( RealSimple.com ) -- Readers share the tips and tricks that get them out of an emotional slump . For years I wanted to learn to play the drums , so it was quite a thrill when my husband bought me a set two years ago for my birthday . Since then , I 've discovered that banging out a favorite tune , such as the Beatles ' `` You Ca n't Do That , '' improves my mood in a matter of minutes . -- Karen Worth , San Antonio , Texas . I head to the gym , put on my gloves , and pound on the punching bag . As I strike it , I think about what 's bothering me and come up with a solution . The bag weighs 175 pounds , so hitting it requires a great deal of strength and exertion . It feels great to work out my problems and my body at the same time . -- Heidi Henriksen , Minneapolis , Minnesota . RealSimple.com : 3 quick ways to relieve stress . When I get down in the dumps , I set a timer for 20 minutes and vent -- to a friend , to the dashboard of the car , even to the seagulls at the beach . That 's all it takes : Once the timer goes off , I 've figured out why I am feeling low and have regained control of my emotions . -- Leigh Reposa , Narragansett , Rhode Island . About 10 years ago , I was having a typically awful day : I had overslept , got caught in traffic , made mistakes at work . In the midst of it all , a friend sent me an e-mail calling for donations for autism research . I logged on to her website , contributed , and immediately felt better . Now I give to charity whenever I get grumpy . Each donation reminds me of what really matters . -- Beth Surmont , New Brunswick , New Jersey . My 40s were coming to an end , and I was dreading it . Then my brother-in-law suggested I watch a `` Saturday Night Live '' skit starring Molly Shannon as Sally O'Malley , a 50-year-old trying out for the Radio City Rockettes . It made me laugh so hard and helped me get over my anxieties . Now whenever I 'm feeling down , I view it , have a belly laugh , and move on . As Sally said : `` Book 'em , Danno ! I 'm 5-0 ! '' -- Bonny Tillman , Acworth , Georgia . RealSimple.com : Easy ways to unwind . Songs sung by the White Stripes ' lead singer , Jack White , pull me out of a dark cloud . His tunes are upbeat , jazzy , and funky . The track `` We 're Going to Be Friends '' makes me feel happy and hopeful , while `` Seven Nation Army '' motivates me to get up and move . `` Why Ca n't You Be Nicer to Me ? '' reminds me that I 'm not the only person having a tough time . Listening to it , I feel less alone . -- Cindy Karnitz , Rockford , Illinois . For me , getting out of a funk is simple . I sit on my porch and watch birds flutter around my feeders . In the spring and summer , I see fast-moving hummingbirds , red-plumed cardinals , and yellow finches , who gravitate to our cornflowers . I appreciate just how lucky I am to be able to spend my time in such a relaxing way . -- Sue Gutierrez , Wesley Chapel , North Carolina . An instant antidote for a bad mood is an evening curled up in front of a movie based on a Jane Austen novel . I 'm a huge fan of the BBC miniseries Pride and Prejudice , but my favorite scene is from the 1995 made-for-TV adaptation of Persuasion . When Captain Wentworth professes his love for Anne Elliot , giving her a letter that reads , `` You pierce my soul . I am half agony , half hope , '' I always smile . It reminds me that good girls can win in the end . -- Lauren DeBueriis , New York , New York . I google `` funny pugs '' and browse the image results . Photographs of these bug-eyed , wrinkly , expressive pups would make anyone grin . -- Carin Bagguley , Milwaukee , Wisconsin . RealSimple.com : How to make positive changes in your life . Champagne , darling ! In the midst of performing the dreariest task , I 'll pop the cork to liven things up . Take , for example , the time I painted my basement . I hated it at first , so I placed a flute in my left hand , a roller in my right -- and finished the job with a big smile . -- Nancy Brand , Petoskey , Michigan . Riding my horse always takes my mind off my grumpiness . As we gallop across a field , I leave all my troubles and worries behind . -- Roberta Monnier , Richmond , Virginia . Writing letters to my friends helps me get out of an emotional rut . I 'll describe what 's bothering me , or I 'll just ask my pals questions about their own lives . Knowing a surprise awaits in a friend 's mailbox brightens my mood . So does the prospect of receiving a response . -- Taylor Reyes , Clinton Township , Michigan . RealSimple.com : 9 easy ways to be happier . Talking on the phone with my young grandchildren . Jacob , five , always asks me what I ate during the day , and his little brother , William , makes kissing noises . Two-year-old Olivia invites me to visit her castle . ( She thinks she owns Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World . ) And the two infants just breathe -- and occasionally giggle -- into the receiver . Listening to them , I feel the purest form of love . -- Linda Garcia , Plainville , Connecticut . One word : pedicure . I grab a friend who needs a few hours of relaxation and we head to the salon -- my treat . It 's amazing what nail polish , a massage chair , and helping out a friend can do for your mood . -- Heather Kennedy Eden , Wollongong , Australia . Looking at bright colors makes me feel better . I find it nearly impossible to remain in a dour mood after I put on a lemon yellow sweater or paint my nails neon orange . Sunny hues remind me of my childhood bedroom , which was painted goldenrod , and of umbrellas , flowers , and other wonderful elements of spring . -- Susanna Cardinale , Cliffwood , New Jersey . A few years back , a devastating event took the wind out of my sails . Trying to find my footing again , I remembered the fun I had had as a kid blowing bubbles . So I went to the store , bought five containers , and started blowing . Lo and behold , I laughed and felt happy ! This childhood pastime has become the way that I lift my spirits and celebrate life . For example , my grandpa passed away recently , and we blew bubbles in his honor . -- Abby Smyers , Dayton , Montana . RealSimple.com : Banishing life 's little annoyances . I put on scented lotion and enjoy some aromatherapy . One of my favorite fragrances is Bobbi Brown 's Beach perfume . The scent reminds me of my family 's vacation to Hawaii 's Big Island . Goodbye , doldrums . -- Karen King , Downers Grove , Illinois . Every now and then , my work gets stressful and my mood sours . To regain my composure , I quietly close the door of my office and go into a sun-salutation yoga pose , an exercise that causes you to breathe deeply , stretch , and expand your chest . After a few minutes , I find that I can handle things again . -- Mary Lou Kinney , Boise , Idaho . A solo visit to a beauty-supply store always does the trick . The products , especially sparkly eye shadow , make me feel beautiful , and the time spent alone , a rare luxury with two little boys , restores me . -- Gina Kain , Torrington , Connecticut . RealSimple : 5 mistakes everyone should make . Taking a cue from a song of my childhood , `` I whistle a happy tune . '' As I do , I remember that for every minute I spend feeling down , I lose 60 seconds of joy . -- Christine Cook , Rodeo , California . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of Real Simple - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2010 Time Inc. All rights reserved .
Readers share what helps in their lives . Carin from ' ' ` ` funny pugs '' and browses the search results . After a devastating breakup , Abby blew her troubles away with kisses .