Have you ever had one of those days where you just wish you were in a better mood? Perhaps you tried to shift your state of mind to something better but struggled to achieve it.

Sometimes we get stuck in our own 'stinking thinking' and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood that many people have found useful and some of them may surprise you!

1. Go for a walk.

Most folk know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. If you can, go into a natural environment with flowers, trees and birds. What will you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the bird sounds, or the sunlight shining through the tree foliage.

2. Listen to some quality music.

Music creates magical effects. It can shift the listeners state within moments. Why not dig out that album you haven't listened to in ages or why not tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before.

3. Think of others less fortunate.

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than many, many people on this planet! What if you were to imagine being in space looking down on the amazing beautiful earth, noticing all the oceans and lands with the clouds above... And then thinking about the fact that there are many human beings that are starving, homeless and in lots of pain... Allow your compassion for them to grow.

4. Read something radical!

How many different types of magazines can you get these days?! Have you ever waltzed into a big newsagents and just browsed through the magazine racks? It's incredible. Why not buy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You never know you may discover something wonderful!

5. Laughing at laughter.

Have you ever had the experience when you just laugh for no good reason? Isn't it great! Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Can't think of anything funny? Try grinning at yourself insanely in the mirror and notice how difficult it becomes to control your giggle muscles!

6. Simple breathing meditation.

A great exercise that you can do anywhere is a simple breathing meditation. No need to dress in orange robes. Simply find yourself in a comfortable sitting position with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's it! Do this for 10/15 minutes and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised how you feel afterward.

7. Doodling just for fun!

Remember when you were young and you used to doodle with crayons for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures, why not adults? So get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw - doodle away until your state of mind shifts.

You might agree that these are all pretty simple and that's what's so good about them. Making changes, mundane or profoundly life-changing, are easily and quickly achieved by putting into action simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques.

Colin G Smith is a licensed Master Practitioner of Neuro- Linguistic Programming (NLP) and author of 'The NLP ToolBox', a personal development book that enables the reader to master any area of their life with amazing speed. Complete information on Colin G Smith's books are available at his website, including a FREE personal development eBook. http://www.NLPToolBox.com