Five Simple Hacks to Boost Your Mood

- The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your mood.

Life passes us by so fast that it feels as though we are sitting in a train watching our
days sliding by rapidly like the scenery outside the window. With our busy schedules
we tend to rush from obligation to obligation, and external factors, such as meetings,
outcome of meetings, deadlines, behaviour of others, determine the mood that we’re
in. We’ll have a bad day if we’re in a bad mood, and a good day if we’re in a good
mood.

That’s obvious, right? But here’s the thing, since it has such a big impact on the
quality of our lives, how transformative would it be if we could manipulate our mood
and dodge negativity? It's a fairly well-established finding that mood can impact
our cognitive functioning, and there are a number of things we can do to find the
silver lining. We can make small changes and practice self-care through nurturing
and cultivating these good habits that can keep us in a good mood all the time.

1. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation causes us to be foggy-headed and incapable of making good

decisions in the short term. And in the long run, it has a slew of bad effects on our
health. Sleeping enough literally rejuvenates us and keeps our spirits high.

2. Exercise

Exercise gives us a rush of endorphins, and as such, a boost to our good mood.
Exercising is an essential element of self-care, and even as little as 10 minutes a day
can transform your spirit. So pull out your yoga mat, tie up your running shoes or
pump some iron—whatever works for you and feels good for your body!

3. Drink enough water

You may be surprised with this one! Avoid getting dehydrated, especially when you
drink a lot of coffee every day. Carry a few bottles of water with you to the office and
keep drinking throughout the day. Encourage your body to flush out toxins and signs
of irritability along with it. There is a reason why they say water is life!

4. Keep variety in your life

Nothing is as much of a bummer to your mood as always following the same routine.
Spice things up a bit. Try out something new every weekend. Visit places in your
vicinity where you’ve never been before. Cook up a dish you have never eaten,
maybe from a country you have never visited. The possibilities are endless, and they
will all bring a smile to your face and boost your mood.

And the most important of them all…

5. Take three deep breaths
Quick, convenient, and oh-so-clarifying, this exercise works like Magic.

The first breath is to remember to breathe. Just take one very deep breath and pay
attention to how it feels. Right now, you’re just remembering to breathe deeply.

The second  breath is to remember to smile. Even if you’re forcing it, the smile
works. Smile big as you breathe deeply. Smile as wide as you can. SMILE.

The third breath is to remember to be grateful. As you take your third deep breath,
look up and be grateful for whatever you want. Be grateful for your children. Be
grateful for your Blessings. Be grateful for just being who you are.

Sometimes it takes a few “three deep breaths” to really kick in. But when it does,
you’ll know it. The breaths get easier. The smile gets real. And when you get yourself
into a space of gratitude, all that’s ailing you just falls away. And even if your troubles
aren’t gone, they’ll appear so faint.

Your mood and happiness is your biggest asset & totally your responsibility.
Don't let someone else hamper it.