Pain Free Working
MENU
Exercises

How to Boost Your Mood at Work: 27 Easy Tips

Let’s face it—work can be demanding and stressful at times. The pressures of deadlines, challenging tasks, and even office dynamics can take a toll on our productivity and mental health

When we are in negative moods, our focus dwindles, our creativity diminishes, and we’re left dragging our feet through the workday. But by actively working to improve our mood, we can unlock our full potential and create a happier work environment.

We’re here to provide you with easy and practical tips to boost your mood at work. These simple yet effective strategies can make a significant difference in your daily work experience, helping you feel happier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive and successful.


Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood

Start on a Positive Note

Boost Your Mood

Begin Your Day With Gratitude

Take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. Being thankful can instantly boost your mood and create a sense of contentment.

Soak Up Some Sunshine

Wake up a bit earlier to catch those golden rays. Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone that helps you feel happy and energized.

Fuel Yourself With a Healthy Diet

Opt for a well-balanced diet that includes dark leafy greens, whole grains, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals. These nutrient-packed choices can support brain function and contribute to happier moods.

Dress For Success

Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and ready to conquer the world. Looking good can be a powerful trick to boost your mood and enhance your self-esteem.

Create a Productive Workspace

Boost Your Mood with Clean Workspace

Declutter Your Space

A clean and organized workspace can work wonders for your mood. Clear out the clutter to create a more peaceful and focused environment.

Bring in Desk Plants

When you start to feel sad or overwhelmed, bring a touch of nature to your desk. Desk plants not only beautify your space but also have been shown to boost happiness and improve air quality.

Personalize Desk With Meaningful Items

Surround yourself with mementos that bring you joy, like photos of loved ones or special tokens. These personal touches can remind you of happy moments and uplift your spirits during the workday.

Organize Your Tasks

Stress and chaos can dampen your mood and productivity. Stay on top of your tasks by organizing them, setting clear goals, and breaking them down into manageable steps. Accomplishing these small goals will give you a sense of achievement and keep your mood in check.

Leverage Natural Mood Boosters

Boost Your Mood with Natural Boosters

Enjoy Uplifting Music

Music has a profound impact on our emotions. Create a playlist of your favorite uplifting tunes and listen to them when you need a mood boost. Music can reduce anxiety, alleviate depression, and stimulate the brain’s pleasure centers.

Be Calm with Aromatherapy

Harness the power of scent by using essential oils like lemon, lavender, or peppermint. Inhaling these fragrances can lift your mood, reduce stress, and create a more pleasant and calming atmosphere.

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for our bodies and minds. By staying properly hydrated throughout the day, you can support your overall health, helping you stay focused and in a better mood.

Spend Time Outdoors

Whenever possible, take breaks and venture outside. Being in natural environments, even for a short time, can rejuvenate your mind, reduce stress, and boost your overall health.

Take Regular Breaks

Take a Break and Boost Your Mood

Take a Quick Walk

When stress and anxiety creep in, take a short walk to clear your mind and release those feel-good endorphins. Walking can help reduce stress hormones and improve your mood. It has even been shown to provide a better energy boost than a cup of coffee.

Exercise For a Mood Boost

Engaging in regular exercise is a powerful way to reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, and enhance your overall well-being. Aim for a few days a week of physical activity, whether it’s a workout at the gym, a yoga class, or a simple breathing exercise.

Snack Smartly

Avoid reaching for junk food and sugary treats during your break. Instead, eat energy-dense foods like dark chocolate, nuts, or fruits that provide a healthier and more sustainable source of energy. And, remember to eat away from your desk to fully recharge and enjoy your lunch or snack break.

Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Boost Mood with Healthy Relationship

Engage in Meaningful Conversations

Take the time to connect with your co-workers or friends and engage in genuine conversations. Sharing your feelings, thoughts, and experiences can help lift your mood, especially when you find a support group that understands and empathizes with you.

Offer Help

Small acts of kindness can go a long way in making a positive impact on someone else’s day. By offering help or support to a colleague or friend or family member, you not only make a difference in their lives but also experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness yourself.

Harness the Power of Positivity

Go Easy On Yourself

Practice positive self-talk and be kind to yourself, no matter the challenges you face. Building self-esteem and treating yourself with compassion can significantly improve your mood and productivity.

Smile (Or Laugh) Often

Did you know that smiling can trick your brain into feeling happy? Scientific research has shown that the simple act of smiling can elevate your mood and release feel-good hormones. So, let those pearly whites shine and embrace the power of a genuine smile.

Watch Funny or Animal Videos

Need a quick mood boost? Turn to the internet and indulge in some funny or adorable animal videos. Watching these delightful clips can bring a smile to your face and instantly uplift your spirit. Don’t forget to share the joy with others!

Reward Yourself

Celebrate your accomplishments, big or small, by rewarding yourself with something you enjoy. Treat yourself to a good book, savor some dark chocolate, or plan a get-together with a friend. These small indulgences can enhance your happiness and provide a well-deserved break from work.

Promote Healthy Habits

Engage in Hobbies

Make time for activities you love outside of work. Engaging in hobbies like reading, gardening, or any other creative pursuit can lead to a lower risk of depression and boost overall happiness for most people. Find what brings you joy and prioritize it in your schedule.

Disconnect From Social Media

While social media has its benefits, its excessive use can contribute to feelings of comparison, isolation, and low mood, especially in young adults. Take regular breaks from social media to focus on real-life connections and nurture your mental health.

Say No To Too Much Alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake can have a negative impact on your mood, sleep quality, and overall health. Limit your alcohol consumption and be mindful of the effects it may have on your body and mind.

Prioritize Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for a balanced mood and overall well-being. Aim for enough sleep each night and establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation. The more well-rested you are and the more sleep you get, the better equipped you’ll be to face the day ahead.

End the Day Right

Boost Your Mood by Journaling

Plan Ahead

Take a few moments at the end of your workday to plan for tomorrow. This simple practice can reduce stress, help you prioritize tasks, and set a positive tone for the next day. It also allows you to look forward to spending time with a pet or loved ones or engaging in activities that bring you joy.

End the Day Grateful

Keep a gratitude journal and reflect on positive thoughts and feelings from the day. Cultivating a sense of gratitude can shift your focus to the good things in life, improve your overall mood, and enhance your well-being. Take a moment to appreciate the little moments that brought you happiness throughout the day.


How Can I Boost My Mood Fast and Have Healthy Brain Function?

There are a few simple strategies you can try to quickly boost your mood and support your brain function.

The first is to step away from your current activity.

Engage in something that brings you joy or relaxation, whether it’s listening to uplifting music, taking a short walk outside, or getting exercise. These activities do not only positively impact your body, but can also lift your mood and enhance brain function.

And then, consciously focus on positive thoughts and feelings to help shift your overall mood and create a feeling of happiness.


Final Note

No matter how busy or demanding your job may be, taking the time to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that improve your mood is both helpful and necessary. 

You deserve to feel happier and thrive in both your professional and personal life.

So, the next time to catch yourself feeling low, start implementing these simple strategies and experience the benefit and transformative power they can bring to your daily work routine.

Tricia Montano

Tricia founded Pain Free Working in 2019 due to suffering from degenerative disc disease in her L5-S1 from working an office job for the past 18 years. She and her team strive on finding and reviewing the best office equipment to help fellow pain sufferers find relief and to enable people like her to do their jobs comfortably.