40 simple ways to improve your mood
I’m thrilled to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart and has truly transformed my own journey: tiny habits to boost mood.
Life has its ups and downs, and we all need a little boost every now and then. That’s where these small yet powerful practices come in.
Trust me, I’ve been there—feeling stuck, needing a pick-me-up—and these little habits to boost mood have been my secret sauce to turn things around.
So let’s explore some delightful ways to sprinkle those good vibes into your everyday life!
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40 tiny habits to boost mood naturally
1. Write down one thing you love about yourself
Take a moment to think about a quality, skill, or aspect of yourself that you truly appreciate. Write it down on a piece of paper.
This simple act can remind you of your strengths and boost your self-esteem when you read it later.
Be kind to yourself, and remember that everyone has unique qualities that make them special. You can add more things you love about yourself as you discover them.
2. Hug someone you care about
Find a family member, friend, or pet you feel close to and give them a warm hug.
Always make sure the other person is comfortable with hugs, and don’t hesitate to ask for one when you need one. Sharing affection can make both of you feel happier.
3. Listen to your favorite song
Choose a song that makes you feel joyful or energized. Play it on your music player and really immerse yourself in the music.
Sing along or dance if you feel like it; music has the power to change your mood and make you feel better. Create playlists for different moods so you always have a song ready to lift your spirits.
4. Draw or doodle for a few minutes
Grab some paper and colored pens, pencils, or markers. Let your imagination flow and draw whatever comes to mind—patterns, shapes, or even a little picture.
Doodling can be a soothing and creative way to relax. You don’t need to be a professional artist; doodling is about having fun and expressing yourself.
5. Send a positive message to a friend
Think about a friend who might need some encouragement or cheer. Send them a message with kind words, a joke, or a friendly greeting.
Sharing positivity can brighten their day and make you feel good too. Simple messages like “You’re awesome!” or “I’m thinking of you” can make a big difference.
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6. Take a short walk in nature
Step outside and enjoy a brief walk in a park, your backyard, or any natural setting. Pay attention to the trees, flowers, and sky. Nature can help you feel more peaceful and rejuvenated.
Leave your phone behind or put it on silent so you can fully connect with nature.
7. Practice deep breathing for a minute
Find a quiet spot to sit down. Inhale slowly through your nose, allowing your belly to expand as you breathe in. Exhale gently through your mouth.
Deep breathing can calm your mind and body. Imagine you’re blowing up a balloon in your belly as you inhale and letting the air out of the balloon as you exhale.
8. Read a funny joke or meme
Search for a joke or a funny picture online. Laughter triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in your brain.
Sharing a joke with others can spread joy. Laughter is contagious, so don’t hesitate to share it with friends or family.
9. Do a quick stretching routine
Stand up and stretch your arms, legs, and body gently. Reach your arms overhead, touch your toes, and twist your torso from side to side.
Stretching increases leaves you feeling more relaxed and invigorated. Stretching in the morning can help wake up your body, while stretching before bed can help you unwind.
10. Light a scented candle
Choose a scented candle with a fragrance you enjoy. I honestly love-love-love this vanilla cupcake-scented candle.
Light it in a safe spot and take a moment to inhale the aroma. A pleasant scent can evoke positive emotions and create a soothing atmosphere.
Be cautious with open flames, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
11. Watch the sunset or sunrise
Find a good spot to observe the sun setting or rising. The beauty of nature’s changing colors can be incredibly calming and remind you of the world’s simple yet profound wonders.
Check the time of sunset or sunrise in your area to plan ahead.
12. Make a list of things you’re excited about
Jot down things you’re looking forward to, whether it’s a vacation, a special event, or just spending time with loved ones.
Focusing on the positives ahead can uplift your mood. Keep adding to the list as new things come up.
13. Have a cup of herbal tea
Brew a cup of herbal tea that you enjoy. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or lavender tea can have calming effects and help you relax.
Sipping tea mindfully, paying attention to the flavors and warmth, can be a calming practice.
14. Organize a small space in your home
Choose a small area, like a drawer or a shelf, and tidy it up. Decluttering can create a sense of order and accomplishment, which can positively impact your mood.
Take breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed, and remember that even a little organization goes a long way.
15. Try a new recipe or snack
This is one of my favorite habits to boost mood. Experiment with making a new dish or trying a new snack.
The process of creating and savoring something new can be exciting and enjoyable. Choose a recipe that matches your cooking skills and the ingredients you have on hand.
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16. Look through old photos and memories
Take out old photo albums or browse through digital photos that capture happy moments.
Reminiscing can bring back positive feelings and make you smile. Share the memories with loved ones to relive the moments together.
17. Do a random act of kindness
Perform a small act of kindness for someone else, like holding a door open or offering a genuine compliment.
Acts of kindness promote positive feelings for both you and the recipient. Kindness can be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in line or sending a kind message.
18. Watch a cute animal video
Find a video of adorable animals—kittens, puppies, or any other cute creatures. The cuteness overload can instantly lift your spirits. Set a time limit to avoid spending too much time on videos.
19. Write down three things you’re proud of
List three accomplishments or achievements you’re proud of, whether big or small. Reflecting on your successes boosts your confidence and self-worth.
Don’t underestimate the value of even the smallest achievements.
20. Take a five-minute meditation break
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale and exhale slowly, letting go of any tension.
Meditation can help you feel calmer and more centered. Don’t worry if your mind wanders; gently bring your focus back to your breath.
21. Plan a mini “staycation” evening
Set aside an evening to pamper yourself at home. Run a warm self-care bath, watch your favorite movies, or indulge in a treat.
Treating yourself to a relaxing evening can recharge your spirits. Create a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and comfortable Sherpa fleece blankets.
22. Call or text a loved one just to say hello
Reach out to a friend or family member with a simple message to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Connecting with loved ones can make you feel more connected and happy. Genuine connections matter more than long conversations.
23. Do a quick dance party in your living room
Play your favorite upbeat song and dance around your living room.
Dancing releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and it’s just plain fun! Don’t worry about looking perfect; just move and groove!
24. Try a short mindfulness exercise
Focus your attention on the present moment. Notice your surroundings, your breathing, and the sensations in your body.
Mindfulness can improve your overall well-being. Start with just a minute or two and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
25. Watch a motivational TED talk
Search for a TED talk that interests you and inspires personal growth. Listening to motivational speakers can help you gain new perspectives and ignite your motivation.
Take notes on any insights or ideas that resonate with you.
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26. Create a mini vision board
Gather magazines, images, and quotes that represent your dreams and goals. Arrange them on a vision board or a piece of paper.
Creating a visual representation of your aspirations can motivate and uplift you. Keep your vision board where you’ll see it regularly.
27. Write a thank-you note to yourself
Write a letter to yourself, expressing gratitude for your efforts, strengths, and accomplishments. Recognizing your own value can increase self-esteem and positivity.
Be as kind and encouraging to yourself as you would be to a friend.
28. Solve a small puzzle or brain teaser
Engage your mind with a simple puzzle, crossword, or sudoku. Challenging your brain in a fun way can boost your cognitive function and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Choose a level of difficulty that feels enjoyable, not frustrating.
29. Do a one-minute gratitude journal entry
Write down one thing you’re grateful for. You can use this one-minute gratitude journal for that. Practicing gratitude shifts your focus toward the positive aspects of your life.
It’s okay if your entries are simple; even the little things count.
30. Learn and use a new positive affirmation
This is honestly among the best habits to boost mood. Choose a positive phrase that resonates with you, like “I am capable and strong.”
Repeat it to yourself throughout the day to cultivate a positive mindset. Write your affirmation on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them.
31. Practice a small decluttering task
Pick an area, like your desk or a shelf, and tidy it up. Decluttering can create a sense of order and calm in your environment. Focus on one area at a time to prevent overwhelm.
32. Draw a quick picture of your favorite place
Take a moment to draw a simple sketch of a place that brings you joy, like the beach or a cozy cafe.
Drawing can be a relaxing way to express yourself and boost your mood. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’s about enjoying the process.
33. Write down a small goal for the day
Set a simple goal for yourself to accomplish during the day, like taking a short walk or finishing a book chapter.
Achieving even small goals can bring a sense of accomplishment. Make sure the goal is achievable within your daily schedule.
34. Watch the clouds go by for a moment
Find a comfortable spot outside and watch the clouds move across the sky. Cloud watching can be a serene and meditative experience. If you’re indoors, you can also watch cloud videos online.
35. Enjoy a piece of dark chocolate
Treat yourself to a small piece of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains compounds that trigger the release of endorphins and can enhance your mood.
Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content for more health benefits.
36. Look for shapes in the clouds
While watching the clouds, use your imagination to see shapes or objects in the clouds. This whimsical activity can spark creativity and playfulness.
Share what you see with others; it’s fun to see different perspectives.
37. Write a future letter to yourself
Write a letter to your future self. Describe your hopes, dreams, and goals. Reading the letter later can remind you of your aspirations and motivate you to pursue them.
Put the letter in an envelope and mark the date you’ll open it.
38. Try a short guided relaxation exercise
Listen to guided relaxation audio or video. These exercises can help you unwind and improve your overall sense of well-being. Search online for free guided relaxation resources.
39. Make a list of your favorite quotes
Write down quotes that inspire and uplift you.
Reading them when you need a boost can remind you of the wisdom and positivity in the world. Keep your list accessible, like on your phone or a sticky note.
40. Practice a few minutes of gentle yoga
Find a quiet space to do a few simple yoga stretches. Yoga combines movement and breathing, helping you relax your body and mind. Look for beginner-friendly yoga videos or routines.
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Did you find any new habits to boost mood naturally?
I’m a personal growth and self-care expert, as well as an avid motorcycle enthusiast and coffee and sweets lover. Through Lauraconteuse, I provide insightful and practical advice on topics such as self-care, self-love, personal growth, and productivity, drawing from my very own extensive experience and knowledge in the field. My blog has helped countless people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives, and my goal is to continue to inspire and empower others.
