For another, you don’t want to drag anyone else into your personal vortex of low energy and depressing thoughts.
You have some idea of what activities cheer you up more than others, but it can’t hurt to have a list when your brain has turned to mush.
We know that feeling, which is why we gathered 55 of the best ways to ditch the funk and find some happiness.
How Can I Cheer Up My Mood?
Everyone has an internal dialogue running throughout the day. And the messages circulating in your head have everything to do with how you’re feeling right now.
So, if you’re wondering, “How can I feel positive instantly?” you’ll find plenty of effective mood-boosters in the list further down. At their core, each of them works by “infusing positivity” into your thought patterns in one or more of the following ways:
Encouraging you to focus on what you can change.
Playing to your senses (lemon oil, candles, soothing tea, fresh fruit platters, etc.)
Getting you up and moving.
How to Cheer Yourself Up: 55 Happy-Boosting Ideas
If you’re here asking yourself, “How do I get out of sadness?” read through these 55 things to cheer you up and make a note of those that appeal to you.
Then make a shortlist and work your way through it.
1. Hug someone.
Get a hug from someone in your life who’s happy to give and receive them. Always respect others’ boundaries and ask before you crash into someone.
2. Reach out to a loved one.
Text, email, or call someone to see if they need anything or would like to meet or hang out virtually for a bit.
3. Surround yourself with positive people.
Attitudes are contagious, so spend time around people whose attitudes lift yours and get you thinking happier thoughts.
4. Have a chat with someone.
Sit down with someone you trust (face-to-face or virtually) and have a good talk about things that interest you both.
5. Tell someone “Thank you.”
Expressing your gratitude has a way of lifting you out of darker thoughts. Think of something you can thank someone for and get the words out.
6. Have a good cry.
Sometimes, there’s no way around it. If you need to release some pent-up emotion, find a private (soundproof) space, and let it out.
7. Reconnect or make amends with someone.
Do what you can to repair the relationship and show your commitment to making it stronger.
8. Pay it forward.
Do something nice for someone else without expecting a reward or a quid pro quo. Debts in either direction are draining. Give freely.
9. Take a break and goof off.
Take some time to do something fun and nonproductive, just because. Everyone needs some time every day to do something pointless.
10. Play a computer game.
Use your desktop, mobile device, or gaming system of choice and just spend some time playing to win — and also to enjoy yourself.
11. Look at cute animal pics and videos.
And share some while you’re at it. Maybe send some gifs to another friend who’s feeling low. And thank those who shared them.
12. Buy yourself some flowers.
Most grocery stores have a selection of bouquets available.
Pick one that calls out to you. Artificial flowers just don’t have the same effect.
13. Treat yourself.
Buy a bar of your favorite chocolate, or indulge in a delivery item you enjoy but rarely buy. And take the time to enjoy each mouthful mindfully.
14. Look through old photos.
Pull out your albums or boxes of photos — or skim through desktop folders of shared pictures. Create a slideshow or scrapbook with your favorites.
15. Watch a funny movie (or series).
Prep your favorite movie-watching snack and beverage and get cozy with a funny movie or series. Watch alone or with a friend.
16. Brew a fresh pot of coffee/tea.
Think of those comforting aromas as self-care, and take a moment to enjoy them before you pour yourself a mug and relax with it.
17. Listen to your favorite music.
Make your favorite playlist your own soundtrack and ad-lib your way through it. Or just use it as a backdrop for decluttering the room.
18. Learn some new moves.
Find some YouTube tutorials on a dance move you’ve been curious about and dance along, learning as you go. Who knows when they’ll come in handy.
19. Make some music of your own.
Pick up a musical instrument — a ukelele, a tin whistle, a bagpipe, whatever — and belt out some tunes. Just don’t wake the neighbors.
20. Make yourself a special meal or treat.
Get the ingredients you need and prepare a special meal just for you or for you and a special guest. And use your best dishes.
Focus on something that makes it easier to smile. Studies have even shown that smiling tricks your brain into thinking you’re happy.
53. Read a book.
Read a good story.
Or dig into a book that motivates or inspires you. If your eyes are tired, listen to an audiobook or podcast.
54. Write it out.
Open up your journal (or a word doc), and write about what you’re thinking and feeling. Be honest and don’t judge yourself. Then make a list.
55. Do something creative.
Make blackout poetry. Or pick up an adult coloring book and some markers and play some inspiring music to color to. Create something.
How will you use these ideas to cheer yourself up?
Now that you know how to cheer up using one of these 55 mood-boosting ideas, which ones appealed to you most?
Whatever the reason for your low spirits today, sometimes all you need is a good distraction — or a reminder of what’s good in your life. It also helps to get out of your own head and do something good for someone else.
