The two best ways to change your mood:
- Take a nap.
The bed is the toilet for emotions. Every nap is like a fresh start.
- Meet someone for coffee.
In the movie “Into The Wild”, we are left with a fantastic quote: “Happiness is only real when shared.” That’s why you should meet someone, have some laughs, debate some ideas. The intellectual involvement is too strong for the mind to keep thinking about negative things. Even if you go back to reality afterwards, the perspective will be different thanks to the infusion of energy that a good chat will give you.
Update! —> Working out:
How could I forget about this?! Thanks for the readers that reminded me this one. Endorphins are magical.
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PS: I’ve been sort of “negative” on my blog lately, or so I’ve heard from some readers and friends. And for that I’m sorry. I feel very strongly about what I think it’s harmful, and the way I express myself might come off as negative, but I never wanted to affect my readers or the community. It’s only with the intention of improvement.
Some clarifications:
1) I’m the happiest guy you’ll ever meet.
2) I won’t stop criticizing what I think it’s wrong. If I can’t speak up on my own blog, I can’t speak up anywhere.
3) I only criticize what I think it’s harmful to society. I would never do it for my personal gain or just to get attention.
On a side note, I’m gonna start doing video debates. Basically, I call you, and we debate about anything. Let me know if you’d like to debate with me, either on the comments or by email at carlos@owlsparks.com
Thanks for sticking with me, and for being understanding with my learning process. I’m always open for a public bashing and thrashing of anything I say here 
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Sure, sounds lovely. That’s sort of like having virtual coffee.
Sort of when…you run into the nearest coffee-shop to get out of the rain, and there is only one seat left. You sit down next to a perfectly good stranger, and considering it looks like the rain won’t let up, you strike up a perfectly good conversation/debate/discourse (whatever it evolves to be).
p.s: I think there’s a large difference between being critical and being negative. I sort of assumed your approach (at least with the past few entries) was to be contrary, or at least write something that isn’t cute and fluffy in order to encourage conversation. To get the blood moving. To get people to maybe get upset and respond.
But, what do I know?
You were right Yanina, that was my intention.
We’ll have that virtual coffee soon!
I would just add to the nap theme – everything looks different after a good night’s sleep. Those problems that seemed insurmountable the night before seem to have many alternatives and options in the morning.
I value the honest approach you take and that you are not afraid to take on anything here on your blog or anywhere else.
Look forward to coffee this week
Isn’t it wonderful that we can do it in real life?!
Two great ways to reboot. I’d also suggest reading offline, like a book or magazine, especially something not in your “field.” It can widen the perspective and help you approach problems in a whole new way. One of the best nonprofit minds I’ve met has an art degree and works in youth development. He would always bring to staff meetings a theme or idea from the visual arts and ask us to apply it to our work. Brilliant.
I’m up for debates.
I’ll contact you as soon as I get everything done Sam
I dislike taking naps. In fact, I never take them. I think they make you groggy, they’re lazy and you should have just gotten a full nights rest (studies show, much better for you, healthier, etc.) the night before.
I do agree that resting in general (what you were probably saying about a nap?) is where you can charge, rethink and reboot.
Instead of naps, I go to yoga, walks, or go outside in nature. It feels much better than a groggy 30 minute nap in the middle of the day where I am still tired when I wake up.
I don’t know how I could forget about working out, another great way to reboot.
On the nap thing, I’ve read just as many studies that say the contrary, so I don’t care about studies anymore. But if it doesn’t work for you, then of course no need to go there.
Haha, well, I clearly didn’t link to any studies (and yes, there are hundreds out there). You’re right though, in the end, do what works for you. We’re all different.
I’m a huge fan of naps, but that just may be because I tend to have to take them or I get worse throughout the day. As it stands for the happiness factor — I love snuggling up in warm sheets and a nice, soft pillow. It feels like an indulgence and a way to recharge, maybe even start over. I love how you refer to a bed as the toilet for emotions — isn’t that just the truth
You know what it takes for me to change my mood, though? To go from feeling badly to feeling good? Two minutes with my dog. Not even — maybe just that first look when I come home from work. That’s it. My dog, any dog, they’re like little happiness magnets and you can’t help but smile. That’s my secret weapon of choice: loving a dog. So easy.
Final note: Mark a spot on your calendar for me, if you please. I had a blast talking to you the other night and find myself craving more of that intellectual stuff.
You’re on, my dear friend.
Aww, I was just giving you a hard time, buddy! I know from experience that you’re a super-happy guy who speaks passionately about what you love.
Nothing wrong with that! Just make sure that your passions don’t overwhelm your ability to live a happy life, and you’ll be golden!
Keep up the good work!
But I think you were on to something, though. You read me so well.
My other favorite way to burn through a bad bit of energy or a down mood is to get active. The complete opposite of a nap.
It’s a burst of endorphins, gets me into a very physical zone which gets me out of my head where I will sulk in a bad mood.
Whether I go out dancing and just throw down with all my emotion, do a super intense series on my gymnastic rings, or throw down a yoga mat, they all seriously improve my mood.
After reading your article (and comment) I found this article at Wasabi Burger which seemed relevant to your comment. It discusses the benefits of exercise – not just mood enhancing but cognitive improvements as well. All the more reason to become active!
Here’s the article: A Proven Way To Boost Brain Performance in 30 Minutes: http://www.wasabiburger.com/a-proven-way-to-boost-brain-performance-in-30-minutes/
Thanks for sharing John.
Absolutely, I agree, I don’t know how I missed that one. Already updated the post
Thanks Carl!
Naps are definitely a great way to recharge and gain a fresh perspective. I also agree with Sam – I’ve found reading outside my field to be a great way to unwind, as well as add new perspective to existing problems. Great advice!
Concerning negativity – I wouldn’t worry about it – what good is having a blog if you can’t vent a bit?
Of course, and I won’t change my voice. But it was good to clarify a little bit.
you are not negative, you are just speaking your mind! Your blog is a joy to read and inspires my young blogs!
I love debating, especially if it’s a smart debate! Please email me the details
Thanks Hala, means a lot.
I’ll let you know soon.