10 Simple ways to turn a grumpy mood into a HAPPY one!

There are some days, that I am simply GRUMPY! Maybe someone said something that set me off, or I got frustrated with myself, or my kids got on my last nerve, or...??? Sometimes, I don't even know why I am feeling out of whack.

I try hard to choose to be HAPPY most of the time, so I thought that I would share my 
​top 10 ways to turn my grumpy mood into a HAPPY one!

1) Journal. I have found that by taking the time to put my "cranks" down on paper, I better understand what I am feeling and why I am feeling that way, which helps improve my mood.

2) Doodle. I think a doodle can really help me feel better. When I am irritable, grabbing my sketchbook and some colorful markers helps me get my mind off whatever is bugging me. And if I can't decide what to draw, my go to doodle is repeating patterns (like Zentangles) because that has a meditative and calming affect on me - might for you too!

Check out the Happy Journals and Sketchbooks available in my shop.

3) Get out into Nature. Getting out of my house, and spending time with the trees, birds, squirrels and sunshine always lifts my spirits. The simple act of seeing the earth's beauty immediately puts my woes into perspective. Most of the time, after about 30 minutes or so, my grumpiness feels minuscule and unimportant.

4) Sing a Silly Song. Admittedly, I tend to only sing (out loud and boldly) when I am in the comfort of my own home. But, belting out a goofy, nonsensical rhyme in a made-up tune cracks me up! And, BONUS - it embarrasses my kids! It is impossible to not feel better after that!
...Maybe it's just me who makes up wacky tunes... but I bet singing a "real" song will help to turn round any crabby mood.

5) Dance. Turn on your favorite tune and shake your tail feathers! Dancing always makes me feel good!

6) Remember a Happy Time. Our world is so fast-paced that we often forget to be thankful for the good times. Thinking back on a favorite memory and feeling grateful for the experience is one of my quick mood-changers.

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7) Be Kind to Others. For me it's impossible to feel my grumpiness when I am sincerely being kind to someone else. Giving a compliment, holding open a door, or offering a hug takes me outside of myself and makes me see the humanity of others.

​8) Meditate. Now, for those of you who think meditation is the big woo-woo thing that is not for you - give me a minute. How I meditate is to close my eyes and slow myself down. I try to not think, but if I do, I simply notice that my mind was wondering, and try again. If that isn't feeling good and my mind is too active, I close my eyes and in my mind I repeat "what do I need to know right now" over and over again. Sometimes it's amazing the thoughts that bubble to the top. Often I already know what I need to feel better, if I just slow down and listen.

9) Smile. Even if I am not feeling it, a smile ALWAYS makes me feel better! And... there is science to explain why this is true for all of us! Learn about it HERE.  PS - laughing works too!

10) Do Something Different. Most of the time when I get crabby, I just need to stop what I am doing and change my environment and activity. Simple things like taking a moment to stand up and stretch, or going to get a small snack, or running a quick errand can change how I am feeling and get me headed in a happier direction.

A doodle about turning around my crabby mood.

There you have it - 10 ways to turn a grumpy mood into a happier one!

What are your strategies? I'd love to hear them - Tell me in the comments below!

Make it a HAPPY day!