are you the one sorting laundry and washing the dishes every night? Ask the hubby to take care of it. Make the night all about you and relaxation. It's ok to call time-out on your schedule once in a while. A less-stressed you is what your family prefers anyway.

12. Use your mind:

Keep your mind occupied. Do a difficult puzzle or mind riddle. There are plenty free ones online. Or do a difficult crossword puzzle. Sometimes keeping your mind, rather than your body occupied does the trick.

13. Learn something new:

Starting to learn something new can instantly boost your self-esteem. Knowing that you are conquering a skill, is a great feeling. Pick a language and learn it. Like music? Find a new instrument you want to learn and make timely goals so you'll keep track!

14. Make physical goals:

Think of something physical that you never thought you could accomplish. Make the decision right now to promise yourself that you will. Lets say you run the same 1-mile circuit every week. Be determined and set a demanding physical goal of completing say, a 10K. Sign up for a 10K right now so that you stay committed to your mission.

15. Watch a comedy show:

Pick your favorite comedian and rent a tape. Or, simply turn on the comedy central channel. It's a great mood lifter, if you're feeling somewhat blue. Life doesn't always have to be taken so seriously. Turn your dramatic day into a joke of your own. It'll make you a stronger person to be able to face it, laugh about it (while cringing) and move on.

16. Create a spa night:

Get out your fluffiest bathrobe and slippers. Fill the tub and add bath salts and bubbles. Pour yourself some bubbly and light candles. You'll feel instantly transformed. Take a leisurely bath and exfoliate; afterward, rub soothing lotion over your entire body before jumping into your robe. You'll feel amazingly good. Yes, your life sucks, but at least your skin looks amazing!

17. Pamper yourself:

Pamper yourself in only the way you know how. I say this because we all have different ideas of what a pampered day is. A day off cooking and cleaning up? Or, is it a shopping spree. Whatever your budget allows, give to yourself one day. Try not to make up excuses for your purchase/time off and instead tell yourself you deserve it.

18. Mix up your style:

When in a sad slump, it always helps to make a change. So why not change your wardrobe? Find style tips online or on your style channel. It's not easy but you'll feel like a million bucks when seeing your new closet and a new you. What to do with bags and bags of your old clothes? Make money of course! Places like "Platos Closet" accept your used clothing and give you money in return! The other option is to donate it to a local salvation army. After de-cluttering, try out new looks and resolve to wear something that is way out of your comfort zone!

19: Give back:

Spending your time giving back to others is a great way to change your mood and attitude. It's difficult to grumble about your boring job and gossip-y co-workers when seeing people with no homes or families. It's a great way to put your life into perspective and to appreciate what you do have. There's only good from giving back!

20: Indulge in your gratitude:

Make a handwritten list of everything in your life you are grateful for. Yes, when things are looking bleak, it may be difficult to think of things you are happy about in your life, but try harder. Once you do, you will see how much you have to be thankful for, and will be closer to forgetting your bad day.

*As aforementioned, this is in no way counseling or professional treatment for depression. If you have been feeling unusually down with mood swings, been constantly sad for over two weeks or have difficulty coping with your sadness with thoughts of suicide, get professional help right away.*