An old idiom says there are only two certainties in life – death and taxes. Both, unfortunately, can be fairly trying on your mental health.

But they aren’t the only things that can put you in a bad mood.

There’s no way to be in a good mood all the time. Life is too random, there will always be instances that negatively affect your mood.

Luckily, there are several simple ways to cheer yourself up after getting bad news. Even if that news has nothing to do with the previously mentioned death and/or taxes.

Check out our list of ways to cheer yourself up after receiving bad news below. And be sure to let us know what helps you down in the comments!

5) Take Deep Breaths

When you’re relaxed and feeling normal, you tend to breathe through your nose in a slow and calm manner. When we purposely copy that relaxed breathing pattern we’re sometimes able to force our nervous system to relax a bit. This can lead to a lower heart rate, lowered blood pressure, and a reduction of stress hormones in the blood.

4) Exercise

Be real with yourself, you knew this was coming. Exercising has a myriad of health benefits. When you’re stressed or down, try exercising. It’s been proven to release endorphins – which are essentially brain chemicals that improve your mood. Exercising also improves your overall health and increases brain functionality.

3) Go Outside

Being in nature is another way to help reduce stress and improve your mood. According to heart.org, “A stroll in the woods has been shown to help combat depression, and even just the view of the forest from a hospital room helps patients who are feeling down.” So if you’ve got the time get outside and take a walk around nature, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

2) Reach Out To A Friend

Getting bad news can lead to feelings of being lonely. Talking to a friend or loved one, especially one who truly understands you, can be a great way to improve your mood. They can offer advice, or simply be a listening ear for you to vent. Either option can greatly improve your emotional state.

1) Make Plans That You Can Look Forward To

Research shows that planning your day, even mundane tasks like work or chores, can reduce day-to-day stress levels. The same principles can be applied to getting bad news. Maybe it’s time to stop putting off the planning for your next trip. Or perhaps you can make reservations at your favorite restaurant. Put something on the calendar that you know you’ll enjoy and watch your mood begin to turn for the better.