Most of us will experience low mood at some point in our life – it’s completely normal. There are many things that may cause low mood such as problems in a relationship (not necessarily romantic), bereavement, sleep issues, work stress, bullying, chronic illness or pain. In some cases, you might not even be able to pinpoint what is causing your low mood.
So, what might you be feeling if you’re experiencing low mood? You may feel sad, experiencing anxiety or panic, feel really tired or have trouble sleeping. You may also feel angry or frustrated and have low self-esteem. Low mood is different to depression as it typically improves after a few days or weeks, simply by making some small changes in your life.
How can you boost your low mood?
If you know what is causing your low mood, try and find ways to tackle this problem. For example, if your mood is being affected by stress at work then try and practice stress management techniques such as learning time management skills, and practicing stress relieving breathing.
Exercise is a proven way to boost your mood as it releases endorphins that make us feel good. Head to the gym for a workout, go for a run around your local park, or try an at home workout – there are plenty of free videos on Youtube that you can follow!
When you’re feeling low, it can be difficult to motivate yourself to do things, but it’s so important to schedule in some time to do the things you enjoy. This could be anything from grabbing a coffee with a friend, cooking a really delicious dinner or reading your favourite book in the bath. Keep in mind the things that might make you feel worse in the long run, such as drinking too much alcohol or eating lots of junk food.
Get your sleep routine down! When we’re sleep deprived, we find it more difficult to regulate our mood and deal with things. If you’re struggling to sleep at the moment, try and do some really relaxing things before bed such as gentle yoga stretches, have a bath, drink a chamomile tea, read a book and avoid looking at screens for at least an hour before you go to sleep.
Read our book ‘8 Wise Ways To A Healthier Happier Mind’ which is a self-help book providing you with the tools you need to look after your mental health and wellness.
If you’re struggling with low mood still after a few weeks, you may be suffering with depression so it’s important to reach out to a mental health expert for support.