9 bad-day mood boosters

Read tips from our very own iVillage readers and make sure you don't let a bad mood get the better of you

Yes, life is a series of ups and downs. You can't expect to be a goddess of happiness every day. In fact, some days you just have to be a queen of misery. So, how do you get through the down times in life? Well...you call in sick, get a luxurious spa treatment, and follow it up with a hot fudge sundae! Or...you can access your `happy memories? bank. As with any bank, in order to reap the benefits, you need to make regular deposits. Writing down your happiest moments is an excellent way to do this. It puts them in a permanent memory bank that you can access whenever you need a happiness boost. One happy memory can completely erase a bad hair day! Here are a few happy moments from happy readers. I hope they inspire you to start your own list soon

Seeing a sonogram of my first baby as I get ready to turn 40 years of age! What a delight!
-Amy

Whenever I get in a melancholy mood, I write positive letters to myself. I spend a good time working on the letter writing about how to overcome the whole situation. I put it away and the next time I am feeling low, it becomes my `happy moment?. It has helped me through tough times and makes me more confident about myself and the obstacles in my life.
-Ivonne

The weeks leading up to the birth of my daughter were a horrendous time for me. I had gained 65 pounds on an already plump body. I was uncomfortable and hot (in August), I felt like I was on the verge of exploding. I couldn't sleep on anything but a recliner chair - if I slept at all. But, the moment I first saw my daughter in my arms, none of that mattered. It was the happiest day of my life! My daughter is now off to college, and she still brings me so much joy.
-Charlene

When I was 18, I had to borrow one of my parents' cars to get to my part-time job or go anywhere. I finally saved enough money to put a down payment on a used car. I found the perfect car in my price range, and my father came with me to check it out. He also had to co-sign the loan. The day I got into my own car and sat behind the wheel, I felt so free and happy. I had earned it and it was worth it!
-Cindy

It was one of those more than stressful days. I had an impossible work deadline, my computer crashed, my son had to be picked up from school early, my husband was on a business trip. Well, you get the picture! While walking out to the car, my six-year-old son crouched down by a bed of flowers, and said, `Look at these beautiful daisies!? I bent down next to these perfect little yellow daisies, all smiling at us, and in that moment, I was as happy as my son. What a lovely sight they were!
-Wendy

After a long cold, dark winter, spring had just started to come about. Suddenly everything around me seemed brighter and lighter. I decided to take a long walk. I had no purpose, but to be outside, strolling wherever my feet took me. After about ten minutes, I started feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and arms. That made me so, so happy!
-Morgan

OK, I admit it. Chocolate (in any form) makes me happy! I once read that chocolate releases something in your brain to give you a euphoric feeling, and I totally believe that. Anytime chocolate enters my mouth, I get into my chocolate `happy zone?. One little chocolate square can do it!
-Marissa, Oakland, CA

I love my best friend's reaction when I give her a surprise gift that I know she wants. Last year, I was able to get tickets to Andrea Bocelli, an Italian singer we both love to listen to. We had previously decided not to buy tickets, because of the price. But I came into some extra money with a side job and bought them anyway as a birthday gift. When she opened the envelope and read the tickets, it made me so happy to see her jumping around in excitement.
-Brenna, Los Angeles, CA