An Article by Anna Keyter on how to improve low mood / Photo by RDNE Stock project
How to improve a low mood is one of the most common questions we hear as chartered psychologists. Low mood can creep in during grey February days, after a tough week, or when life feels a bit stuck. The good news? Small, manageable changes often make a noticeable difference without needing a complete overhaul, as supported by guidance from the NHS and other UK mental health resources. These 5 easy wins are drawn from evidence-based approaches like CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology. They’re designed to be low-effort so you can start right away—even when motivation is low. Try one or two and see what feels right for you.
1. The 2-Minute Breathing Reset (A Fast Way to Calm Your Nervous System)
When low mood hits, your body often goes into overdrive with shallow breathing or tension. A simple technique called box breathing can help shift things quickly.
How to do it:
- Inhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Exhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Repeat 4–6 times
This activates your parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode), reducing stress hormones fast. Many clients notice a clearer head after just a couple of minutes. The NHS recommends similar breathing and relaxation exercises as part of self-help for low mood and depression.
2. Move Your Body – Even Just a Little (The Endorphin Lift)
Exercise doesn’t have to mean a gym session. A 10-minute walk, gentle stretches, or putting on a favourite song and dancing in the kitchen can release feel-good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. Research shows even brief movement improves mood by countering the inertia that often comes with feeling low. Start tiny—walk around the block or do arm circles while waiting for the kettle. The NHS Every Mind Matters programme and British Heart Foundation highlight that increasing helpful activity, even in small ways, is one of the most reliable ways to improve low mood naturally.
3. Name Three Things You’re Grateful For (Shift Your Focus Gently)
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring difficulties—it’s about balancing the brain’s natural negativity bias. Take 30 seconds to name three things you’re thankful for today, out loud or in a note on your phone. They can be small: a warm cup of tea, a kind text, or the sun peeking through. Studies on gratitude practices show that it boosts well-being and reduces low mood over time. The British Heart Foundation notes practising gratitude (like listing things you’re thankful for) as an evidence-based tip to lift mood, and similar advice appears in NHS wellbeing guidance.
4. The “Do It Now” Rule for Tiny Tasks (Build Small Wins and Dopamine)
When low mood drains motivation, everything feels overwhelming. Pick one task that takes less than 2 minutes (make your bed, reply to a quick message, drink a glass of water) and do it immediately. Completing it gives a little dopamine hit, which builds motivation for the next thing. This “behaviour activation” approach from CBT is a proven way to improve low mood by creating a positive cycle of small achievements—echoed in NHS self-help resources and Mind.org.uk tips for managing low mood through helpful activity.
5. Swap Harsh Self-Talk for Kind Words (A Compassionate Reframe)
Low mood often brings a critical inner voice (“I’m useless,” “This will never get better”). Pause and gently reframe it: “This feels tough right now, and that’s okay—I’ve got through hard days before.”This self-compassion technique, rooted in approaches like Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), reduces self-criticism and opens space for feeling better. It’s not about positive thinking—it’s about treating yourself with the kindness you’d offer a friend. NHS guidance on coping with low mood encourages reframing unhelpful thoughts, and Mind supports building self-compassion as part of everyday mental wellbeing.
How To Improve Low Mood: When These Wins Aren’t Enough
These tips are great starters and work well for everyday dips, aligning with self-help advice from the NHS, Mind, and similar trusted sources. But if low mood lingers for weeks, affects sleep/eating/work, or feels overwhelming, talking to a BPS-registered chartered psychologist can make a real difference. We offer evidence-based support tailored to you—often seeing meaningful change in just a few sessions. Online therapy makes it flexible and accessible from anywhere in the UK (or internationally). If you’re ready for deeper help on how to improve low mood persistently, reach out—we’re here. Try one win today and notice how you feel. What’s your go-to quick lift when your mood dips? Share in the comments below!
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References for How To Improve Low Mood:
Here are the key sources that informed and support the tips in this article:
- NHS – Get help with low mood, sadness or depression
Overview of low mood symptoms and simple self-help steps like talking, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and exercise.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/low-mood-sadness-depression - NHS – Mental wellbeing audio guides
Includes self-help audio for low mood and depression, with practical CBT-based advice.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/mental-wellbeing-audio-guides - NHS Every Mind Matters
Guidance on managing low mood, stress, anxiety, and sleep, including breathing exercises and activity tips.
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters - Mind.org.uk – Self-care for depression
Tips on physical activity, self-compassion, and everyday wellbeing strategies for low mood.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/self-care - Mind.org.uk – Physical activity, exercise and mental health
Explains how even small amounts of movement can boost mood and interrupt negative patterns.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/physical-activity-exercise-and-mental-health - British Heart Foundation – 5 simple ways to improve low mood
Evidence-based tips including practising gratitude, breathing techniques (like box breathing), and small daily actions.
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/wellbeing/improve-low-mood
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