1- Make your space more comforting

Surround yourself with things that cheer you up, your favorite images, mementos, plants, or books. Don't forget to improve your lighting. Some people that suffer from seasonal affective disorder experience symptoms of depression if they don't have enough sunlight. If you are in a dim room, open up a window for some natural light. Or, if you are using artificial light, try lighting a lamp or candle to cheer you up.

• If you are at work and in a poor mood, you can try to introduce things from home to make you feel more comfortable. These might be pictures or a certain air fragrance. You can even try bringing your favorite tea as a warm, soothing reminder from home.

2- Clean up your space

Spend some time cleaning or re-organizing your home or office. Research has shown that having clutter in your apartment or at work can increase your stress level greatly which can bring down your mood. Try to declutter the space, which can reduce your stress level and improve your mood. Donate, throw out, or recycle things you no longer need or want.

• You might even find that organizing things to make them more functional may cheer you up.

3- Change what you're doing

If you're unhappy because you feel stuck in a rut, try doing something different. Sometimes just getting out of your current activity can alter your mood. For instance, if you've been in back-to-back meetings throughout your day with no free time, treat yourself to a funny movie at the end of your day. Changing what you're doing can work wonders on your mood.

• For example, if you’ve been in a desk chair or on the couch all day, your mood might be low because your body needs some physical activity. Get up, go for a walk, and enjoy the change of pace.

4- Go outside

Spending time in nature can reduce stress and lift your mood. Try going for a walk in the park, or you can visit a garden or arboretum if you live in a city. Being outside can greatly improve your mood. Studies have found that having the opportunity to go outside or visit a garden reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone your body releases when you're stressed.

• Don't wait for the perfect day or weather before going outside. Grab an umbrella and take a walk in the rain. Just being outdoors can cheer you up.

5- Exercise

Exercising signals your body to release “feel-good” neurotransmitters to your brain. Get in a workout, play one of your favorite sports or activities, or just be more active in your daily routine. Even just 5 minutes of aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety. Working in some physical activity can cheer you up by getting those neurotransmitters pumping.

• For example, if you take your dog for a walk, extend the walk and let yourself enjoy being outside. Or, you can call up some of your friends and get a game of pickup basketball going.

6- Stop thinking about your situation

Avoid ruminating, or dwelling, on your situation too much. Rumination can prevent you from thinking effectively and problem solving. It also has a strong link to depression. If you find yourself stuck in a certain pattern of thinking, try distracting yourself with other activities or thinking about things that are in your immediate surroundings. For example, look around you and notice the lighting, or buildings on your way to work.

• Try to refocus your thoughts on what you can change or influence. This can remind you that you're in control of your situation and your own happiness.

7- Reframe your situation or mood

Think about life from a different perspective. Reframing is a term counselors use to get you to look at your situation in a new light or from a different angle. You might try looking for the silver lining in your situation, remembering what you've learned, or finding humor in a less than optimal situation. Or, if you are just in an odd mood and feel grumpy, you can remind yourself that not everyday is a cheery day and that tomorrow will be better.

• For example, if you’re sad after a breakup, you might remind yourself that although the end of the relationship has been painful, you learned a lot about yourself through the process.