10 Things to Boost Your Mood

So what does 10 things to boost your mood have to do with painting and this blog? Lots! And, I promise to share. But first, I want to welcome newcomers here (welcome!) and describe what this blog is all about. OK?

Small Spaces Special Places

Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s theme is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One of the reasons I chose this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye. For example, our hall bathroom has beautiful light streaming in. So the first week of this year, I shared that painting in a post here.

I also love to venture out on walks with our dog everyday. You would be amazed at the glimpses of beautiful moments I see. Sometimes I take a photo to reference. Other times, I just make a mental note. And, yet, each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for glimpses of special places.

But Why

But why did I want to write about 10 things to boost your mood. Well, first I looked at the weather for this week (cold and rainy all week), and thought…ugh! Then I talked to some friends and family members who are knee deep in some life changing issues. OK I’ll admit it, I needed to think about what I could do to boost my mood. So I started thinking about what helps me as an artist and I’ll share a few of those ideas here, for sure. But then I thought about a few things that might help brighten your day too. So here you go in reverse order.

10. Go for a Walk

So this week’s featured painting is another view of Edna Metz Wells park. This sweet park has a creek, a bridge and amazing trees and a path. In this painting, I happened to count 10 trees. See?

If you nudge yourself to go out for a walk, I promise it will boost your mood. You will benefit even more if you can walk near trees. Really? Really!

9. Do Color Sketches

So, this is, of course, a boost for my artist readers here. But that doesn’t mean all you other readers are exempt! Pull out that water color set or those (fill in what you might have) paints your kids used in elementary school. Set a timer for 15 minutes. Boom! You have made something fun and sketchy!

Here’s a super quick sketch I did of our ancient kitty this week.

Don’t have a cat? That’s OK! How about that spice rack in your kitchen or the house plant that you love. Here’s a quick sketch I did of one of our house plants today.

These are not perfect paintings. But they are fun and spontaneous.

OK I have one more artist “boost” suggestion, then the rest are all non-art related ideas I want to share with you.

8. Paint an idea as if you were…

No I didn’t forget to finish the sub heading above. I just wanted to share that you can choose any artist that you love. And, then paint a painting as if you were that artist. I have always loved and admired the colors and the playful nature of Paul Klee‘s paintings. So, this week I looked at his painting here:

As I read about Paul Klee’s life and work, I learned that he painted with both hands. Whoa! How cool is that? Anyway, I decided to paint a landscape with him in mind. Here’s what I did:

Gotta say, this was a fun painting to do. And, given my recent educational experience, this painting felt down right, well, naughty. This thought actually brings me to idea to boost your mood numero 7.

7. Do Something Naughty

OK OK let me clarify something here. I am not suggesting you boost your mood by doing something immoral or illegal. But, consider all that studying and training you did to become “X.” What do I mean? Well, I mean I spent 5 years of my life learning to paint realistically. There was little to no value given to abstract work. So, my definition of naughty is to paint something abstractly. And, you know it was an interesting lesson and probably worth a whole separate blog post.

But let’s say you have been trained as the best, um, I dunno, choose your profession here. And, in your extensive training, you know all the rules and requirements to be the best at your profession. Well, I don’t know if for you that means to leave out punctuation or cross the road without using the crosswalk or sing off key. Whatever it is, if you have always wondered about it, do it! Just for yourself.

6. Swear

Ya – that’s right, dear reader. Sometimes, there is just no better way to respond to a situation than to say “WTF????” And, guess what, we now know what we always have ever known, occasional swearing is actually good for you and shows you’re smart too.

5. Read Mark Manson

You may disagree with my previous suggestion and that ‘s OK. But while we’re here at this juncture, I have to suggest Mark Manson’s website and his weekly emails. He’s thoughtful without being cynical. And, he’s funny and he does drop a few strategic swear words. Genius! Check out his insightful video about the 5 Best Personal Traits.

4. Sign up for the People’s Inauguration

One of my sister’s told me about this super cool event. And, if you, like me, feel as if every single second of your day is booked, I get it. You can still do this because, like everything else these days, this event is virtual. So check the People’s Inauguration website people ;-D.

3. Start Planning Your Homegrown National Park

Hey there’s a super cool book out right now called Nature’s Best Hope. Why is this book super cool? Well, for me, our environmental problems always seemed so massive and out of control. I always wanted to do more but could not figure out what that could be. Until now!

The author, Doug Tallamy, suggests that if each of us homeowners were to convert half of our yard (that’s right…just half) to native plants, we could collectively do major good for the environment. If you aren’t a big reader or you want to cut to the chase on the steps to take: check out the website entitled Homegrown National Park. So much goodness and action for each of us to take here.

2. Take Charge of Your Knowledge of Institutional Racism

Sometimes, the overwhelming feeling of “what can I do” gets answered with small steps. I certainly have felt this way in my efforts to support Black Lives Matter and the injustices towards people of color in our culture. I suggest that we each can and must keep growing and striving to understand the Institutional Racism that exists here in the US. Here’s a good resource to boost your knowledge and information on this topic.

1. Listen to Music

Oh my does music shift my mood! You? I will share two musicians I have discovered recently. The first musician is Danielle Ponder. Her voice and presence are fantastic including this song entitled “Three Words.”

The second musician offers a perfect way to walk in the woods even when you don’t live near them. Check out East Forest and their ethereal and earthy music. This song is entitled “Blueprints.” I’m hopeful it will boost your mood.

Bonus Tracks

Just in case you need a few extra suggestions for mood boosters, I have a few more. Ready? For some friendly and free yoga sessions, check out our favorite SarahBeth Yoga. We love her short 10 or 20 minute yoga sessions!

And, if you’re missing the gym, consider doing some Wim Hof breath work and exercises. I promise, if you do this method at home, you will be super fit by the time your gym re-opens. Roar!

Here’s one of my favorite meditation sessions with Pema Chodron. It’s super friendly and I’ll let you decide if this might work for you.

And since I don’t want to jinx you with 13 mood boosters, here’s mood booster 14, get yourself some Dr Bronner’s Peppermint soap. It’s the best morning mood booster while you’re waking up in the shower. OK OK OK I think that’s it!

What else

What about you, dear reader? Do you have any suggestions for mood boosters? Please do share in the comments below! Thank you for reading and take care!