By Kimberly Love

How to Perk Up eBook & Digital Workbook

Proven Strategies to Instantly Boost Your Mood

Most of us, at one time or another, have been so worried or anxious that we want to throw up. Maybe you’ve even gone past that point to where stress has made you physically sick. Perhaps you’ve heard that story about how actors, as they take the stage, will frequently become ill before going on. You may have felt that queasiness yourself when giving that pitch or proposal.

This sensation is because your body reacts to your mood. When you’re happy, your body feels lighter, and pain diminishes. Sadness, on the other hand, causes you to slump. And worry can cause you to slouch or even break out into a cold sweat.

Often, we’re not even aware of our current mood. Have you ever had a bad day at work and when you get home, some tiny irritation causes you to take out your bad day on the person in front of you? You might not have even realized that you were under that much stress or had grown angry. 

So, it follows that boosting your mood starts with an awareness of yourself. Think about it this way: the body and mind are interconnected. By noticing what’s going on with certain parts of your body, you’ll have a clearer picture of where your mood is right now. 

Start by asking yourself these questions:

• Are your shoulders tense? You might be holding in anger or stress.
• Are you fidgeting? That may be anxiety.
•  That feeling like your day is getting you down? Maybe you’re depressed or sad.
• Breaking into a sweat or gritting your teeth? Is it possible that you’re worried or angry?