What is it you do when you feel furious or sad? Let’s say someone pushed your buttons and now you don’t know what to do with all that angry energy. There must be a better and more economical way to get rid of it than to throw plates on the wall. Or you’ve gotten bad news but can’t have a good cry because your first dinner guests will arrive in about an hour. How do you beat that foul mood?
Have you tried dancing yet? No? You definitely want to try it.
It may not be ideal if you are stuck at the office after you got some bad news from your boss. But you will go home at some point. And if the way you feel hasn’t changed, shake a leg and be amazed about how well it works.
The first time I noticed that this helps me to brighten my mood:
My husband and I had an argument. My, was I angry. It was one of those useless ones, because you get all worked up about something you later don’t even remember.
I grabbed my phone, went into the kitchen, and closed the door. I was going to fix some dinner before it got too late again. The intention was to cook something quick and listen to some music while I did that.
Next, I opened up YouTube and started listening to some Enrique Iglesias, Marc Anthony, some Reggaeton and the likes while I gathered all the things I needed to cook.
I love that kind of music and always have a hard time sitting still when it comes on. So I automatically started swaying side to side and bit. Then my feet picked up the rhythm.
Before I knew it, after everything was in the pan simmering and nothing left to cut or stir, I was dancing in my kitchen and loving it.
And a few moments later, I realized how much better I felt. I still wasn’t happy about our argument, but the steam had blown off and I was able to think clearly and a great deal more objectively than before.
Was this coincidence? I don’t think so.
The next time I felt like that, I consciously took to this method of venting. Et voila, I felt better afterward and had fun while I beat that foul mood I was in.
Step 1 – Pick a dance floor.
Since I don’t know your living arrangements, this is something I cannot help you with. For all I know, you could live in a mansion with only your hubby or you could be sharing an apartment/flat with three others.
Chose a place where you’d feel comfortable to let go.
Step 2 – Get your favorite dancing tunes ready
Get your smartphone/I-Pod/Walkman (or whatever else you might use to listen to music, etc.) and get your dancing tunes playlist. If you don’t have one, YouTube is perfect for this as well.
And of course, if you’re by yourself, you might as well turn up the stereo. Just be considerate of the neighbors.
Step 3 – Get into your favorite dancing cloths.
Pick something you feel good in and that lets you move and bend any way you like. The kind of dancing I am talking about is not the elegantly swaying from your left foot to your right and vice versa.
I am talking about letting your hair down and move to your favorite jam like there’s no tomorrow kind of dancing.
After all, you’re doing this to feel better. So, the last thing you want is for a dress that is too tight to restrict your movements.
Step 4 – Put the three together and let go.
It might feel a bit awkward at first, I get that. But believe me, it is so worth it.
If that makes it easier for you, just close your eyes. I know it all may sound wacky to some of you. But so what? Who cares if you feel so much better afterward (and during)?
Turn your favorite dancing jam up loud enough. We all know dancing music doesn’t do much if it is at a low volume. You want to have it loud enough to feel it. But of course not too loud. You’re doing this to feel better not to give yourself Tinnitus.
Ready? Great. Off you go! Shake your booty and don’t stop until you feel better.
Before you get the wrong idea:
Now, no, I am not a woman who is constantly upset or angry. And yet I think it is great to have a go-to method to make yourself feel better.
In general, I think it is healthier not to take life and ourselves too seriously and to look at the bright side of things. No matter how dire a situation seems, you can always something positive if you look for it.
If you’re interested in some positivity, check out my Happiness File.
Have you tried it yet, have you danced to beat a foul mood?
How was it?
Maybe you have other unusual suggestions. What is it you do to improve your mood? I’d love to know. So, please share your tips in the comments.
Now, have a lovely day. And hopefully you will not have any reason to dance your blues away. xx
