Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you were in a good mood all the time?
We all have moments when we feel blue. All sorts of things like a nagging doubt or an unresolved argument or other issues in life seems to play havoc on your mood. Our mood can impact how we function. Positive emotions are far-reaching, and involve much more than just being “happy.” Sometimes the best path to happiness requires you to be intentional. There are many times when stress and circumstances sap your joy, and you have to find your happy on purpose. It’s okay to take the time to take care of yourself.
Here are tips to improve your mood….. naturally.
- Count your blessings. Gratitude is good for you. It shifts your perspective by forcing you to think about the good rather than dwell on the bad. Make an effort to think of the good that can come out of your situation rather than focus on the negative. How you frame your situation can change everything.
- Don’t blame yourself. Feelings of guilt and inadequacy can get in the way of you improving your mood. Often the cause of your negative mood is out of your control and blaming yourself for these situations keeps you unhappy. Forget the blame game. A healthier alternative is to look at your life and obstacles as an opportunity to take action.
- Sleep is vital. Sleep is good for your health and well-being throughout your life. Enough quality sleep can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety. The damage from sleep deficiency can occur in an instant (such as a car crash), or it can harm you over time. The way you feel while you’re awake depends in part on what happens while you’re sleeping.
- Make yourself smile. Some days won’t always look bright, but commit to finding something worth smiling about. The simple act of smiling seems to activate happiness centers in the brain, so make an effort to be warm and smiley. It will help you beat bad moods.
- Eat chocolate. Do you crave chocolate when you’re down? There’s a good reason. Chocolate contains tryptophan which your body uses to make niacin and serotonin. Serotonin is thought to produce healthy sleep and a stable mood. One study found that even the taste, texture and smell of chocolate make us happy.
- Take a walk. Exercise can reduce feelings of depression and stress while improving your mood and overall emotional well-being for up to 12 hours. Taking a walk is low cost and doesn’t require any special clothes or equipment. So next time you’re feeling down, anxious, or stressed, get up and start moving! Make walking fun by going to places you enjoy.
- Reach out and touch someone. It’s harder to be happy when you’re isolated and there’s no better way to feel good than to do something to make someone else smile. Touching someone releases uplifting endorphins like serotonin. And by shifting the focus off yourself, you’ll feel more relaxed, which reduces your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Maintain a daily routine. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed is a common trigger for bad moods. It’s important not to overschedule your time or take on more than you can manage. When you’re feeling down, stick to your regular schedule as much as possible. It’s OK to slow down a bit and break things up into manageable pieces.
- Embrace the arts. Studies found that music, dance, painting, poetry and other arts can benefit both your mental and physical health. You don’t have to be “good” at them for them to be good for you. The arts can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve well-being and enhance the way we fight infection.
- Meditate. You don’t need to strike a special pose or chant “hommm” to be a master at meditation. Find a quiet moment. Focus on breathing, focus on your thoughts and focus on your emotions. Use this moment to correct your course. For me, meditation as a mix between “pray” and “listen” and I like to take notes during my quiet time. It helps me pause, reflect and shift my attitude.
Emotions are neither good or bad. It’s how you choose to deal with your emotions that make all the difference. You’re in control of brightening your day. The key to success is being aware of your emotions, and understanding how to control these emotions so they don’t control you. Surround yourself with other happy people but steer clear of complainers. Downer friends will bring you down.
“Our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves.” –
Found value? Feel free to share!!
To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Resources:
- Depression: what you need to know – National Institute of Health♦
- Natural ways to boost your mood – Health.com♦
