- You Are Not Alone (with Depression & Anxiety)
- Depression Does Not Define You
- What Does Depression Look Like?
- 10 Encouraging Bible Verses to Ease Depression
- Navigating Tough Parenting of Teens: When Your Daughter Wants to Dye Her Hair Blue
- How to Manage Depression and Chronic Pain
- Truths About Depression: Stuff You Don’t Want to Hear
- I Got Punched in the Face This Weekend
- Straight Talk About How to Survive Heartbreaking Grief
- For a Day When You Need Motivation
- Sometimes Grief Comes From Unexpected Places
- For Parents of a Teen Who Had a Near Miss
- 10 Simple Ways to Bring Creativity to Your Life
- A Depression Solution: Speak!
- Q & A with a Therapist about Depression
- 4 Realistic Steps to Motivation When You Are Depressed {Based on Research!)
- 101 Ways to Get in a Good Mood When Depressed
- Is it Okay to Avoid Pain?
- How Can I Serve If I’m Depressed?
- Do You Have Angry Depression?
- A Room Full of Love: Thoughts After a Loved One’s Suicide
- Top 5 Offbeat I’m Depressed and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now Movies
- What You Need to Know about Postpartum Depression
- Why You Need More Mental Flexibility
- How To Stop Stress Eating
- How to Exercise When You Don’t Feel Like It – 10 Workout Motivation Tips
- A Cure for Panic Attacks: The Potato Chip Method
- Can’t Sleep? Read This at 3:00 AM (When Depression Causes Insomnia)
- Secondary Traumatic Stress: How I Found Healing
- You Were Set Free For a Reason: A Daily Devotion about Freedom in Christ
- If You Write, Please Read This. (Plus, a FREE GIFT for All!)
Are you wondering how to get in a good mood when depressed? Does your mood need a little pick-me-up? Whether you are struggling with depression or simply having a down day, the following ideas will help anyone feel better – fast.
Many of the ideas we list here for raising your mood are inexpensive and most will boost your mood immediately.
I am not a therapist and encourage you to please seek professional help when dealing with depression.
How To Get In A Good Mood When Depressed
Are you feeling down and wondering how to feel better?
How Can I Boost My Mood Naturally?
Here is a shortlist of things you can try to naturally boost your mood.
- Spend time with friends. Lunch or dinner out with the ladies is always fun.
- Go for a walk. Getting fresh air is always great for you.
- Read the Bible. See this list for verses for stress.
- Drink plenty of water. Try this water intake tracker.
- Eat right. Getting adequate nutrition is vital.
- Get the right amount of sleep. Getting enough sleep really helps with our mood. Grab this sleep tracker.
- Listen to uplifting music. There is something about good music that lifts our spirits.
- Watch a funny movie A funny movie always helps us when we are in a bad mood.
- Go easy on yourself Give yourself grace as you mindfully walk through depression.
- Try a relaxing hobby. These are my 5 favorites.
How Can I Lift My Mood?
Some days staying positive and upbeat can feel like an uphill battle. Maybe it was a stressful day at work, a fight with a friend, or even just an off day — whatever it is, there are definitely things you can do to improve your mood.
Try this list of 100+ ways to boost your mood immediately. How do you get in a good mood when depressed? We’d love to hear about it. Share in the comments below.
101 Ways to Boost Your Mood Immediately
Use one of these ideas to boost your mood — fast and easy. How do you get in a good mood when depressed?
- Stand up.
- Walk a dog.
- Stretching exercises.
- Breathing exercises.
- Talk to a friend.
- Journal feelings.
- Listen to music.
- Think.
- Wrap in a warm blanket.
- Sip warm tea.
- Eat a favorite food.
- Light a candle.
- Savor a smell you enjoy.
- Wrap up in a soft sweater.
- Get dressed up to feel pretty/handsome.
- Drink water.
- Google cute animal pictures.
- Watch funny You Tube videos.
- Listen to soothing sounds — water flowing, ocean waves, wind chimes.
- Color with crayons.
- Paint on a surface other than paper.
- Walk in nature.
- Go on a bike ride.
- Eat a meal in silence.
- Drive somewhere new.
- View some art.
- Climb a tree.
- Read a Bible passage.
- Go to a Farmer’s Market.
- Do a random act of kindness.
- Send a thoughtful email.
- Take a bath.
- Turn off all electronics.
- Write a gratitude list.
- Take a nap.
- Buy flowers.
- Meander around town.
- Get lost somewhere on purpose.
- Forgive someone.
- Write a letter.
- Notice your body.
- Go for a run.
- Do yoga poses.
- Move twice as slowly.
- Go to therapy.
- Rest your legs up on a wall.
- Let out a long sigh slowly.
- Put on music and dance around the house.
- Clean something.
- Organize something.
- Fix something.
- Pray.
- Volunteer at a shelter.
- Donate items you don’t need.
- Watch clouds.
- Sit by a lake, river, or ocean.
- Learn something new.
- Knit, crochet, or sew.
- Look through recipes.
- Do origami.
- Go to a cafe and sip a latte.
- Cry.
- Ask for a hug.
- Visit the library.
- Eat a cupcake with a massive amount of frosting.
- Take photographs.
- Look through old photos.
- Watch a hilarious movie and laugh your head off.
- Watch a sad movie and cry your eyes out.
- Give yourself a hand and foot massage.
- Use favorite lotion.
- Use fresh lemons.
- Drive in the car with the windows down.
- Plan to redecorate something as if there was no budget limit.
- Buy a new pair of shoes.
- Get a haircut.
- Remind yourself, “I won’t always feel this way.”
- Donate money.
- Drink juice or a smoothie.
- Call a far-away friend.
- Create a vision board.
- Let in natural sunlight.
- Take a mental health day.
- Put on a tiara.
- Read inspirational quotes.
- Use a stress squeeze ball.
- List all the reasons you are awesome.
- Binge watch a Netflix series.
- Smell lavender or orange. (proven to boost mood)
- Chew gum.
- Eat chocolate.
- Visualize your best self.
- Try something new.
- Notice a small miracle.
- Talk to an optimistic friend.
- Change your socks.
- Brush your teeth.
- Finish something unfinished.
- Remember a past success.
- Wash your hands and face.
- Act like today will be awesome!
Burt’s Bees Milk and Honey Body Lotion, 12 Ounces (Pack of 3)
Organize Now!: A Week-by-Week Guide to Simplify Your Space and Your LifeArtNaturals Bath Bombs Gift Set – Ultra Lush Essential Oil – Handmade Spa Bomb Fizzies – Organic and Natural Ingredients, Shea Butter for Moisturizing Dry Skin Relaxation in a Box, 4.1 oz., 6 CountCrayola Ultimate Crayon Collection, 152 Pieces, Art Set, GiftMrs. Meyer’s Merge Clean Day Scented Soy Candle, Geranium, Small, 4.9 Ounce
Which of these is your favorite on this list on how to get in a good mood when depressed? What others would you add to this list? Comment below and tell us about it.
Pin for Later
The Hope Toolbox
Today’s Bible Verse:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Today’s Journaling Prompt: How to get in a good mood when depressed
When I’m having a tough day, what are some little ways I know for sure work for me to boost my mood? List them in your journal or use the My Hope Toolbox printable kit.
NEW! All the Hope Toolbox resources in one location. Click here for the Hope Toolbox Resource List. Includes all the daily Bible verses, daily journaling prompts, printables, and clickable links.
Resources
- You Are Not Alone
- Depression Does Not Define You
- What Does Depression Look Like?
- 10 Encouraging Bible Verses to Ease Depression
- When Your Daughter Wants to Dye Her Hair Blue
- How to Manage Depression and Chronic Pain
- Truths About Depression: Stuff You Don’t Want to Hear
- I Got Punched in the Face This Weekend
- Straight Talk About How to Survive Heartbreaking Grief
- For a Day When You Need Motivation
- Sometimes Grief Comes From Unexpected Places
- For Parents of a Teen Who Had a Near Miss
- 10 Simple Ways to Bring Creativity to Your Life
- A Depression Solution: Speak!
- Q & A with a Therapist about Depression
- Research Shows 4 Keys to Motivation When You Are Depressed
- 101 Ways to Boost Your Mood Immediately
- Is it Okay to Avoid Pain?
- How Can I Serve If I’m Depressed?
- Do You Have Angry Depression?
- A Room Full of Love: Thoughts After a Loved One’s Suicide
- Top 5 Offbeat I’m Depressed and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now Movies
- What You Need to Know about Postpartum Depression
- Why You Need More Mental Flexibility
- How to Eat Healthy When You Don’t Feel Like It
- How to Exercise When You Don’t Feel Like It
- A Cure for Panic Attacks: The Potato Chip Method
- Can’t Sleep? Read This at 3:00 AM
- Do You Have Secondary Traumatic Stress?
- You Were Set Free For a Reason
- If You Write, Please Read This. (Plus, a FREE GIFT for All!)
Post updated September 2024
Improve Your Mood!
Stressful holiday season?
+Improve your mood in 10 days.
+Reduce stress, anxiety, & panic.
+Daily, practical ideas to get you moving one small step at a time.
+Free printables.
+Find joy & purpose.
Hi… I just stumbled upon this site while on Pinterest. I’m feeling low and lonely right now with crying spells and all that. I like the tips to light a candle, stand up, stretch, change socks, and wash your hands and face. Some of the tips I know make me more depressed and some don’t work for me, but they’re not all for everyone. I find when I’m like this, I can’t go out because I usually smell and act strange while in public, which makes me feel worse. Also, some of them I know take too much energy and motivation. And anything sedentary makes me feel worse. I also don’t like to talk or see people because then I feel guilty for always putting my problems on them. I live alone and wish I had someone to just come over and sit with me. I know I should pray and read the Bible; it helps but I need to get in the habit of doing it. I see a therapist and psychiatrist which helps of course. Anyway, thanks for your site and I will surely be visiting it often. Just leaving this comment has made me feel better.
I love your tips although a word of caution on some of them:
Binge watch a Netflix series = Personally makes me feel numb which I’ve done multiple times but it doesn’t help with my depression. I try to stay away from this one now.
Eating = Emotional Eating in my case. It can trigger a binge. Enough said.
Nature Walks & Meditation = My Favorites. Makes me feel better.
Good points, Francine! Some ways we cope with stress make us feel better in the moment but aren’t all that healthy in the long run. But I still enjoy the escape and once in awhile it’s okay. Everything in moderation. But too much isn’t good.
Susanne, Thanks for reading and for your comment. I’m glad you will find some of the suggestions helpful. That’s why there are so many — pick and choose the ones that work for you!
This is a great list 🙂
I’m not religious so a couple of the suggestions will not apply to me.
I think the rest of the list will become very helpful when I’m feeling down.
SOME of the points can be used if I’m depressed but not all of them.
Thanks.
I agree with you exactly. So thanks for sharing those thoughts. I send big hug to all of you that are reading this, pass it on. X
So many great things here to use when we are feeling down. Such a great timely post for the holidays which can be difficult times for some.
What a great list. Number #72 and #101 are my favorites. I imagine it’s pretty hard to stay down, with the smell and taste of freshly squeezed lemons. A fun, and quick mood boost, that I’m excited to try out 🙂
Hope toolbox – such a great write 31 days idea! My 31 days was on HOPE last year!!!
Susan, what is a link to your Hope series? I can include it in my resources list. Thanks!
http://hopehearthome.com/?p=3289 THANK YOU SARA!!!
Great list! I discovered the turn of electronics this week. HA! I had been GRUMPY trying to get rough drafts written, got up and out of the house. WOW! Made a huge difference!
Oh my goodness I need to print this list and keep it somewhere!!! How weird is it that brushing your teeth really does boost your mood!! Thank you for this awesome list 🙂
Sarah, I know, some of these are so funny, aren’t they? I cracked up at the thought of “changing your socks” boosting your mood. But then I thought, oh my gosh, I really do feel better when I do that, especially when I’ve been in stale socks all day, or I think about when I’ve done a race and there is NOTHING better than fresh socks after a race! So it really is a good one. 🙂