How to Cheer Yourself Up: 11 Fun Ways to Deal with the Autumn Blues
It doesn’t matter why you’re in a bad mood – you can always deal with it! We offer 15 fun ways to recharge yourself with vivacity, energy and optimism.
1. Go for a Run
Even if the sky is overcast and there’s a little rain outside, a little jog won’t hurt. One 2021 study from the University of Tsukuba found that just 10 minutes of jogging not only improves your mood, but also your brain function.
And if you can’t bring yourself to stick your nose outside, organize a home workout. Start doing squats, jumping rope, or dedicate 15 minutes to express fitness with Stanislav Skoneczny. It will be fun!
2. Pet a Pet
If you have a pet, you probably know how these little creatures can affect your mood. Just play with a cat or dog or talk to a parrot, fish or hamster, and there will be no trace of a bad mood. This fact is confirmed by studies.
Scientists have also found that communication with pets reduces stress and anxiety and even helps fight heart disease.
3. Call a Friend
Communication with loved ones not only improves your mood, but also makes us truly
happy. However, there are certain requirements for the content of the conversation. Both participants must be interested in it.
During an exciting conversation, the hormone oxytocin is produced in the human body, and if the conversation is also educational, dopamine. These two hormones neutralize the effect of the stress hormone cortisol and help us feel happy. What else do you need this fall?
This is interesting! A group of scientists from Australia discovered that women who had strong and warm relationships with friends were less likely to suffer from age-related diseases in old age.
4. Watch a Funny Video
They say that laughter is a great medicine! And although laughter therapy does not cure all diseases, it will definitely help to cope with the autumn blues.
Find a minute to watch a funny video about cats or plan to watch a comedy movie in the evening, and your day will definitely not be in vain! And if you do it in great company, then your good mood will not leave you for a long time.
5. Do Something with Your Own Hands
You don’t have to wait for the Muse to do something beautiful! Creative activities are available at any time, and they can work wonders. When a person draws, sculpts, embroiders with beads or woodburns, he relaxes, his mood improves and joy appears in life.
It’s not for nothing that scientists recommend hobbies as a proven way to become happy.
6. Try Your Luck with a Quick Game on 20Bet
Sometimes, a little thrill is all it takes to lift your spirits. The online bookmaker 20Bet offers a wide range of sports betting options and casino games, where you can experience that rush without leaving home. A small, friendly wager on your favorite team or a quick spin on a slot can give you an instant boost of excitement and engagement. Remember, the key is to play responsibly and enjoy the fun side of gaming—it’s all about the journey, not the jackpot!
7. Start Keeping a Diary
Only at first glance it seems that it’s boring! By writing in a beautifully designed diary, you will not only begin to notice what good is happening in your life, but also make plans for the future. And these two activities repeatedly improve our mood and make us happy.
8. Eat a Piece of Chocolate
Perhaps this is the most pleasant way to instantly feel better. And all because real dark chocolate contains an antioxidant that causes the release of hormones of joy – endorphins and serotonin in the blood.
But do not abuse the sweet “antidepressant”, otherwise your mood will be darkened by the disappeared abs on your stomach.
9. Hug a Loved One
American psychotherapist Virginia Satir believes that each person needs 4 hugs a day to survive, 8 to maintain life, and 12 to grow. And this is a great reason to hug someone!
In addition, studies show that simple hugs reduce stress. And if you hug your “other half,” it also lowers blood pressure, increases the production of the attachment hormone oxytocin, improves mood, and makes a person happy. Hug others more often!
10. Smile at a Stranger On the Street
Scientists have long said that happiness is “contagious.” But an ordinary smile also has “magical” properties. Try smiling at a stranger on the street and, most likely, he will do the same in return. And your mood will immediately improve!
Studies show that even a short-term “fake” smile helps us feel happier. The person we smile at also receives a small “investment.”
This is interesting! Scientists from Cardiff University studied how botulinum toxin injections affect the human body and discovered a surprising side effect. It turns out that people who could not frown after the procedure felt, on average, happier than those who could.
11. Sign Up for a Massage
If there is no one nearby who could brighten up your mood, you can get joy through a relaxation procedure – for example, a massage. Research shows that during a pleasant massage, the body releases the hormones of joy serotonin and dopamine, which instantly makes us feel better.
