Three Things on Thursday: Little Mood Boosters

Today I’m bringing back Three Things on Thursday!

I’ve done these posts sporadically throughout my blogging career, and I’ll link my other Three Things on Thursday posts at the bottom of this one.

But today, I thought it would be fun to share three little mood boosters I come back to when I’m feeling stuck in a mental fog, a funk, or just having one of those days where joy feels a little harder to find.

Because let’s be honest… we’ve all had those days.

Nothing on this list is fancy. Nothing requires a shopping trip, a babysitter, or an entire afternoon of free time. These are just small, doable things that help me reset my brain, boost my mood, and feel a little more like myself again.

And I would LOVE to hear what you do, too. Let’s fill the comments with mood booster ideas today!

1. A Burst of Movement

This one is so simple, but it really works for me.

I set a timer for a short amount of time — maybe three minutes, maybe five — and I just move.

That’s it.

Sometimes I sneak into a closet, a bathroom, my pantry, wherever I can get a tiny bit of space, and I do a quick little cardio burst. It might be kickboxing moves, squats, high knees, jumping jacks, or just some dynamic stretching.

Whatever timer I set, I move the whole time.

And it is amazing how much energy I can put back into my body.

I can walk into that closet feeling blah, foggy, tired, or slightly grumpy, and walk out with a little more pep in my step. It’s not magic, but honestly, it kind of feels like it sometimes.

I love this one because you really can do it anywhere. At work, you can sneak off to the bathroom for a quick reset. At home, you can lock yourself in the pantry for three minutes and come back a little more patient and ready to tackle the next mom task.

A tiny burst of movement can go a long way.

2. A To-Do List — With a Twist

The key to a good mood-boosting to-do list is this:

Write down things you have already done today.

Yes, already done.

When I make my list, I like to include a mix of things I’ve already accomplished, things I need to get done, and things I would like to get done.

The trick is not making the list so long that it feels impossible. That is not mood boosting. That is mood-crushing.

But when I include things I’ve already done, I get to immediately start checking things off. And I know it sounds silly, but it really does help.

I have absolutely written “make a to-do list” on my to-do list just so I can cross it off.

No shame.

There is just something about getting all those swirling thoughts out of your brain and onto paper. It helps me organize my must-dos and my want-to-dos, and then I get those little happy drops of accomplishment as I check things off one by one.

Sometimes the list doesn’t solve everything, but it does make the day feel a little more manageable.

And sometimes that is exactly what I need.

3. Make the Beds

This one might sound too simple, but making the bed helps me so much mentally.

On days when I just can’t get going, or I feel overwhelmed by the state of the house, the noise, the laundry, the dishes, the backpacks, the shoes, the chaos… I take three minutes and make my bed.

If my bed is already made, I go make the kids’ beds.

There is just something about walking into a room and seeing one thing that looks put together and in order. It helps my brain breathe a little.

And usually, once I start making beds, it gives me a little jumpstart. Suddenly, the tasks that felt overwhelming don’t feel quite as impossible.

Maybe after making the beds, I will wipe down the bathroom counters. Then maybe I pick up a few things off the floor. Then maybe I start a load of laundry.

One small task leads to another, and before I know it, I’ve made a little progress.

So if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed by chores, try starting with the beds. Pull up the comforter, fluff the pillows, make it look pretty, and see what that does for your mood.

It might just be the tiny reset you need.

Your Turn

Those are my three little mood boosters for this Thursday:

A burst of movement.
A to-do list with already-done items.
Making the beds.

Simple, practical, and totally doable.

Now I want to hear from you. What is something small you do to boost your mood when you’re in a funk? Do you make yourself flavored water? A cup of tea? Step outside for sunshine? Turn on worship music? Text a friend? Light a candle?

What helps you when you’re feeling foggy, anxious, overwhelmed, or just plain worn out by mom life?

Tell me in the comments. I would love to hear your ideas.

Y’all have a blessed day, and come back soon!