My top tips on getting rid of a bad mood

Bad moods - they aren't much fun are they? They creep up on you, often out of nowhere, grab you by the throat and plunge you into a miserable, grumpy darkness.

Unfortunately bad moods are something we all have to face at some point or another so I thought I'd share my top tips on how to deal with them!

Source: Olga on Pinterest

1) Distract yourself

Sometimes you are in a rubbish place mentally but by distracting yourself you can almost trick your brain into forgetting all about it. I find sewing massively helps me when I feel grumpy. I can just switch off from whatever I am thinking and concentrate on the task I'm working on.

2) Exercise

Exercise is an obvious one - but it really helps get those endorphins flowing! Whether you like going to the gym, taking a run round your nearest park or popping on a yoga DVD - give it a go. It has the distraction element, de-stresses you and of course - it's actually good for you!

3) Write a List

Sometimes when you can't shake off a bad mood I try making a list. I write down all the things I'm grumpy about and just get it out there. Some people might find it cathartic to rip up the list, or burn it. Whatever works for you. I also try to write down a list of good things to counter balance my negative list. It's very easy to focus on the negatives - sometimes by just making yourself aware of all the good things happening in your life, you can shift the balance of your mood.

4) Be kind to yourself

My Dad is forever telling me this - as I'm particularly good at giving myself a hard time. You can translate this in whichever way you choose - it might be watching a movie and painting your nails, it might just be a mental thing - not beating yourself up over something that's happened. Treat yourself as you would a friend in the same situation - have a cup of tea and a slice of cake, make yourself a nice dinner with a glass of wine. Whatever "being kind to yourself" means to you.

5) Talk about it

Maybe there is an underlying reason for your bad mood. Maybe something happened and you are feeling cross or grumpy as a result? Talking it through with someone can help figure out what's going on in that head of yours. Phone up a friend and ask for a free 10 minute rant.

6) Do something productive

For me, productivity usually comes in the form of a menial task that I won't get too cross at. Cleaning is a prime example - it often needs doing, and isn't particularly fun - so doing it when you are in a grump can sometimes help. Purely because you can huff and puff about how ruddy dirty the cooker is but hopefully at the end of it you'll have a sense of achievement that might help to alleviate your bad mood.

7) Laugh about it

Not an easy one - but sometimes I'll catch myself being in a bad mood and I can just imagine it from an outsider's point of view and I feel ridiculous. Grunting and groaning and whining and moaning - I feel so silly it'll make me laugh at myself.

8) Watch a happy or funny film

Opposites attract right? Sometimes watching a funny film or some comedy can distract you from your bad mood and turn it around.

9) Give yourself a good talking to

Imagine you are an outsider - or your mother - and give yourself a good talking to. I mean why are you in such a bad mood? What have you got to be grumpy about? Pull yourself together! Count your blessings! (Perhaps a little extreme for some, but works for me sometimes!)

10) Accept your mood

Sometimes, when all else fails, you just have to accept you are in a bad mood. Rather than fighting it, just go with it. Feel grumpy and cross and stomp your feet. There is nothing wrong with feeling negative sometimes - it's natural. Just don't let it take control completely - give the feeling the space to exist but don't let it get out of control. Many a time my bad mood will lift in its own time.

What do you do when you get in a bad mood? Do you have any tips that help you get rid of it?