We all have those times when we feel down in the dumps. Maybe we’re depressed because we hear some bad news. Maybe we are bummed out something doesn’t work out the way we’d hoped. Maybe we’re just upset and disappointed with ourselves.

Even if we’re not emotional wrecks, it’s not a pleasant feeling. And there aren’t many people I know who would want to stay in this state for very long. So when it hits you, how do you lift your mood and embrace happiness?

No doubt how you do it, how you lift your mood, is personal.

To convince yourself how true this is, search for ways to lift your mood or change your spirits online, and you will be flooded with a wide variety of answers, each site going in a completely different direction…

A woman’s fashion magazine might suggest you spruce up your life with new clothes, have fun with girlfriends, or savor a piece of chocolate. A man’s lifestyle magazine might suggest you walk off a funky state with new toys, go for new romance, or change up your fitness routine.

As different as these mood-lifting strategies may be, still, it is probably one of those cases where if the shoe fits, wear it.

Lift your mood

photo credit: rpertiet

And if all else fails, you can always try these favorites:

Socialize: Never underestimate socializing as a form of happiness. While you don’t need to be a social butterfly with everyone you meet, having close friends is a key to happiness. It is human nature to feel happy and content when you have a circle of friends that you can trust and have a receptive audience for your thoughts. If you are starting to feel low in spirits, then run a lifestyle check and make sure you are not isolating yourself from others.

Do good for others: Regardless of your religious or political beliefs, doing good for others will always fulfill a need in you. Realizing that there are things bigger than ourselves, and then being able to contribute something that will help others, is indeed something that must be experienced to be appreciated.

Think positively: Yes, I know that looking at the bright side of things is often easier said than done. While this suggestion can be grossly exaggerated, the fact remains that positive energy always does more good than harm. Just remember positive energy doesn’t have to be dogmatic thinking. For example, you can surround yourself with any form of positive energy from funny movies to happier friends, even with self-affirmation or meditative recordings.

Get out of the past: Thinking about mistakes of the past in an effort to repair your perspective is counter-productive. You can waste most of your life droning on about how unfair the past was, and this will never change what happened. Instead, spend more time living in the now and thinking positively about the future.

So how do you lift your mood? What are your favorite and most effective strategies?

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Did you know that from the moment sharks are born, they never stop swimming, even when they are asleep?

Okay, sharks may not be the first thing you think of when you are asked about role models. Let’s face it though; sharks have been around much longer than man or any other mammal, maybe as much as 400 million years. To me this says they’re doing something right.

And they never stop moving forward. I think it’s a good metaphor for life: even if you’re only moving forward slowly, it’s vital to always keep moving.

Change doesn’t need to be hard: In fact, it’s better if it’s easy, and pleasurable, don’t you think?

Let’s say you want to lose 100 lbs (I like round numbers!)…

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You may have heard of the 7 Areas of Life?

If you’re new to the concept (welcome, by the way) the 7 Areas of Life are:

Money, Time, Relationships, Health, Emotions, Work or Career, and Greater Contribution.

Each of these 7 Areas are like pillars that support your happiness and well-being. When one is weak and crumbles, your well-being caves in.

If you sit back and think about it, you might agree that most of us work on one, two, or at best, three of these pillars, right?

Some pour their heart and soul into their jobs. Ever found yourself concentrating on your career …identifying yourself with your job title or how much you earn, only feeling fulfilled when your work life is going well? …I know I have.

Others focus predominantly on their relationships. For these people, family and friends are the most important of the seven Areas, and they do not feel like a whole person if they’re not always focused putting others first.

By now maybe you can see how you favor one or two Areas the most. And likewise you might just as easily have clear in your mind the Areas you neglect… say maybe your health (when you eat out a lot to save time and energy), your money (when you spend money on things you know you don’t really need) or maybe your relationships (if you get caught up in a rat race of life bound with responsibilities)?

Don’t feel bad about the Areas you neglect, because we all do it. Just promise me you’ll avoid making the mistake of assuming that two or three strong “pillars” will make up for the rest. Because if you do, sooner or later the roof of your inner house will cave in, there is no doubt (I’ve been there and got the t-shirt).

And maybe it already has caved in… Perhaps right now you as you read what I’m saying there’s an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of your stomach – the one that signals now is time to change some things in your life…

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