5 Quick and Easy Mood Boosters to Get Happier in a Minute

Everyone goes through tough times. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience like spilling your coffee or a major problem, sometimes we need a quick mood booster to help us feel better. While these mood boosters won’t solve our problems, they can help us approach them with a more positive mindset. Here are five go-to mood boosters that you can use to get happier in a minute or less.

1. Take a Few Deep Breaths

Deep breathing is one of the most efficient ways to promote overall well-being. According to an academic review, deep breathing can effectively improve the mind and body’s response to physical and mental stress. Moreover, it’s been suggested that the optimal breathing rate may be between 6-10 breaths per minute.

Taking a few deep breaths can help you relax and reduce stress levels. If you only have one minute, aim for 6-8 deep breaths, and if you have more time, try extending the breathing exercise for 5-10 minutes to experience more positive effects.

2. Doodle

Doodling may seem like a mindless pastime, but it can actually help stimulate your creativity and focus. According to a study, doodling can alleviate stress and improve memory retention. It’s also fun and taps into our inner child. When you’re feeling bored or lacking focus, try doodling for a few seconds to clear your mind and refocus your efforts.

3. Sing out Loud

Singing can be an effective stress-reliever and mood booster. A study on cancer patients showed that singing helped reduce stress and cortisol levels, leading to improved overall mood. Next time you’re feeling down, channel your inner Karen Carpenter and sing out loud. To get the most mood-boosting benefits, choose an upbeat song that makes you feel good.

4. Write a Gratitude List

Practicing gratitude is an excellent way to promote overall well-being and happiness. In a study comparing gratitude, hope, optimism, and life satisfaction, gratitude was determined to be the most predictive variable for well-being. Even taking a minute to write down three to five things you’re grateful for can help you turn a bad day around.

5. Jump

Jumping jacks can be a great way to release endorphins, increase circulation, and pump up your energy levels. Other physical activities can help you get a quick shot of endorphins and act as a mood booster as well. Choose your favorite exercise and perform it as intensely as possible during a few free minutes.

Final Thoughts

These mood boosters are quick, easy, and don’t require any expensive equipment. Next time life is getting you down, take a minute to try one of these mood boosters and help yourself feel happier. Remember, happiness and contentment are states that take time to cultivate, but these quick mood boosters can help you get there faster.

More Tips on Increasing Happiness

– Practice Gratitude: 40 Simple Ways To Practice Gratitude
– Develop the Habit of Being Happy: One of the Best Feeling in the World
– How to Be Happy Again: 13 Simple Ways to Shake off Sadness Right Now
– 10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Stay Happy All the Time

Featured photo credit: Fabien via flickr.com