Everyone has moods - it is part of life. Sometimes, it can be just a word that someone says that sets us off, it could be a painful memory or a change in our situation. Learning to cope with our moods and how to change them is something that not everyone is aware of.

Here are some tips to help you change your mood.

1 Go for a brisk walk - get some endorphins (happy hormone) racing round your body. Feel your heart beat and breath quicken as you enjoy a good walk around the block. You will come back refreshed and ready to tackle your next task.

2 Change your environment - This can often help you shift your mood. If you are outside, come inside and vice versa. Try going to another room and having something different to look at. You may like to go to a park or library or sit in a coffee shop.

3 Close your eyes and imagine someone you love is looking at you and telling them how much they love you and how amazing you are and reminding you of all your great qualities.

4 Try a yoga - Practicing exercises that require your concentration as you balance, can help shift your mind. You could simply try standing on one leg with your arms in the air. Imagine that you are a tall tree, solid and strong and immovable. Standing up tall can also help you change your mood.

5 It's hard depressed, sad, anxious, or in emotional pain. And while it can be healthy not to run away from our feelings, or to be able to feel and express them, it's also healthy—and important—to not overwhelm ourselves, to not get so stuck in painful emotions that they overwhelm or oppress us, and to give ourselves a break.

6 Listen to some music that makes you feel better. Put your headphones on, close your eyes and take your mind away from your problems for a while and let the music soothe your feelings.
7 Become aware - notice what is around you as you sit or walk. Notice all the little things that you might normally miss.

8 Laugh out loud - Even if it is the last thing you feel like, try to laugh. It may feel strange, but try and practice giggling and laughing. Even if the laughter is not real, you can trick yourself into feeling better.

9 Watch a comedy - If you have sometime, watch a funny movie or sitcom on TV. Limit yourself, so you don't end up spending the day in front of the box, but make sure you do something physical as well.

10 Write down all your thoughts and feelings - It often helps to write down how you feel. Spend some time writing and drawing and doodling yourself to a better mood.

11 Talk about your feelings - Is there a friend, teacher or close relative that you can talk to? Never be afraid to talk about your feelings. Don't be ashamed of your feelings. Talking about it could help you feel much better.

12 Visualise yourself in a beautiful environment - Close your eyes and imagine you are in a forest, by the sea or in the countryside. Feel as if you are there and let your body relax in this beautiful setting.

13 Breathe it away - Take in a deep breath and as you breathe out, breathe the negative feeling away. Practice this for a couple of minutes and notice the effect it has on you.

14 Smell some flowers - Some smells can have a powerful impact on our mood. What smells do you love. Take a deep breathe smelling your favourite smell.

15 Listen to How do you feel today? - However you are feeling, there will be some great exercises to help change your mood

CD TO HELP MOODS

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Meditations, exercises and visualisations to help children's changing moods and emotions