It isn’t uncommon to feel down from time to time, leaving you feeling cranky or depressed. Research estimates that about 16.2 million adults in America have had at least a single major depressive episode in a single year. Many factors can influence your mood significantly, so it can be challenging to remain upbeat at all times. Nevertheless, there are several things you can do to uplift your mood when necessary, starting with these ideas.

1. Try Reiki

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that is a subset of alternative medicine. It reduces stress and anxiety, promotes relaxation, and restores emotional and physical wellbeing in general. These benefits are made possible by practitioners who use their hands to deliver universal energy to your body, boosting the balance and flow of energy throughout your body to support healing. Reiki can also enhance your mood since it relieves anxiety and depression effectively. A 2011 study revealed that people who had Reiki enjoy better mood benefits than others who did not have it, so it is undoubtedly worth considering. Nowadays, you can enjoy online Reiki sessions from the comfort of your home since the universal energy can be sent anywhere in the world regardless of time and place.

2. Spend time with your pets

Many studies show that interacting with pets can boost your mood, so consider spending time with your furry friend anytime you feel down. Playing with a cat or dog increases your dopamine and serotonin levels, keeping you calm and relaxed. The companionship that these pets provide can also ease loneliness, making you less likely to feel depressed. If you aren’t in a position to take care of a pet, you can find a friend who will permit you to pet sit. This way, you can spend some time outdoors at a park, get some mood-boosting Vitamin D and watchdogs frolicking in the sunshine to lift your spirits. 

3. Meditate

Long-term meditation has long been shown to impact mood positively. However, researchers say that even quick bursts of meditation are effective in boosting your mood. Therefore, find a quiet spot to meditate for 5-10 minutes anytime you feel less than ideal. YouTube has many free meditation resources you can rely on to get started. However, if you are seeking a more formal program, apps like Calm, Simple Habit, and Headspace can help you begin a meditation practice, so keep this in mind.

4. Listen to upbeat music

According to a 2013 study from the University of Missouri, listening to cheerful music can improve your mood significantly. Indeed, many people turn to music in their low moments and re-emerge feeling vitalized and happier. Consequently, consider music as a go-to remedy when you feel sad, angry, depressed, anxious, or stressed out. You can create a playlist on Pandora, Apple Music, or Spotify containing songs that make you smile every time you hear them. Then, feel free to put this playlist on shuffle anytime you are feeling down to receive an instant mood boost from your favorite songs.