Your mental outlook can affect your physical condition, and your physical condition also may affect your mental health. It’s like the chicken and the egg: which comes first?
Most people experience times when they feel unhappy, restless, or irritable. There are several natural methods for boosting your mood, as well as treatments to discuss with your doctor if natural methods aren’t fully effective.
Taking steps to improve physical health can help boost mood as well as ward off long term ailments. For example, many types of exercise have mood-boosting benefits, especially if they involve being outdoors. Try taking a short walk, playing a team sport, or simply taking some time to unwind.
For help in navigating the inevitable ups and downs of life, here are 10 things you can do to manage your mood from day to day:
Stay active.
Exercise, even a brisk 10-minute walk, can relieve stress and release endorphins – the “feel good hormones.” The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. But even 10 or 15-minute increments count! Don’t be afraid to start small.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Inadequate sleep can increase stress and irritability. Sleep is one of the top indicators for wellbeing and happiness. The amount and quality of sleep can have a big impact on your mood and overall health. Try to establish a nightly routine to unwind in preparation for sleep.
Appreciate nature.
A Stanford study found that regular outdoor walks can lead to a lower risk of depression. Any green area will do – find a park or walk around a neighborhood with trees if you don’t have ready access to wide open spaces. Natural sunlight can also enhance your mood.
Try something new.
If you’re feeling bored and uninspired, trying something new can help you discover a new passion or talent that you weren’t aware of. Pick up a paintbrush, take a pottery class, create to your heart’s desire!
Disconnect.
Practice some time away from screens and social media. In an always-on world, time on screens has become the norm. However, the effect of being always connected may actually lead to social isolation. The first step is to be aware of how much time you spend on screens and what it does – or doesn’t do – for you.
Have a quick tidy up.
Clear space, clear mind! Clutter can lead to increased stress and a decline in productivity. Make some time (even if it’s only 5 minutes) to tidy your environment. Your mind will thank you.
Eat at least one healthy meal.
That pantry full of snacks can be tempting, but your body and mind will thank you for eating at least one healthy meal with fruit and vegetables each day. Nourish yourself from within!
Drink more water.
Hydration is needed for normal digestion, temperature control, brain function and encouraging good circulation – which is why it’s imperative that we’re fueling our bodies with enough water throughout the day. As a rule of thumb, try to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day.
Connect with others.
Human beings are social creatures. We need the company of other humans to feel happy, content, and valued. And loneliness is a killer. Did you know that being lonely can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease? A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that social connection generally has a protective effect against depression. So, reach out to family and friends, join a club or society, or become a volunteer in your community.
Experiment with hemp products.
Adding hemp to your diet is a great way to ensure your body is getting the tools it needs to perform its best. Hemp products may help overall wellness by boosting mood and boosting cognitive function in the brain.
It’s important not to put unwavering emphasis on the benefits of hemp products, but to understand how you can maximize its potential. In conjunction with hemp, it’s crucial to create a positive lifestyle, diet, and self-care routine for yourself.
When we are in higher spirits, we are more productive and energetic — not to mention we simply feel better! At one point or another, most of us could benefit from a few simple techniques to boost our mood.
