Lesson two – How I Get Out of a Bad Mood – October 2009
When I’m in a bad mood or depressed I usually know why. It’s the same reasons 90% of the time: I am feeling sorry for myself, I didn’t get my way, I’m procrastinating and feeling guilty about it, I’m resentful, etc.
But it doesn’t really matter why I’m feeling crabby; being in a bad mood is no fun.
Here is what I usually do to get myself out of it:
- I admit to myself that I’m in a bad mood. The sooner I "own" my mood, the sooner it will start to ease up. I even tell myself out loud if necessary.
- I try to tell someone else (usually my wife) that I’m out of sorts. (In a nice way of course). A problem talked about is a problem halved.
- If I’m still in a bad mood, I force myself to get in motion, and do something, anything that gets me physically moving. Mood follows action.
- Sometimes all I have too d is look at my gratitude journal and start writing in things that I’m grateful for. It really IS impossible to be miserable and grateful at the same time.
- I go for a walk, or get out of the house and run errands.
- When I’m out, I smile at people and make eye contact (very important – especially with strangers.) People almost always smile back. Maybe the other person is in a bad mood too, and my smile helps them as well as myself. By then I am out of my bad mood about 98% of the time.
A note of caution: sometimes, if I’m in a really bad mood, I take it out on others. That kind of behavior almost always gets me into trouble, and can damage my relationships.
I try to remember this little saying: "Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."
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