Boost your mood instantly, for Free!

Sometimes you need a quick shift, whether you’re feeling down or overwhelmed. The great news is, you already have powerful tools at your disposal. Try one of these simple, effective, and completely free ways to change your mood right now. 

1. Tune Into Music

Music is an instant mood lifter. It can energise you or calm you down. Put on a song that makes you want to dance, a piece that reminds you of a great memory, or something soothing and instrumental. Let the rhythm and melody do the work. So simple, easy and works instantly.

2. Move Your Body

Getting outside and moving is one of the quickest ways to change your mental state. Go for a walk around the block, a local park, or even just in your backyard. Can’t get outside? No problem. Watch a video of a nature walk on a platform like YouTube. Your brain responds to vivid imagery in a similar way to reality, so you can still get the calming effects of nature from your couch. (Example is to think of a scary film and remember how you “got scared” from the suspense). You Tube is full of nature walks or watch the nature channel.

3. Cook or Bake Something

The simple acts of chopping, stirring, and creating can be incredibly grounding. Focus on the sensory experience—the smell of fresh herbs, the feel of dough, the warmth from the oven. Even making a simple cup of tea can be a meditative and calming ritual.

4. Connect with a Pet

The bond with a dog or cat can do wonders for your well-being. Petting an animal has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the “love hormone”). If you don’t have a pet, consider visiting a friend who does, or spending time with animals at a local shelter.

5. Try a Temperature Shift

A quick change in temperature can be incredibly invigorating. A brisk, cold shower can jolt your system and increase alertness. On the other hand, a warm or hot bath is perfect for relaxing and unwinding tense muscles. Choose what your body needs in the moment to feel better. I love both. After swimming, I wouldn’t miss the one minute cold shower before taking a hot one to wash off the chlorine.

6. Use Your Brilliant Mind

Your thoughts are your most powerful tool. You can use affirmations to shift your mindset or try a technique called self-distancing.

Positive Affirmations:

Say positive statements out loud, either to yourself or in the mirror. “I am resilient and capable,” or “I am grateful for this moment.”

Self-Distancing:

Self-distancing, is considering how we would view a situation in the future or advising a friend in the same situation. You can even talk in the second or third person (you, he/she/they). “You can do this!”, “we can solve this”, or “She/he is unstoppable superhero!”.

Self distancing can also work if you think about the immediate situation happening presently in the future. How will I really feel about this in three months time, and what could I have done to make it better at that time. It can give you better clarity. It really does work.

You can trust me. I’m your friendly hypnotherapist and I’m happy!