How to Boost Your Mood in 5 Minutes
Quick fixes for when you’re just not feeling it.
Ever have one of those days where everything just feels a bit... “meh”? We’ve all been there! But sometimes it only takes a few minutes to boost your mood and turn your day around - and you don’t need a spa day to do it either. Here are some of our go-to mood boosters to try next time you’re feeling meh. Skeptical? Try them anyway. What do you have to lose?
1. Take a Few Deep, Slow Breaths
We know you’ve heard this a million times before, but that’s because it works. Breathing slowly and intentionally is incredibly powerful when it comes to relaxing both your body and mind. It helps calm your nervous system, lower stress, and even improve your mood in just a few minutes.
There’s a breathing technique called “cyclic sighing” that's actually been proven to lift your mood and reduce physiological arousal within five minutes.
Want to give it a try? This is how it works:
- Inhale for a count of four.
- Exhale for six.
- Repeat five times.
You’ll literally feel your body start to relax within minutes as your shoulders drop, jaw unclenches, and your mind slows down.
2. Step Outside (Yep, Even if It’s Just the Garden)
There’s something about fresh air and daylight that resets your brain. Research has found short bursts of time in nature actually lower negative emotions compared to city settings. Even five minutes outside can really shift your perspective, whether it’s going for a walk or simply sitting in the sun.
No park nearby? Crack open a window, step out on your balcony, or walk to the end of your street. You’ll still feel a whole lot of benefit with basically zero effort.
3. Stretch or Move Your Body
Five minutes of gentle movement can do wonders. If you want to give it a go now, just roll your shoulders, reach your arms overhead, stretch your legs, or shake it out. Anything that gets your blood flowing again is a win.
Movement triggers endorphins (your feel-good hormones), wakes up your body, and helps release any tension that’s been building. Bonus points if you throw on a song you love and dance it out for a minute or two (or ten!).
4. Write Down Three Good Things
Your brain loves to focus on what’s going wrong when it’s in a slump. Writing down three small things you’re grateful for can really help to flip that script.
It’s the little things, like:
- That first sip of coffee that just hits.
- A moment of quiet before the day starts.
- A good hair day (rare, but glorious).
Don’t force it, just jot down whatever comes to mind. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll naturally start to notice the good stuff without thinking twice.
5. Turn Your Water Into a Pick-Me-Up
Got your water bottle handy? Take hydration up a notch by adding something that actually does something - like electrolytes, adaptogens, or a Solusticks BHB stick. You’ll get a quick boost in energy and focus without crashing out later.
It’s a simple way to give both your body and brain a little extra love; think of it as mood-boosting multitasking!
Why It Works
When something is too easy, it can seem too good to be true. We get it. But these aren’t just feel-good hacks; there’s real science behind them. Breathwork calms your nervous system, nature regulates stress hormones, movement releases endorphins, gratitude rewires your mindset, and hydration supports energy and focus.
You don’t need to book a wellness retreat to get your mojo back (well, not always). Five minutes can be enough to interrupt that “meh” cycle and shift your energy in a better direction.
Your Turn
Next time you’re feeling off, try a one of these. Or hey, why not try them all? Step outside. Stretch. Breathe. Sip on something good. You might be surprised at how quickly things start to feel lighter.