7 Ways to Boost Your Mood When You're Busy

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1. Do the activity you think you don't have time for.

When we're busy, we often crave time to do a particular activity that we think would help us feel much better. Try doing whatever it is you're craving. Observe whether it boosts your energy to the extent you don't get less done of whatever you're excessively busy with, whether that's work, study, parenting, etc.

2. Use the "a change is as good as a vacation" principle.

No this isn't strictly true, but a change can boost your mood and energy. For example, work in a different place from where you usually work. Or, change up your routine (reverse the order of activities, or change physical location).

3. Take a weekend away.

When we're busy, weekends often don't feel restorative. If your to-do list is never-ending, that can leave you feeling like you can never relax. If you go away for a weekend (or even a single day or overnight), you get the benefit of a change, mentioned above. You also get the benefit of getting physically away from your to-do's at home.

4. Do a typical, enjoyable activity without rushing.

For example, instead of always feeling time pressure, allow yourself to sit down and drink a cup of tea slowly. Sit by your Christmas tree and enjoy it. Take a long, leisurely shower.

5. Do the under-15-minute activity that's languished on your to-do list and is draining your mental energy.

Perhaps you've got a return you need to make, or some other job that will only take a few minutes. What do you keep thinking, "I need to do X (quick activity)" but it keeps getting bumped? Get it off your plate to relieve your mental stress. How does that feel?

6. Go for a walk.

This simple activity can change your outlook, boost your physical energy, and allow your mind to wander and decompress. If you don't go for walks because you don't count them as exercise, give it a try. (You can even try #7 while on a walk to boost your creativity.)

7. Rethink a perceived barrier.

Complete this sentence... "I can't do X [an enjoyable activity or work you'd like to get done] because Y [the perceived barrier]." Construct three different versions of this sentence involving different activities or barriers. Then, for at least one of the sentences you came up with, find a way to do the activity despite the barrier. Be creative and resourceful. Don't be perfectionistic."

Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!

Reflection:

What are some ways you improve your mood when you're really busy?

#Mood #Stress #Self-care