Did you know that it’s not just the big things can affect your mood? Small things can also have a big impact of what kind of mood you are in. Your mood, of course, is a huge factor in whether or not you are feeling peaceful with your life.
It’s really easy to notice how the big things affect our mood. Taking a vacation to Hawaii, a marriage, a divorce, death of a loved one, and financial changes are a few examples of what we might call “the big items.” However, small things can also impact your mood in a big way, and the small things happen more often and in greater number. Understanding how these small, day-to-day experiences can affect your mood is very important to your peace.
Here are a few peaceful life tips for when the smaller things affect your mood:
Dehydration. If you’re feeling sluggish or irritable, you might just need a drink of water. Some people don’t have the benefit of good thirst mechanisms. Dehydration affects us in a lot of different ways. Drink a glass of water at least every few hours. Aim to drink half of your weight in ounces of water – if you way 100 pounds, drink 50 ounces of pure water. It sounds like a lot, but your body will thank you for it. Your mood might improve considerably as well.
Music. Can you imagine a world without music? Music evokes all types of emotions and feelings. It is definitely a mood changer. I’m sure you have at least a few favorite songs that lift you up and make you feel great. It only takes listening to the first few notes or chords before you can feel your mood shift. Make it a point to listen to a few songs you love each day. Sing along, dance like no one is around, make a party of it! Keep a couple of your favorites on your phone so they’re always handy.
Scents. Certain smells can bring back memories, change your thoughts, and really affect your mood. Your pile of dirty laundry waiting in the hamper has one effect. The aroma of a flower that takes you back to your all-time best date has a different effect. Are there any scents that you love? Find an essential oil or herb blend (be sure it’s pure, not chemically treated) that you love and use it frequently.
Weather. Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, or just right. No matter what the weather, be assured it will change. Enjoy each day. If you don’t like the cold, or if you don’t like the hot find a way to change your environment. Look for the benefits of each type of weather, appreciate it for what it is. Gratitude always lifts your mood.
Compliments. Receiving compliments always makes us feel good (even if it can feel awkward, too). Just a few kind words can have a big impact on your entire day. Always say thank you, even if you don’t feel deserving of the compliment. Giving compliments can have a positive effect on your mood, too. Try it out – tell someone something nice and see their reaction. It will make you feel good, too! Aim to give five compliments a day and see how it affects your mood.
Sleep. If you have children, you know what they’re like when sleep-deprived. You may think adults can handle it, but honestly you’re not much better when you don’t get enough sleep! Getting enough sleep is essential for a healthy body. We need it to rejuvenate and repair overnight. It’s also essential for a healthy mind. Getting enough good healthy sleep helps you to be more focused, more alert, and will ensure that your mood isn’t being affected negatively.
Your posture. Stand up straight or get into a power stance. Try standing like Superman or Superwoman – hands on hips, feet far apart. Take a deep breath and feel you power. Don’t you feel better than just slouching in the corner. Studies have shown that slouching results in more negative thoughts, and standing or sitting up straight results in more positive thinking. Check out the study by Lotte Veenstra, Iris K. Schneider & Sander L. Koole.
The food you consume. It’s common to have a mild reaction to certain foods and not even be aware of it. Try eliminating certain foods from your diet for a couple of days and see if it changes how you feel. Eliminate one at a time or you won’t be sure which food causes issues. The most common culprits are: Gluten, Soy, Eggs, Dairy, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, (which aren’t actually a nut). More importantly, try to eat a healthy, balanced, whole food diet. Eliminate sugar and processed foods as much as possible. You will be amazed at the difference
Negative people. Whether it’s a coworker, family member, or friend, spending time with a very negative person can definitely affect your mood. You become similar to the people you spend the most time with. It may not be noticeable at first, but it builds up over time. Make it a point to be with people who lift you up and make you feel good.
Keep moving. Interestingly, when you least feel like getting up and moving around, doing so seems to have the biggest positive influence on your mood. A brisk walk, quick dance, or some of your favorite exercise is all you need to boost your mood. It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Just get up and do it.
Hopefully you have found some of these “smaller things” to be eye openers. Implement some of the tips a little at a time and check in with yourself to see how you feel next week, next month and next year. You may be surprised how much better life seems. Most importantly – make sure to take the time to be thankful for the good changes you see in your mood and the extra peace in your life.
Find your purpose – find your joy!
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Did you find a few more ideas of your own? If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments, and as always please reach out with your thoughts.
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