17 Ways to Bust a Bad Mood

1) Just breathe. Give yourself a few minutes and try to cool down from all the negativity. Go outside, soak up some sun, and get ready to tackle the cranky.
 
2) Find the core of the cranky. What is really bothering you? This will help you to solve the problem, as opposed to blaming your bad mood on trivial things. It might help to write down how you're feeling. This helps you to process any emotions you didn't realize were even there.
 
3) Be sensitive to the people around you. Negativity can spread like wildfire. Before you know it, everyone is feeling down. So before you lash out, just think of the difference you could make if you let your joy be contagious, instead of your negativity.
 
4) Don't shut people out. If it's more than obvious that you're in a bad mood, there will be two kinds of people. People who will do anything to avoid you, and those who will go out of their way to help you. Whatever the case, don't push people away. Somebody might even have some words of wisdom to share with you.
 
5) Listen to the world's happiest songs. Personally, I think it's nearly impossible to listen to "Walking on Sunshine" and not be at least a little happy. The songs we listen to most certainly impact our mood. Keep those lyrics healthy and positive! Most people say we are what we eat... but maybe we are what we listen to.
 
6) Laugh. Smile. Skip. Whatever you do, just express an attitude of happiness. After awhile, you'll find it's pretty contagious!
 
7) Give somebody a giant bear hug. Guaranteed to lighten any bad mood.
 
8) Count your blessings. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
 
9) Think positive. Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
 
10) Doodle a gazillion smiley faces on a piece of paper. Totally random, but totally effective. This is coming from somebody who's tried it herself! Eventually, you will be so overcome with smiley faces that you'll just have to smile too!
 
11) Sing. Find an instrument, and write whatever's on your mind. It's like musical journaling.
 
12) Watch some stand-up comedy. Even if you don't want to improve your mood, you'll surely end up laughing at some stupid joke that isn't all that funny.
 
13) Embrace optimism. Carry yourself with confidence and look for the best in life.
 
14) Keep things in perspective. If you're in a bad mood, chances are, you won't be cranky forever. (At least I hope!) Don't forget that there is indeed a bigger picture.
 
15) Demonstrate a Christ-like Attitude. No matter how stressed or cranky you may be, you still need to display the love of Christ to others. Never lose sight of that.
 
16) Always keep your end goal in mind. If you know where you want to be, find out how to get there.
 
17) Talk to God about what's bothering you. Sometimes we overstress and try to handle it all by ourselves, instead of letting God step in and help. Even when you don't find the answers easily, just pray this one through. All the quick fixes in the world can't compare to talking one on one with God. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7).
 

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