Learning library
Anxiety and depression
Quick Mood Boosters: Simple Strategies for Feeling Better

Quick Mood Boosters: Simple Strategies for Feeling Better

If you're looking for tips to improve your mood, these both short-term and long-term strategies can help you calm down, and decrease the occurrence of these moods in general.

If you tend to feel irritable whenever your anxiety surges, both short-term and long-term strategies can help you calm down, and decrease the occurrence of these moods in general. 

However, managing irritability represents only one piece of the overall "anxiety treatment" puzzle. To have the best chance to ensure a satisfying outcome, develop a multi-faceted treatment with the help of mental health professionals. Confidant can connect you with experienced and compassionate doctors and therapists. 

Combined with treatment,  these tips can also help you manage irritability.

Label the Emotion

Recognize that more frequent irritable moods stem from anxiety, and are not necessarily another person's fault. When you feel particularly irritated by the people around you, stop and take a few deep breaths. 

Understand that you're experiencing a temporary mood. Sometimes labeling the emotion in this way can give you enough perspective to relax and let go of irritation. 

Take a Walk

Simply getting outside for some fresh air and mild exercise can improve how you feel and clear your head. To manage frequent irritability, schedule a walk into your daily routine and stick to it, even when you feel like it. Both creating routines and exercise prove beneficial for managing the symptoms of anxiety.

📞
Request an Enrollment Call

Our team will call you to answer any questions you have or to help you schedule an appointment.

Request an enrollment call

Carve Out Quiet Time for Yourself

Sometimes you need to spend time alone to check in with yourself and refocus your thoughts. Schedule a few 15-minute blocks throughout the day, dedicated entirely to your mental health and self-care. 

Use this time to meditate, perform deep breathing exercises, write in a journal, draw or do anything else that allows you to release negative thoughts. Find an activity that works for you and make it a priority in your daily schedule.

Consume Less Caffeine

For some people, caffeine exacerbates anxiety symptoms like irritability. Coffee, some teas, and many sodas contain this stimulant. Chocolate contains caffeine as well, as do some medications for headaches or PMS symptoms. 

Once you identify the sources of caffeine, try to wean yourself off of it over time until you don't feel that it heightens your anxiety. If you already limit caffeine or feel sensitive to it, cut it out of your diet completely.

🗓️
Book with Confidant

Book with a vetted Confidant Health provider

Book appointment

Have Compassion for Yourself and Others

It doesn't feel good to experience irritability regularly, nor does it feel good to be around someone in an irritable mood. The people around you typically don't intend to irritate you. They love you, and you love them. 

Remind yourself of all the positive things you appreciate about your loved ones or about your life in general to gain some perspective. An irritable mood doesn't last forever, so try to treat yourself and others with compassion even when you start to feel overwhelmed by this emotion.

You can feel less irritable on a day-to-day basis by also reducing your other anxiety symptoms. Rather than focusing solely on irritability, consider the value of managing your other symptoms in tandem with the help of a professional treatment plan.

This article has been medically reviewed by
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Nurse Practitioner

Erin is a Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience in midwifery and women's health. She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

👍
Recommended reading
5 minutes
read time
Treating Depression: Options and Approaches to Recovery
5 minutes
read time
Types of Depression Medications: Side Effects and Treatment Options
5 minutes
read time
MDD vs PDD: The Difference Between Depression and Dysthymia
5 minutes
read time
Types of Depression: Exploring the Different Forms of the Condition
5 minutes
read time
Substance Use and Depression: Understanding the Connection and Finding Help
5 minutes
read time
What are positive coping strategies for depression?
3m
read time
Coping with Job Loss: Strategies for Moving Forward
4 minutes
read time
Letting Go of Fear: Techniques for Moving Forward
4m
read time
How to Improve Your Focus: Tips for Better Concentration
5 minutes
read time
Boosting Energy: Simple Strategies for Productivity and Alertness
4 minutes
read time
Overcoming Restlessness: Tips for Finding Calm and Focus
4 minutes
read time
Positive Approaches to Depression: Strategies for Coping and Recovery
4m
read time
Overcoming Overeating: Practical Tips for Managing Cravings
5 minutes
read time
Dealing with the Unexpected Loss of a Loved One: Coping Tips
4 minutes
read time
Quick Mood Boosters: Simple Strategies for Feeling Better
4 minutes
read time
The Physical Effects of Anxiety: Understanding the Impact on Your Body
5 minutes
read time
Fast Asleep: 6 Strategies for Falling Asleep Quickly
3m
read time
Gabapentin for Anxiety: Understanding the Treatment Timeline
5 minutes
read time
CBD Oil for Anxiety: When to Expect Relief
5 minutes
read time
Boosting Your Appetite: Tips for Eating When You Have No Appetite
4 minutes
read time
Managing Worries: Strategies for Coping with Anxiety and Stress
5 minutes
read time
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: Understanding the Differences
4 minutes
read time
Identifying the Root Cause of Anxiety: Underlying Factors
5 minutes
read time
Coping with Sadness: Things to Do When You're Feeling Down
4 minutes
read time
Holiday Relaxation: Tips for Unwinding at Home
4 minutes
read time
Can't Sit Still? Tips for Calming Restlessness
5 minutes
read time
Finding Pleasure in Life: Tips for Increasing Joy and Satisfaction
4 minutes
read time
Types of Anxiety Medications: Understanding Your Treatment Options
4 minutes
read time
Types of Anxiety: Understanding the Different Forms of the Condition
4 minutes
read time
Coping with Anxiety: Negative Strategies to Avoid
4 minutes
read time
What is Anxiety? Understanding the Symptoms and Treatments
4 minutes
read time
Substance Use and Anxiety: Understanding the Connection and Finding Help
4 minutes
read time
Zoom Fatigue: Understanding the Causes and Coping Strategies
5 minutes
read time
Building Resilience: Tips for Strengthening Your Mindset
5 minutes
read time
The Effects of Depression: Physical, Mental, and Long-Term Impacts
5 minutes
read time
Coping with Depression: Unhealthy Strategies to Avoid
5 minutes
read time
What Causes Depression? Understanding the Triggers and Risks
5 minutes
read time
What is Depression? Understanding the Symptoms and Treatments
Confidant mobile app screens

Get immediate access to the care you need today

Scan the QR code below to download the app. We'll help you to get immediate access to the care that your need.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
Scan this QR code to download the app
QR code to download the app
Trusted by 5000+ members