7 Ways to Change Your Mood

Human emotions are one of life's greatest gifts. Nothing in human history has had such an impact on world events. They start and end wars, make people do crazy things, and bring them absolute satisfaction. As powerful as they are, it is easy to think that human emotions are beyond our control, but they are not.

If you're wondering "Can I change my mood?" The answer is "Yes". You have to choose how you interact with the world and the meaning you give to your experiences. Also, you can choose your state of mind. You can choose to become empowered, and learn how to change your mood. 

What is my state of mind?

A "state of mind" is defined as the quality of an individual's awareness regarding their relation with the outside world, as well as the perception of internal thoughts and emotions. It includes your mood and mental state at a particular time. Depression, anxiety, rationality, criticism, and preoccupation are all examples of mental states. You can even go through more than one state of mind at the same time.

Before you can answer the question: “How can I change my state of mind?” you need to know that it is different from mood. Your mood can change quickly. You may feel angry if someone passes you in traffic, or you may feel depressed if you read sad news. Even if the day passes and you feel this way, you are still in a bad mood.

Your state of mind is at a higher level of consciousness. You are in control of both of them. When you control your state of mind, you control your emotions and you realize that life is on your side, not against you. When you change your mood, you change your life.

“The difference between peak performance and poor performance is not intelligence or ability, but the state in which your mind and body are.” - Tony Robbins.

What affects the state of mind?

Your mood and mentality are as complex as anything related to human emotions. Like anything else in life, the first thing that affects your state of mind is your focus and the thing you choose to focus on. Your mind is trained to look for evil and respond with a "hit or run", as it was two million years ago, but you can retrain it to look for the good.

Taking care of your body is also essential for your mood, especially these five factors:

1. Diet:

You will not put the wrong fuel in your car. The same applies to your body. What you feed your body also supplies your mind. So, make sure that you eat healthy food and drink a lot of water.

2. Exercise:

It has been proven that light exercise, such as walking, helps treat depression and anxiety. It also helps release the hormone "endorphins" that make us feel happy. 

3. Sleep:

Getting enough sleep allows the body and mind to recover and heal itself. It is essential for memory and brain function, hormone regulation, and more.

4. Sunlight:

Getting enough sunlight, such as exercise, has been shown to reduce depression by helping to release serotonin ( a chemical substance responsible for happiness), which increases the feeling of comfort.

5. Tension:

There are also negative chemicals that our brain produces a lot when we feel stressed. Even if we don't feel them explicitly, stress causes lack of focus, depression, and anxiety. It can affect everyone around you. 

How do I change my state of mind?

When was the last time you were in a bad mood? How did being in this situation affect other parts of your life? We often feel that our emotions are beyond our control, but this is not entirely true. You can learn how to change your mood and do so in a moment by:

1. Examining your limited beliefs:

Many people think that they should live with whatever mood they are in, rather than asking: "How can I change my state of mind?" They hold the restricted belief that they are liable to misery or anxiety, or that they can only be in a good mood when the outside world is moving as they please.

The key to a good life has nothing to do with external people or events. You should examine your limited beliefs: Are they positive or destructive? You should identify any beliefs that may be destroying your ability to control your emotions, and replace them with others that give you the ability to control your emotions.

2. Changing your inner dialogue:

Your limited beliefs influence your inner speech. These thoughts create your world. Yet, many people never stop questioning their inner critic, turning it into a friend rather than an enemy.

When you start having negative talk about yourself, imagine that you are your best friend. Can you talk to your friends the way your inner critic talks to you? Think of something positive instead. Not only will you discover how to improve your mood, but your view of life will completely change.

3. Adjusting the position of your body:

Watch how you stand or sit when you are happy compared to when you are sad, or how you look when you are angry compared to when you are cheerful. You will see a difference. We all go through negative mental and emotional states, but you can change your state of mind by changing your physical state. Your body language sends signals to your mind about what you are feeling and how you are doing. If your body posture is bad, only bad feelings or negative state can take over. Also, good posture and alertness lead to a more positive state, which is a key to changing your mood.

4. Smiling:

Smiling also sends positive signals to your brain. It can trick your brain into thinking you feel better than you really are. So, smile at yourself in the mirror, or make eye contact with those around you. If you're not in the mood to smile, watch a funny video, look at old photos, or listen to your favorite song. There is always something to put a smile on your face. Eventually, you will master how to improve your mood and mental state.

5. Moving your body:

How do you change your state of mind even when you're dealing with tremendous stress? The secret lies in moving your body. Emotion arises through movement. In other words, feelings are linked to movement in our bodies. While listening to that favorite song that makes you smile, dance to its tunes, or go for a walk in the fresh air. Green spaces have been shown to be relaxing. Get your heart rate up with exercise. It's a natural mood enhancer. Moving your body releases all that tension and raises your state of mind.

6. Developing a daily program:

You might ask some of the most successful people in the world: “How can I change my state of mind?” Most of these people have one thing in common, which is that they have created a powerful routine that helps them stay in a positive state. So, start your morning right with a positive breakfast that gives you energy. Practice meditation or preparation to set the rhythm of your day. Exercise, have fun, and train yourself to be grateful. Life is supposed to make you happy, not to make you suffer.

7. Adopting an abundance mindset:

True freedom comes when you accept each moment with its positives and negatives, rather than the need to control everything and make it commit to your expectations. Expectations are dangerous if they are not met. Your mental state deteriorates and negatively affects your dealings with yourself or with others. When you take responsibility for your lifestyle, your feelings, and your actions, you have real freedom. When you understand that freedom is a state of mind and that the key to achieve it is to adopt an abundance mindset, you can change your mood and change your life.