While no one really expects to feel happy every minute of every day, there are times when the doldrums hit. To kick the doldrums out and sweep out the dull mopey feelings, check out these five easy, quick (5 minutes or less! ) ways to turn your “happy switch” back on.
- Watch a funny short video
You don’t need a two hour comedy to get your smile back, just Google “funny videos” and you’ll have thousands of choices! Sometimes we have an old favorite that never fails to get a laugh out of us – if so, go right to that one.
Just take just a couple of minutes to find one that tickles your fancy. In five minutes you could be having a fit of laughter – and laughter heals a lot of ailments, especially the doldrums.
This adorable bulldog trying to get through a door with his bone is hysterical!
- Listen to a favorite song
Now isn’t the time for a slow dance favorite – it’s time to get your happy on! Everyone has that “one song” (or hopefully several) that makes them want to get up and dance.
That’s probably why the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams was such a smash hit – it made people want to get up and dance! The official music video will give you a huge smile.
Another timeless mood boosting song is “Footloose,” by Kenny Loggins. It is almost impossible to listen to this song without smiling!
Surely you have some favorites up your sleeve – but those two songs are definite happy-makers.
- Look at pictures of cute baby animals
This admittedly sounds pretty hokey, but try it! Google images for “cute baby animals” and you will be smiling in under five seconds. Often, it’s the things considered downright “hokey” that makes us happiest!
If you want to take it up a notch, look for videos of adorable baby animals – the happy-boost-factor will go up ten-fold!
Here’s my baby kitten Blaze – when he was just 3 weeks old (someone left him in a box in front of a local PetSmart).
Isn’t he precious! Just looking at him makes me smile!
- Take a 5 minute meditation break
This is rather low key – but the results leave you feeling refreshed and recharged – two very big components of happiness. There are numerous meditation apps you can download right on your smartphone!
If you want to get that refreshment in five minutes flat, you’re good to go with the “5-Minute Meditation” app available for both iPhone and Android.
- Get up and MOVE
Sometimes all you need to shake off the blues is to get your blood flowing. Get up and start dancing, or stretching – anything really. March in place if you’re not the dancing type – it doesn’t matter as long as you get your heart pumping for a bit!
You might want to combine this one with tip number two – play your favorite happy song and bust some moves! The sillier the better – act like a complete goofball and make yourself laugh!
Another great way to get your blood flowing is to take a brisk five minute walk outside if it’s a nice day. If it’s a clear day, the sunshine will be your friend in overcoming the blues – fresh air and sunshine are two of nature’s best remedies.
Do you have any quick tips for boosting your mood?
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