How to Get Out Of a sh*tty mood

Let’s talk about moods. It’s something that’s been on my mind a lot this year with everything that 2020 has brought us – including lots of moodiness on my end. I’m human after all, not to mention very pregnant, so moodiness is never going to completely go away…but I do think there are ways to combat it. At least most of the time. Here’s a list of what I do when I’m feeling negative.

P.S. Paul, if you ever send me a link to this blog post, you’re dead.

+ Assess the reason for your mood

I can always feel my mood shift into the negative realm. I’m well aware I’m being moody/b*tchy/negative. The question is, do I want to do something about it? And, why am I in a mood? If the answer is valid – work is insane, my house is messy – then I apply solutions based on the problem (clean my house or whatever). If the answer is not valid – I’m just in a shitty mood – then that’s when I try to pull myself out of my mood with these tips. Getting to the root of the mood is where I start and plan accordingly.

+ Turn off social media

Especially if your mood is related to comparison or FOMO.

+ Schedule in self-care

If I’m in a bad mood for more than a couple days, it’s likely because I’m overbooked with work and run-down. This is when things that refresh me – taking baths, cooking, watching TV, doing my nails, etc. – are being pushed aside because I don’t have time. And when your days are full of sh*t you don’t necessarily want to be doing, your mood will suffer. So I suggest doing some form of self-care as soon as you can each day. Leave your phone in the other room, let your boss know you’ll be out for an hour, and do you.

+ Workout

For me, this is hands-down the best stress reliever (alongside sex). It’s both physical and mental and I know it’ll turn my mood around.

+ Watch a childhood movie

There’s something about feeling nostalgic that feels good!

+ Do something kind for someone else

Instead of obsessing over yourself, turn outward. Send your girlfriend flowers. Pay it forward at Starbucks. Babysit a friend’s kid. Give someone the day off and pay them, etc. Kind of like gratitude, this practice completely shifts your focus – at least for a little while.

+ Delegate

I’m a huge fan of delegating as I’ve already mentioned in a million blog posts. If your mood is because you’re stressed, see if there are areas of your routine that you can start delegating. More of what I delegate in this post.

+ Take a mental health day

If nothing else is working, give yourself a day off. Forget about as many responsibilities as possible and just chill the f*ck out. Order takeout, do little things that make you happy (or don’t), take a long bath, and try to give yourself a day to recharge. If you have kids at home, think about booking a local hotel for the night. Boujee but necessary!

+ Accept it

Lastly, I think we all live in this culture where everyone’s life seems perfect and happy all the time. Which is bullsh*t. We all have struggles, insecurities, and moods – and that’s OK. Sometimes we just need to give ourselves a break and realize that the mood will eventually pass – and stop being so damn hard on ourselves 24/7.

What do you do to get out of a bad mood?