Monthly Archives: January 2012

OK, if you live on planet Earth you’re likely to experience at least occasional bouts of negative thinking or bad moods. But don’t despair! You can get yourself unstuck in 2 minutes or less using these four simple steps.

My students and clients often ask me why I seem to always be in a good mood. And I always tell them the same thing. I’m not! The truth is that everyone gets down at times, but I’ve chosen to only allow myself bad feelings for a moment or two before I change them into something useful. Sure I get angry, sad, hurt, and afraid- I just don’t live there. Emotions are fleeting, so I keep them moving!

1. Self Awareness

Begin now by recognizing the obvious and more subtle triggers that put you in a bad mood. Are you more likely to slip up when you’re tired, stressed, or criticized, when the baby won’t stop crying, or when you feel misunderstood? By becoming aware of your triggers before they get you, you can develop more conscious control of your emotional and mental state.

Also, at any given moment you can notice the difference between being in a bad mood and being a negative person. By accepting the negativity as a temporary state, you’re making it possible to change.

2.  Implement Change.

At times, our feelings act as a warning system, letting us know that change is necessary. So, ask yourself is if there is anything that you can shift in order to make life smoother.

For example, if you tend to get into bad moods when you’re tired, can you rearrange your life so you can get more sleep? Or, if your moods are driven by criticism, could you work with a therapist on self love?

3.  Shake Off the Negative Feelings. 

You’ve probably had someone tell you, “Just let it go!” Well, that’s fine, but how do you do that? We all need a little ritual or process for shaking off our bad moods.

There are a variety of techniques you can use to “shake it off.” Think of a dog shaking off water, or a baby starting to giggle after a bout of fussiness. It is possible to change your state quickly. Personally, I like to move my body. Oftentimes, I will jump out of my chair, throw my hands in the air, and say, “Alright, on with it!” Try it out, or come up with your own- just do something!

4.  Step Into Your Power.

I’ve noticed that many people talk about getting out of a bad mood, but what about getting into a good mood? You really want to do both.

In order to access and hold a positive and productive state, you really want to feel powerful and in charge. For some, this could mean being courageous, and for others it could indicate calm.

Your power is unique. It’s those moments when you feel like anything is possible, when you’re confident and comfortable with yourself and the world around you. Remember those moments, so you can call them to you when you most need them. If you’ve been there before you can be there again. How about now?