We live in a busy time of constant change, stress and demands. For the average person, it’s common to experience short periods of mild depression during which abolishing a firm frown can seem near impossible. Your steep mood slump may be due to financial worries, pressure at work, relationship woes or perhaps a reason you may not even be able to pinpoint. Whatever the cause, the effects of said mood slump could not be less welcome.

Dr Timothy Sharp, also known as Dr Happy, is a clinical and coaching psychologist who, as founder and Chief Happiness Officer of the Happiness Institute, has dedicated his life to helping others find happiness. According to his latest book, 100 Ways to Happiness: A Guide for Busy People, there are myriad ways to get out of that depressive low patch. Here are 10 simple ways to instantly kick that sour mood to the kerb and get back into your regular groove.

1. Meditate

Meditation is known to decrease stress and anxiety levels and improve mental clarity, to help you solve whatever issues may be hindering your happiness. A recent study has shown that meditation produces a significant increase in activity in the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for positive emotions and optimism. “A short session of meditation is the perfect way to lift the blues,” says Dr Sharp. Try a simple breath meditation: sit up straight and focus on the breath entering and exiting your nostrils, noticing how it fills and empties your lungs, making your chest rise and fall. If busy thoughts enter your mind, acknowledge them and let them go. Five short minutes of breath meditation can immediately dissolve stress and anxiety and help you relax.

2. Laugh

Much research has shown that when it comes to short periods of depression, or feeling down, laughter is the best medicine. “After you laugh, you go into a relaxed state,” explains John Morreall, president of Humourworks Seminars in Florida. “Your blood pressure and heart rate drop below normal, so you feel profoundly relaxed. Laughter also indirectly stimulates endorphins.” Watch your favourite comedy film, hit the internet for funny video clips or, if you don’t have much time, remember something funny that has happened to you or tell a joke. Let yourself be amused, feel the joy and laugh out loud!

3. Listen to uplifting music

With direct access to the emotions, good music has great power to tweak your mood. “Listening to upbeat music and dancing along is a fantastic way to boost your mood,” says Dr Sharp. Good quality soundwaves are known to boost energy levels, reduce tension and relieve depression. To lift yourself out of a slow slump, play some quick-tempo tunes with positive lyrics to sing along to at moderate to high volume, and don’t hesitate to throw in a few spontaneous dance moves. Feeling low is associated with feelings of entrapment, so letting loose to some music is a great way to release inhibitions and free your mind.