A Proven Formula to Boost Your Mood

By Contributor: Jen Thompson
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Ever want to boost your mood and feel better fast? Me too. We all have our down times or days in life. I have had times and days where it has seemed impossible to lift my mood. When I can remember this old wise formula and take a small action despite my mood, I always feel better ---sometimes even great.
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The Giving Formula:
Boosting Others' Moods Boosts Yours

​Recently I was having everything hit me at once—relationship problems, financial problems, health problems, plus being mom all day and working at night—and I just felt so exhausted and sad. I was overwhelmed with my feelings without time to process them. I know that best wisdom suggests taking care of myself first, but I didn’t have a single dime for anything, nevermind a babysitter. My hope for the creative projects I was working on was waning and I even found myself crying watching children's movies. (Although I sometimes do that anyways ;)). But luckily I stumbled into what always picks me up.

The proven formula is an oldie but goodie that has been published in various places like here where studies have shown that generosity, thinking of others, and helping others actually makes you feel better, triggereing the happiness centers in the brain.

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Simple Gestures

I am lucky because where I live is a small community and we all say hi to each other, so as soon as I jump on my bike and ride into town, I start to feel better. Smiling and saying hi to everyone I see changes my mood so much, sometimes it is enough to make me forget I had any problems at all! When that doesn't work, I try reaching out to a friend, or sometimes stumble into one at just the right time. Just the right time to listen and be there for someone else.

We are all bumping along on windy roads through life and so most people crave time to be heard. After a few days of days dragging myself through the days and counting down the hours until bed from everything I mentioned above, I finally mustered up all my energy to get out of the house to look for friends. I actually wasn’t looking to help someone, but I was looking to change my mood. I just happened to run into a friend going through a difficult separation at the same time that my daughter found a friend to play with. :) She was happy to see me and immediately started to download her grief. As I sat and listened, I remembered the formula. I tried to be there for her and offer her support. When I left, I felt connected and rejuvenated. My mood was lifted and I had a good day despite all the circumstances.

Another one of the most powerful ways I use the giving formula in my life, is with my daughter. I go through parenting fatigue just like all parents do. Sometimes when I really want a break and there really is no way to get one, I take a deep breath or grab a cup of coffee and consciously give in to giving to my daughter. I jump in and play her imaginary games. I roll around on the floor with her. I put everything aside as much as I can and try to get really into it, until we are both laughing and having fun. Ironically when I dive into full-on play with her, she usually ends up giving me a break as she naturally breaks off into her own play world.

The opportunity is right there to feel better when you can just remember to do so. When I am back in New Hampshire, visiting my family, sometimes the saying “hi,” method is a little more intimidating because not everyone does it. But when I don’t worry and do it anyway, I find myself smiling throughout the day in spite of myself. I find the folks at Rite Aid and Market Basket are quite nice once you break through their store facade.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that you deserve to feel good just because you are you. Here at WellSeekers, we want to help elevate the vibe on this planet and elevate you. To remember that you deserve to feel good, treat yourself well with feel good tools (that don’t require babysitters) and inspirational cards by signing up for one of our kits. OR for more smiles follow WellSeekers on Instagram for our daily inspirational quotes. ​

Posted In: WellFun, WellHeart, WellMind, WellSpirit