We can all get a little grumpy at times. Perhaps some people get grumpier than others. However, most things that happen in our daily lives which cause us to become grumpy, we won’t even remember in twenty years time. So why are we letting these things steal our joy today?
Life is too precious to be known as Mr or Mrs Grumpy pants, so here are some tips to help avoid those grumpy, grouchy moments that can so easily steal our joy, thankfulness and perspective:
1.Be alert to what makes you grouchy – At the end of a day I like a little quiet. Excessively loud music or too much loud talking annoys me. Watch out for your grouchy triggers, and avoid them, or minimise their impact. Sometimes we just need to remove ourselves from the room or situation, and breathe and do something to relax.
2.Don’t let other people’s grouchiness affect you – We all need to be mindful of who we are spending time with, or watching and listening to. Plus if we respond to other people’s grouches we will only add to the grouchiness.
3.Surround yourself with positivity – Don’t get sucked into negative discussions, bad news on social media or the news. Don’t let others steal your joy, and get bogged down in their stuff. Other grumpy people will always try to squash your joy and bliss. Refuse to let them. Their problems are theirs, not yours. If people don’t wish to deal with their issues, that’s their decision and problem, not yours.
Be around positive, happy, people as much as possible. Choose not to read that depressing newsfeed on Facebook; ask yourself, “do I really need to hear another piece of bad news or negativity?”
4.Have a sense of humour – sometimes we just need to not take ourselves, and life so seriously. Lighten up and look for the good in your day. Have a good chuckle at the funniness of life, and decide to enjoy, and not be annoyed by all the funny and unusual people in it.
5.Hug someone – My husband has a technique of hugging me for at least 20 seconds when I am grumpy or feeling on edge. He says it takes at least that long for someone to relax and “receive a hug.” Hug someone, or cuddle a pet and receive the benefit of physical touch.
6.Talk to someone – sometimes we just need to feel listened to, and be able to share what we are going through or feeling. We can all benefit from sharing what’s on our hearts and minds. It stops things going around and around in our minds in a jumbled mess, which usually leads to anxiety, stress and grumpiness. Make a regular time to have a cuppa, and a good chat with someone you can trust.
7.A merry heart is like medicine (Proverbs 17:22) Watch a funny movie or do something that makes you laugh. Laughter goes a long way to getting rid of the grumps.
8.Do some exercise – the positive endorphins, and stress relief experienced when we exercise does actually create a natural “high” and mood lifter. So get your heart pumping.
9.Lastly but most importantly, hang out with Jesus – “The grumps” are no match for Him. Praise Him for who He is, and how much He loves you.
Praise silences grumpiness, and the king of the grumps the devil, and gives us a heavenly and eternal perspective. Sing, speak God’s promises (there are hundreds of them) and let go of your worries and bad mood. God promises He will then fill you with bliss and joy unspeakable.
Today give all your cares, worries, and grouches to Him, and receive afresh His love and joy for you.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8)
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17)
Prayer: Lord please help me to be aware of what makes me feel grumpy and to do something about it. I give all my grumps to you and ask you to fill me with your peace and joy today. In Jesus name AMne