50 little mistakes you don't realize bring down your mood & what to do instead

Small changes can add major pep to your step.

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Sometimes small things, like waking to a blaring alarm clock or getting into a dirty car, can really mess up your mood. Thankfully, they’re easy to fix. I’ve put together this list of little mistakes you don’t realize bring you down, along with how to make them better. If you’re irked by a cluttered bathroom or bent out of shape from your work setup, scroll on for some mood-elevating solutions.

01

Mistake: Blinking LEDs disturb your sleep

Solution: Dim annoying LED lights with blackout stickers

Radios, stereo equipment, televisions — these blackout stickers are great for those annoying LED lights you find on all sorts of electronics. One sticker is enough to dim the light by about 50%, though you can easily layer multiple stickers on top of each other to achieve a full blackout. “I love that the pack comes with both pre-cut shapes and a full uncut sheet so I can customize for different devices,” wrote one reviewer. “They stick well but are easy to remove or adjust without leaving residue.”

02

Mistake: Not enough relaxation time

Solution: Indulge in a bath with a full-body pillow

Finding time to relax can be a challenge when you’re busy. The solution? Start taking baths instead of showers — in which case, you’ll probably want this bath pillow. More than 150 suction cups on the back work to keep it from shifting around while you soak. And unlike some bath pillows, this one features an extra-long shape that cushions your head, back, as well as your legs.

03

Mistake: Harsh alarm wakeups

Solution: Start the day gently with a sunrise alarm clock

Waking up to a blaring alarm is no way to start your morning. Instead, upgrade to this sunrise alarm clock. It gradually grows brighter and brighter, waking you up gently similar to how the sun would do so naturally. But if that isn’t enough? It also comes pre-loaded with 10 different white noise sounds, including bonfire, ocean waves, rain, and more.

04

Mistake: You don’t have a stress outlet

Solution: Squeeze this satisfying squishy goo blob

Keep this fidget toy in your desk at work, and you’ll always have something to mess with whenever you need to quickly blow off some steam. It’s similar to a stress ball, yet significantly more durable — so feel free to squeeze, squish, pull, or smush it as hard as you like. And unlike some fidget toys, this one is made without any BPAs, phthalates, or latex.

05

Mistake: Not spending enough time outdoors

Solution: Gather some players for this fun tossing game

Give your family a reason to go outside by setting up this ladder toss game. The rules are simple: two teams of two take turns trying to toss their bolos onto the opposing team’s ladder. Each rung is worth a different amount of points that you can decide on your own. And since each order includes a carrying case, taking it with you to the beach, pool, or anywhere in between is a total breeze.

06Outdoor solution: Keep mosquitoes at bay with a scent-free repellant

If an abundance of mosquitos is stopping you from spending time outside, consider taking a look at this repellant. It creates a 15-foot shield of protection, making it great for patios, balconies, backyards, and more. The included fuel cartridge lasts for up to 12 hours before it needs to be replaced. But if that isn’t enough? Unlike some repellants, this one is made without any DEET.

07

Mistake: Lingering eye & forehead tension

Solution: Relax with self-steaming eye masks

Whether your eyes feel sore or dry, these steaming masks may be able to help. There’s no need to heat them up in the microwave — simply rip them open and they’ll instantly begin steaming. The best part? Unlike some steaming masks, these ones can stay warm for up to 40 minutes of use.

08

Mistake: Your overhead lighting feels harsh

Solution: Replace bulbs with smart ones that shine in millions of colors

Now that you’ve added some chic mood lighting to your home, it’s time to swap those outdated incandescent bulbs with these smart LEDs. Once paired with Alexa or Google Home, you’ll be able to switch them between more than 15 million colors, adjust their brightness, put them on schedules, and more — all using convenient voice commands. Though if you don’t have a smart assistant? You can also use the downloadable smartphone app to tweak their settings.

09

Mistake: Grime in the kitchen & bathroom

Solution: Banish crud with a powerful surface cleaner with refills

Grout lines, stoves, backsplashes — this cleanser is suitable for use on all sorts of surfaces. The upgraded spray nozzle covers an extra-large space with just one squeeze on the trigger, while the fresh scent leaves your home smelling oh-so clean. “One of the best cleaning products I've purchased,” wrote one reviewer. “I've used this from everything to cleaning the fridge to the bathroom.”

10

Mistake: No easy creative outlet

Solution: Indulge your inner artist with this adult coloring book of swear words

Got a creative itch but no time to scratch it? Not a problem when you have this coloring book. It’s filled with creative designs that have swear words woven throughout, making it fun for adults. The pages are also thick enough that the colors won’t bleed onto the next page — and each order includes markers to get you started.

11

Mistake: Your home lacks cozy ambiance

Solution: Add romantic flair with curtain string lights

Whether you drape these curtain lights over a hedge or hang them in your bedroom — but either way, they’ll cast a warm white light that’s perfect for creating a cozy vibe. Their waterproof design makes them suitable for indoor as well as outdoor use. And if you aren’t into warm white? You can also grab them in blue, purple, pink, and more.

12Ambiance solution: Flameless LED candles with a realistic look

Speaking of relaxation, these LED candles are a must-have if you’re looking to create a cozy ambiance. The bulbs flicker just like real flames, giving them an oh-so realistic look — even when up close. Each order also includes a remote that lets you turn them on/off, adjust their brightness, and more, all without getting up from the couch.

13

Mistake: The home office leaves you feeling stiff

Solution: Prevent neck strain with a minimal monitor riser

Staring down at your computer screen for long periods of time can leave your neck feeling sore. Luckily, this riser is an easy fix. Not only does it lift your screen up to eye level, but it also creates storage space underneath for notebooks, electronics, and everything in between. Plus, the tempered glass frame can easily support up to 88 pounds.

14Office solution: Tidy cluttered desks with sleek cable clips

A messy office is an uncomfortable office, so why not organize all that cable clutter with help from these clips? They’re large enough to fit thin lightning cables as well as thicker HDMIs — and the magnetic clamp helps prevent them from popping open. Plus, the adhesive backing makes it oh-so easy to mount them onto your desk.

15

Mistake: Your home doesn’t get much natural sun

Solution: Simulate real sunlight with a light therapy lamp

A lack of natural sunlight can leave you feeling moody. Enter: this therapy lamp. The UV-free bulb simulates real sunlight, helping boost your mood as well as brighten your home. And unlike some therapy lamps, this one even features three light temperatures: warm light, natural light, and daylight.

16

Mistake: A lack of live greenery

Solution: Decorate with low-maintenance plants

Can’t figure out why your home feels stale? The solution could be as simple as decorating with these plants. They require hardly any maintenance, only needing to be watered once a week (or less) in order to survive. Plus, their compact size makes them great for desks, nightstands, and more.

17

Mistake: Stray blemishes stick around too long

Solution: Pop on pimple patches to help flatten unwanted zits overnight

Few things ruin my morning like waking up with a surprise blemish — especially when it returns for several mornings. This is why I like to keep pimple patches like these on hand. Their hydrocolloid dressing works to draw out impurities, helping flatten zits within just a few hours — and the translucent finish gives them a subtle look on skin.

18

Mistake: Not taking time to breathe

Solution: Use a glowing timer sloth to help you meditate

Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or simply having trouble sleeping, this glowing sloth may be able to help. The fade-in and fade-out color prompts walk you through popular breathing exercises — and you can even use it as a cute night light in a pinch. “We all have days of stress and frustration [...],” wrote one reviewer. “I bring him to work and when things get hectic, I activate him and have a few minutes of mindfulness breathing.”

19

Mistake: Visible clutter throughout your home

Solution: Stylishly stash it away in chic rope baskets

Hiding clutter in plain sight is a total breeze when you have these baskets. They’re made from soft cotton rope, with a three-tone color block design that makes them a stylish addition to any countertop, shelf, or even nightstand. And if you ever decide you no longer need them? Simply fold them down flat for easy storage.

20Office solution: Make your desk chair comfy with an ergonomic seat cushion

Buying a new desk chair can be expensive. Instead, save some money and upgrade it with this seat cushion. The ergonomic design helps you maintain good posture by supporting the natural curve of your spine, while its nonslip underside works to keep it from shifting out from underneath you. One reviewer also noted how they “like that it is larger than most of the other ones but still fits in the chair.”

21Outdoor solution: Colorfully light your space with a bright mosaic lantern

You don’t have to stop relaxing outside just because the sun has gone down. Enter: this lantern. A solar panel built into the top keeps it lit for up to eight hours at night, while the attached handle lets you hang it from trees, umbrellas, and more. Choose from two mosaic colors: blue or red.

22Sleep solution: Block outside sounds with a white noise machine

Whether you live on a noisy street or your mind is always racing before bed, this white noise machine may be able to help. It comes with 36 different soothing sounds, including rain, thunder, crickets, and more, all of which can help you drift off to sleep. Plus, the built-in timer can be adjusted between 30, 60, or 120 minutes if you don’t want it to play throughout the night.

23

Mistake: Bad lighting

Solution: Choose a table lamp that doubles as decor

A home that’s heavy on overhead lights can feel harsh and unwelcoming. Luckily, this lamp is an easy fix. Not only does it have a modern design, but it can also light up in 12 different colors: orange, blue, purple, and more. The best part? Each order includes a remote so that you can adjust its settings without getting up from the couch.

24

Mistake: Staring at screens all day has you feeling strained

Solution: Block blue light waves with stylish glasses

The blue light waves produced by electronic screens can leave your eyes sore and even mess with sleep. Enter: these glasses. The lenses are specially designed to block blue light waves, which can help reduce eye strain and more. One reviewer wrote, “I wear them a couple hours before bed while I’m on my laptop or phone, and I’ve definitely noticed I fall asleep easier and my eyes don’t feel as strained at night.”

25

Mistake: Not taking time for yourself

Solution: Write in a journal for self-reflection

Sometimes the simplest practices can make the biggest impact — like taking time every day to self-reflect in this journal. There pages feature dedicated space for you to jot down how you feel, what things motivate you, goals, positive affirmations, and more. Plus, each order includes a variety of stickers for some extra fun.

26

Mistake: Putting up with migraine pain

Solution: Soothe away tension with an ice pack hat

Keep this ice pack hat inside your fridge or freezer, and it’ll always be ready to go the moment you feel a migraine coming on. It covers your entire head in cold, soothing relief — and you can even pull it down over your eyes to block outside light if needed. Choose from two colors: black or purple.

27Outdoor solution: Decorate playfully with whimsical tree gnomes

Can’t quite tell what your backyard is missing? The answer could be as simple as adding these whimsical little gnomes to one of your trees. They’re made from UV-resistant resin that’s designed to stay looking good from season to season. Plus, installation is as easy as hooking them onto a screw or nail.

28

Mistake: Your work setup is boring

Solution: Adorable squishy pens that add a touch of whimsy

You’ll be glad you grabbed these pens the next time you need a whimsical little pick-me-up at work. Not only are they cute to look at, but they’re also squishy and soft, making them oh-so comfortable to write with. “Bought these for Easter and used them at work,” wrote one reviewer. “Everyone wanted to squeeze it and commented on how cute they were.”

29

Mistake: You need a massage

Solution: Opt for a home treatment with a heated back massager

Anyone with sore, aching muscles can appreciate this back massager. Four deep-kneading massage nodes dig deep into your muscles, while the optional heat function delivers added relief if needed. The intensity is also adjustable up to three levels — and each order includes a remote so that you can adjust its settings without having to sit up.

30

Mistake: Your car is covered in crumbs & dust

Solution: Use cleaning gel that gets into every crevice

From cup holders to the air vents on your dashboard, this gel is great for cleaning into all sorts of awkward nooks and crannies. It latches onto crumbs, dirt, dust, and more, pulling it off your surfaces without leaving behind any sticky residues. The best part? You can even reuse it until the color turns dark.

31Ambiance solution: Liven up bland walls with dynamic botanical prints

Got a blank wall that you can’t figure out how to decorate? Consider hanging up these prints. Their bohemian style meshes with just about any vibe, making them great for bedrooms, bathrooms, and more. “These are beautiful pictures, definitely worth the buy especially for how high quality they are!” wrote one happy reviewer.

32Ambiance solution: Dress up bare floors with a colorful washable rug

Add a pop of color to that bare floor by putting down this rug. It comes 11 colors as well as more than 15 sizes — so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that fits your room. The low pile means you won’t have to worry about it snagging on doors as they swing open. And unlike some rugs, this one features a nonslip backing to help keep it from shifting out of place.

33

Mistake: The plants in your home are wilted

Solution: Keep soil hydrated with neat watering globes

It’s almost too easy to forget to water your plants — but that’s where these globes come in handy. Simply fill them with water and then press the stakes down into your potted plants. The water will gradually seep out, helping keep your plants hydrated for up to two weeks.

34Sleep solution: Block out light with a soft eucalyptus eye mask

If your bedroom is on the brighter side, consider wearing this sleep mask to bed. It’s made from soft, breathable eucalyptus fibers, with an elastic strap that automatically adjusts to fit your head as comfortably as possible. And with six colors to choose from (light pink, oatmeal, sage, and more), you shouldn’t have any trouble matching it to your pajamas.

35

Mistake: Slamming doors knobs are damaging the walls

Solution: Protect walls & doors with discreet silicone stoppers

Mount these stoppers where your door knobs meet your walls, and they’ll help cushion the blow so that the wall stays safe from damage. Installation is as easy as peeling off the adhesive backing, then pressing them right into place — and the silicone material even features UV protection to help keep it from turning yellow over time.

36

Mistake: Your body gets sore standing at your counter

Solution: Help prevent fatigue with cushioned mats

Standing at your kitchen counters for extended periods of time can leave your joints and muscles feeling sore. Luckily, these mats are an easy fix. Their cushioned surface help absorbs shock, which can allow you to stand comfortably for longer periods of time. Plus, their nonslip underside helps keep them (and you) firmly in place.

37Relaxation solution: Magnesium spray to help soothe muscle soreness

Whether your knees, back, or nearly any other part of your body is aching, this magnesium spray may be able to help. Simply spritz it onto the affected area, and its soothing formula can help alleviate soreness. The best part? Since the formula isn’t greasy, there’s no need to worry about it leaving you feeling slick.

38Relaxation solution: Scented bath salts with rose & lavender

No relaxing soak in the tub is complete without these bath salts. They’re made with salt granules from the Dead Sea that are rich in magnesium, which can help ease aching muscles. But if that isn’t enough? Their lavender and rose scents are derived from dried flower petals — not synthetic chemicals.

39Office solution: Memory foam wrist rests that look like happy clouds

Place this rest in front of your keyboard, and it’ll help elevate your wrists so that they’re less likely to grow sore after a long day of typing. It’s made from plush memory foam that contours to the shape of your wrists for added comfort — and the cloud-shaped design is an undeniably fun touch. Choose from five colors: white, purple, black, and more.

40

Mistake: You’re putting off a mindfulness practice

Solution: Get started with an easy gratitude journal

Filled with daily prompts and weekly exercises, writing in this gratitude journal for just a few minutes per day can help you create a positive mindset over time. Each daily features four new questions that don’t repeat — and there are enough prompts inside to last you through up to 13 weeks. The best part? Each order includes a variety of fun stickers that you can use to decorate the pages.

41

Mistake: The air in your home is dry & stale

Solution: Mist & scent air with this stylish humidifier

Dry, stale air is no match for this diffuser. Simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the water reservoir, and it’ll release soothing, scented mist into the air. The mist blows upwards to make it look like a unique fireplace — and since it runs at a super-quiet level, there’s no need to worry about it disrupting your sleep if you let it run overnight.

42

Mistake: Uncomfortable shoes leave your feet aching

Solution: Swap out the insoles with these springy inserts

If your shoes have been leaving your feet feeling sore, consider swapping out the insoles with these comfort foam inserts. The moisture-wicking top layer is designed to help keep your feet dry — and you can easily trim them to fit smaller pairs of shoes as needed. “They’re thin, comfortable and supportive,” wrote one reviewer. “They’ve held up well for at least 500 miles and have extended the life of my hiking shoes.”

43Shoe solution: Help prevent blisters by swiping feet with this balm

Whether you’re headed out for a run or a hike, don’t forget to swipe this anti-blister balm onto your feet before you put your shoes on. It creates a protective barrier on your skin, helping reduce the friction between your socks/shoes — and the non-greasy formula won’t leave you feeling slick. The best part? The formula is also infused with vitamins A and C to help hydrate skin.

44

Mistake: Trash accumulates in your car

Solution: Toss it into this sleek cup holder trash can

Don’t let trash accumulate on the floor of your car. Instead, toss it into this trash can. Its compact base allows it to fit inside nearly any cup holder, while the flip-top lid helps keep all the trash inside hidden from sight. Each order also includes 15 trash bags to get you started.

45

Mistake: Your bathroom is a total mess

Solution: Organize toiletries with sturdy shelves that stick on

Got a mess of bottles and scrubbers all over your shower? Then these shelves are worth a look. Installation is as easy as pressing them right into place on your tile walls using the included adhesive — and the bond is so strong that they can easily hold up to 12 pounds. Plus, the stainless steel frames make them unlikely to rust over time.

46Bathroom solution: Tidy up that messy vanity with stylish holders

If your bathroom vanity has devolved into a jumbled mess of toothbrushes, razors, combs, and more, consider taking a look at these organizers. Each order comes with four pieces: one soap dispenser, toothbrush holder, tumbler, as well as a stylish tray for display. And if you aren’t into the faux white marble finish? You can also grab them in six other styles: matte black, beige, gray, and more.

47Bathroom solution: Keep your floor dry & cheerful with a colorful bath mat

Don’t track wet footprints across your bathroom floor. Instead, put down this bath mat. Its absorbent surface helps keep your floor dry, while the bright colors make it a fun addition to any bathroom. And if it ever gets too dirty to ignore? Simply toss it into the wash for a quick clean.

48

Mistake: You’re attacked by bugs every time you hang outside

Solution: DEET-free insect repellent spray safe to use on skin

Unlike some bug sprays, this one features an odorless formula that delivers up to eight hours of protection from ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, no-see-ums, and more. The non-greasy texture absorbs quickly into skin so that you aren’t left feeling slimy — and each bottle comes with enough inside for more than 45 uses.

49

Mistake: Trouble focusing at work

Solution: Burn off excess energy by fiddling with this fidget toy

Having trouble focusing at work? Consider taking a look at this fidget toy. It’s great for burning off excess energy in a subtle way, which can help you focus on whatever task is at hand. The smooth ABS pieces make it easy to flip and fold them however you like — and the compact size means it’ll take up hardly any space when not in use.

50

Mistake: Your relationship has been feeling lackluster

Solution: Fan the flames by tackling this couple’s journal together

If your relationships seems to have lost that “spark,” this journal may be worth a look. It’s filled with prompts that can help you learn more about each other, your relationships, likes, dislikes, and more, as well as space to plan fun dates. “It gives really great date ideas and lots of room to write and put pictures and just be creative,” raved one reviewer. “This is something that will get couples to have some cute little fun [...].”