This afternoon, unexpectedly, I found myself wrestling the blues. We all know the feeling; an unhappy combination of grumpiness and glumness, with a large spoonful of lethargy and disinterest. It’s that special kind of dejected mood that hits for no discernible reason and yet can’t be easily shaken off.

My weekend had been nice and slow-paced, and I’m not one to dread Mondays, so this mood was pretty unexpected. Maybe it’s stress-induced?

Regardless of the cause, it’s the worst kind of feeling and when it hit today, I wanted to do nothing but sit in my room and wallow. But since I had chapter, I had to get my butt out of my pjs and into business casual before meeting a friend for pre-chapter dinner. Even though it was the last thing I wanted to do (and I was terrible company), it was the best thing I could have done for myself.

So for anyone else fighting off those niggling blues, here are a few ways to shake off your bad mood:

 1. Change your scenery: Yes, it’s exactly what you don’t want to do, but getting out of your house can really help your mood. Fresh air can be amazing therapy.

2. Listen to upbeat music: Music is one of my favorite ways to fight stress, stay calm, or get happy. I like a variety of music, but on afternoons like todays, I went for music that had happy memories as well as an cheery beat– which for me meant my Disney Pandora station.

3. Go talk to lovely people: I’m a weird mix of introvert and extrovert; I’m super outgoing, but I also adore “me time.” At college you’re pretty much constantly around people, which is great, but I also seriously relish my alone time. So when I have the option to stay at home instead of talking to people, I seize it. But when the blues hit, talking to people you enjoy can lift your mood like nothing else. It’s scientifically proven that people get a mood boost from positive social interaction!

4. Drink tea: Or any other warm drink of your choice. I happen to adore tea for it’s health benefits as well as taste, but I know not everyone has such a passion for it. But no matter your drink, there’s something super soothing about nursing a steaming hot mug of your favorite beverage.

5. Citrus! It’s a weird one, but citrus makes us happier (thank you, science). I have a wonderful vitamin C serum that smells like oranges, but of course you could also snack on a real orange. I also adore water with fresh lemon, and lemon herbal tea.

6. Accomplish a few small tasks: Don’t make a massive to-do list, but getting a few simple things done (wash the dishes, throw a load of laundry in, sort through the stack of mail) makes you feel like less of a layabout and gives you the feeling of accomplishment.

7. Go for a run: Here’s where I should take my own advice, because I couldn’t force myself off my bed for a run (we did our long run on Friday, so I was lazy today). But fresh air, endorphins, and feeling like you’re accomplishing something does wonders for your mood.