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How can you pick yourself up out of a bad mood when you're busy at work?

20 Answers
Last Updated: 11/01/2021 at 9:38pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lisa Groesz, PhD

Psychologist

With evidenced based therapies, we find the root of the problem together to implement solutions. We all face crises, transitions, or disorders at some time.

Top Rated Answers
Sarraahh
April 26th, 2015 10:45am
Hello! Sometimes, when I'm down and at school or work, I look through photos of my family or pets on my phone. I even listen to music with headphones if I can, that always helps! Using positive affirmations in my head works pretty well too. The important thing is to get home and take care of yourself, have a bath and wash the day away x
Anonymous
November 10th, 2020 1:56pm
It is the worst when being in a bad mood at work, I have definitely been there. What usually helps me is thinking of how I will be happy when I finish working and plan to do something nice to cheer myself up, even if it is in the smallest way possible. Think about what you are going to do after you have finished work; whether that is seeing a friend, having a nap or treating yourself to some chocolate!! If you have a break or lunch at work, get yourself some yummy food and watch some funny videos or text a friend to lift your mood for the rest of your shift. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
April 10th, 2018 4:23am
You can pick yourself up out of a bad mood when you're at work by self-guiding yourself on how you want to become at the end of the day and setting goals for it.
Anonymous
February 12th, 2018 1:40am
Try doing something you enjoy that can take your mind off of your bad mood, doing things for yourself can make you feel significantly better after a hard day!
FreeSmiles77
February 5th, 2018 1:50pm
Remember why you're there and how much you need the job, focus on your goals and ignore whatever life is throwing at you, think about your family and your well-being, and always remember you can be having a bad day but there is no such thing as a bad life. smile.
AntidoteTowardsTheDark
June 13th, 2017 7:38am
If something bothers me a lot, I let myself be bothered. I don't fight it. And so, I let it pass. I don't believe in concealing or holding in emotions. What is inspired in your mind must be expressed, even negativity such as sadness or angst. So if I'm busy at work, I'd probably just hide in the bathroom and cry and let it out. Once I'm done, I'd wash my face, get a snack if I can, get a cup of tea, whatever that helps refresh my mood, and start working again.
WorkInProgress11
October 11th, 2016 1:44pm
When I'm in a bad mood at work, I often find it helpful to plug in my earphones and listen to some music that I like or a funny podcast if I'm not doing something that requires my full mental attention. This can distract me from whatever I'm upset about while still keeping me productive.
Anonymous
May 17th, 2016 6:42pm
Try this technique called grounding. Find 1 thing to taste, 2 things to smell, 3 things to hear, 4 things to touch and 5 things to see.
thoughtfulDreamer
May 17th, 2016 4:01am
Whenever i'm in a bad mood, i bring my focus on my breath and my body as a whole. It's one of the skill you acquire from meditating daily.
plumflower
May 9th, 2016 2:21pm
Try thinking of someone extremely funny that happened in your life or something you saw in a movie. Personally I do this at school and it helps me out so much.
bluelotus99
April 11th, 2016 10:20am
at work it might be hard. listen to a nice song that you love for a second. take a small break, close your eyes and center yourself. brief breathing exercises help a lot in these situations. you can also strike a conversation with your colleagues and make some jokes.
Anonymous
December 17th, 2015 11:39am
sometimes when it's too much, i walk to find a quiet spot and cry it out. just to release.
Resilience221
December 5th, 2015 2:53pm
We all have those days when we aren't feeling so great, but we still have to get our responsibilities done, so I know how dreadful it can be. You could try to keep your mind busy at work and "block" what's causing you to be in a bad mood. Sometimes making conversation with your coworkers can make you feel a little better--a simple greeting, etc.
GentleKiteFly
September 21st, 2015 7:30am
You think of one happy thought that makes you feel better. Keep a list of things to cheer you up. :D
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 1:19pm
Since your facial muscles communicate directly with your brain, you can trick yourself into feeling happy by smiling. However, doing so can also repress your feelings and allow negativity to ‘leak’ into other areas of your life. For best results, think happy thoughts that naturally prompt a smile, turning up your mouth and crinkling your eyes for at least 30 seconds.
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2015 9:59pm
when i get stressed out at work, I will find a quick funny video on youtube. something under 2 minutes to break up the stress.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 9:37am
Try to count one to ten or even more when your still in a bad mood. Or maybe even take a moment to breathe and relax, just for a few minutes and maybe play with something for example a stress ball.
Anonymous
May 13th, 2015 5:25pm
Pick my self up about of a bad mood while at work by thinking of others I can help and my family. Maybe even taking a break.
Anonymous
April 20th, 2015 3:49pm
Try to remember why you're working. Maybe it's to make money so you can buy something you've been saving up for. Maybe it's to stay busy and socialize a bit. Whatever the reason, try to reconnect with it.
Bipolarbabe74
November 1st, 2021 9:38pm
Try to figure out why you are in a bad mood and focus on solving that first. Being at work can be stressful but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Try taking a walk outside or writing in a journal. Just getting out of the situation and clearing your head can do wonders for your mood. Sometimes taking a little break is all you need. Try talking to a coworker or texting with a friend. Try talking to a listener on 7 cups or contacting a therapist. A bad mood can be lifted and you won’t feel like this forever.