We all have days when we feel down in the dumps. Whether it's getting out of bed on the wrong side, having a stressful patch at work, the miserable¹ weather, or just an inexplicably² bad mood – there are some easy tactics you can rely on to cheer up instantly. If the mood is derived³ from something within your control, fix it as soon as possible and you'll feel a huge weight lifted off your mind. If it's something you simply can't shake, do an end-around and boost your mood simply to spite it. 

 

Here are some simple end-around moves you can consider. More likely however, you'll catch onto the idea and create your own. 

 

If you've woken up grouchy⁴（不高兴的）, put on your favorite sweater, your lucky socks, or that piece of jewelery your partner gave you. I guarantee you'll start the day in a better frame of mind. Wearing something which you have an emotional attachment⁵ to is almost as good as a hug! 

 

 

I love rolling up my sleeves and getting busy in the kitchen, especially when the result is something sweet and delicious! Dig out your favorite recipe for a cake, brownies, cookies or some other treat – and get busy. Long before that delicious baking aroma⁶ fills your kitchen, you'll be cheerful again. If you wake up grouchy everyday, you may want to skip this one. A cake each day is not the answer unless you're giving them away! 

 

 

If I'm in a ratty mood during the workday, it's usually because I've been at my desk writing for too long without moving around. I find that a brisk walk always cheers me up. Most of us need to improve our sedentary lifestyle. Get outside for half an hour, and walk off some of that excess energy – for the sake of your physical and mental health. 

 

Another benefit to getting outside is to drink-in your surroundings. If you can, get to a park, meadow, wood or other green space. Look at the trees, the leaves, the grass, and drink in all the colours. There's always something beautiful to see – if we just take a few minutes to stop and look. 

 

 

When you're feeling down, chatting to friends is a great way to perk⁷（活跃起来） up. Even if you're feeling misanthropic⁸, why not give someone a ring and arrange to meet up for a coffee? Or, write an email to someone you've been out of touch with for a while. 

 

 

Sometimes, we all need to escape from life for a bit. I find getting into a great novel is an ideal way to do that. Curl up in your armchair with a book by one of your favorite authors and let yourself get absorbed in the story. For me, this works much better than trying to cheer myself up reading online – email and other distractions⁹ make it very hard to switch off mentally. 

 

 

Although chores feel like the last thing you want to do when you're in a bad mood, getting rid of mess and clutter¹⁰ will definitely make you feel happier. Our environment has a strong effect on how we feel – so make sure you're working (or relaxing) in a place that's comfortable to be in. The other bonus of getting on with some tidying is that you'll get a sense of achievement from it – a great spur to doing more, if you're feeling lethargic¹¹（昏睡的） or lazy. 

 

 

I often feel that I'm too busy to luxuriate in the bath – but I know that's not true. Taking some time out to really relax will make you far more motivated and productive, and a long soak in a bubble-filled bath is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the day for a good night's sleep. 

 

 

One good way to feel happy is to list all the things you're grateful about. (This can also be quite humbling¹² if you're feeling hard done by.) Sit down with a piece of paper and pen somewhere quiet, and write down all the things in your life that you want to say thank you for. They can be little or big, silly or profound.

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