Free and Easy Ways to Improve Your Mood

o Stop watching the news, listening to the news or reading newspapers and news magazines. I find that if I cannot do anything or do not plan to do anything about a local or world news situation, then it is a waste of my time to ruminate and feel bad about it. For example, you hear about a tsunami or world hunger or a war in another country. If you are not planning on doing something about it, then why think about it. Why let those media pictures stick in your head to replay over and over? Eliminating this news from your daily routine can make a huge difference in your level of worry and anxiety.
o Stop reading violence, horror and sadness in stories such as murder mysteries, horror, crime fiction, war stories, especially if you have it as a steady diet.
o Stop watching violence and sadness in TV and movie programs.
o Stretch, walk, exercise at something that is fun. Something you look forward to, not dread.
o Listen to uplifting music (classical, bluegrass, marches, rock and roll, old time gospel, spiritual, whatever makes your heart soar)
o Listen to or read something funny. Laugh out loud.
o Evaluate your friendships and relationships for negativity. Reduce or eliminate exposure to those that drag you down. Gossip can bring you down as well.
o Set up your personal environment for ease and peace. Declutter, stay organized and clean. Add beauty to all areas of your life, wherever possible.
o Make a book or poster of the things that you most want in your life. Look at your dream or desires pictures and really give them your full attention. Feel how happy you will be when you have them in your life.
o Play with a small child or baby.
o Meditate daily.
o Smile while imagining a favorite place in nature, kittens, a loved one, a beautiful sunset, a fun vacation or sport.

The trick is you actually have to do them, not just read the list or think about them. So do it now!

All blog content is copyrighted, all rights reserved, Mary Anne Fields and Life Unfolds, 2006