7 Things, That Will Uplift Your Mood On A Dull Day

One important reason why happiness is so important is because it can promote physical health. When you are happy, the release of hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which are two chemicals that affect mood, can also cause hormones to be released, which can create positive physiological changes. The more often you focus on the good things, the more often these "happy hormones" are released into your body, which gives you neurochemical support for good emotions and the subsequent physiological effects.

A dull day can often be made more bearable if you distract yourself with some fun activities. Sometimes, the best way to brighten your day is by getting out of the house, whether it's to hit the slopes or hit up a fun event. Other times, it might be to watch some TV comedies, read a book, or spend time with friends. When a situation looks hopeless and you feel like you're going at a spiral, a good reminder for a lift may be nearby. Here are seven things, that may come to mind to put a smile on your face.

A Fun Event

Events can have a way of bringing people together in a way, that allows them to forget about their problems for a while. Going to an event like a concert or a football game, for example, can be an excellent way to get out of the rut, you might find yourself in. These types of events are common occurrences, so you have some idea of what to expect. Your anticipation, and the energy of the event itself, can increase. This increase in happiness can only be sustained if it does not lead to an unhealthy obsession, of course.

A Walk

A brisk walk has a way of clearing your head and allowing you to organize your thoughts. You don't have to be a professional athlete, or even a particularly active person, to experience the benefits of a walk. Even a fifteen-minute walk at a steady pace can have a profound effect on your mood. Your body will produce endorphins, which are natural morphine-like substances, that can trigger feelings of well-being.

You could go for a longer walk if you feel up to it. Experts suggest, that a prolonged walk of thirty minutes to an hour a few times a week can have significant physical and emotional benefits.

The weather affects how you will experience the walk. A brisk walk in a dry climate may be all you need to feel refreshed. In a humid or wet climate, you might need to change up the type of walk to suit the situation.

A Massage

A massage may seem like an indulgence, but like most indulgences, it can have wonderful benefits. When you give yourself over to a massage, you are allowing someone else to rub your body with their hands. This, alone, can have a deeply relaxing effect.

A professional massage may cost you a pretty penny. You might not be able to justify spending that much, but you could probably afford to hire a masseuse to come to your house once a week. Many people prefer the professional touch, because they are not used to massage. The masseuse will know how much pressure to apply and where to apply it. You may not know how to massage as well as the professional, but even a few sessions with your spouse or partner could teach you a thing or two.

After the massage, you may feel drained. The release of tension and the alleviation of stress and soreness is what the massage is supposed to do, but it doesn't always leave you feeling rejuvenated as much as it just leaves you feeling normal.

Some people might not like the idea of a massage, but you already know what you like and dislike. You could also consider a hot stone massage. These massages involve heating stones, that you place along your back and other tense areas of your body. Depending on how long you leave the stones in, they will either help to soothe your muscles or provide a deeper relaxation.

A Fun Activity

After the weather has had a chance to make itself known, you may want to consider participating in a fun activity. The possibilities are almost limitless, but here are a few ideas.

You could go mountain-biking with some friends. The great thing about this type of activity is that you can go at your own pace. You can stop to rest or go down a trail at any time.

You could go spearfishing or kayaking with some other people. Both of these types of activities are a little more "outdoorsy", than the other suggestions, but the activity itself determines the type of clothing, that you will need to wear.

You could also go rock climbing. This activity requires a physical ability and a certain level of fear of heights. Most people, regardless of how they will react to the situation, will be able to rock climb.

Distraction

Distraction can be a very powerful tool, when it comes to changing your mood. Watching a nature show, playing a game, or going for a drive can all serve as distractions from the troubles in your life. You could also spend time with someone, who always makes you laugh. A great friend and a belly-laugh can often be more powerful, than any other things.

Meditation

Meditation can be a very powerful way to calm the body and the mind, and it is a practice that anyone can learn. It is a simple process. You simply focus on a single point, and you try to let go of all distractions. Your attention remains fixed on that point.

The trick is to not yield to any temptations to stray from your focus. This is where distractions come in. If you find that your mind is wandering, you must gently bring it back to the point. If you find that your body is moving, you must also move it back into a sitting position.

It may take a while to master this technique, but you will be surprised at how quickly it becomes second nature. The more you practice, the better you will become. You may need to read a book on the subject, but any beginner's guide to the subject should be enough to get you started.

Try A New Hobby

For many people, hobbies are an important part of their lives. Hobbies can vary from as simple as appreciating art to participating in extreme sports to learning an instrument. If you've always wanted to try something new, you should do so. Hobbies can be a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and keep your mind busy.

The only thing you need to decide is what type of hobby you want to pursue. Many hobbies require equipment and skills that you may not have. Some require levels of experience that you may not have. Some are dangerous.

Any of these factors may make the pursuit of the hobby too difficult for you. You may decide, that the risks are just too great and simply choose another type of hobby instead. The choices are almost limitless.

Finale Thoughts

You may not realize it, but your day is being turned around by the simple act of engaging in a different activity. Do not, however, let this new-found energy overcome you. Remember that your objective is to find something, that will make you feel better and that your walk, massage, or whatever was only a stopgap measure. You may find, that you have to make a major adjustment in the way you live your life, but that is usually the case with a person, who finds themselves in an unhappy state.