Healthy Ways To Improve Your Mood |
Bad moods are an inevitable part of life. What can be particularly frustrating, however, is when we know we’re in a bad mood, but seem unable to snap ourselves out of it. Are you aware of the many short-term and long-term, healthy techniques and strategies you can utilize to improve your mood?
If you find yourself feeling down, anxious, grumpy, low in energy, irritable and quick to snap at family, friends or coworkers, try a few of the suggestions below and find what works best for you:
1. Practice deep breathing. Break the grip of a bad mood with controlled, slow and deep breathing. Here’s what to do: Sit comfortably at your desk or alone in a quiet room. Close your eyes and inhale slowly and deeply through your nose (for approx. 7 seconds), then exhale slowly through your mouth (for approx. 8 seconds). Focus your attention entirely on your breathing. If you prefer, say (or think the word) “relax” or “calm” or another soothing word as you exhale. Do this for ten repetitions any time you feel particularly anxious or stressed. This technique, known as the “relaxation response,” will calm your brain, relax your body and lift your mood.
2. Exercise. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine – natural brain chemicals that work together to relieve tension, lift your energy and boost your mood. Researchers report that even a short brisk walk can give you an energy and mood boost. What types of exercise are best? Cardiovascular exercise (such as brisk walking, running, cycling, swimming or other aerobic activity), weight training and yoga have all been shown in studies to reduce tension and anxiety and improve your emotional state.
3. Adjust your diet. When you eat and what you eat affects your blood sugar levels, which in turn affect your energy and mood. Nutritionists recommend the following to help stabilize your blood sugar levels and mood:
4. Let it out. If you’re in a bad mood, there could be an obvious problem or emotional reason for it. Try to determine why you’re in a bad mood and talk to a family member, friend or counselor about it. Simply talking about your problem will help you start to feel better. Allow yourself to feel your emotions. Remember, bottling up your feelings will only darken your mood, so let your feelings out.
5. Make adequate sleep a priority. Scientists have documented the link between sleep deprivation and a poor mood. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, those who got fewer than six hours of sleep on weekdays were more likely to describe themselves as stressed, sad, angry and pessimistic. Conversely, those getting adequate sleep reported more positive feelings. For a better mood, make the quality and quantity of your sleep a priority. Research suggests that most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Keep a consistent sleep and wake schedule on workdays and weekends. Choose relaxing activities before bedtime, such as reading or taking a warm shower or bath, instead of turning on the TV or computer. Make sure your sleeping environment promotes relaxation and sleep. Your bedroom should be quiet, dark and at the proper temperature (in the mid-60s).
6. Bask in the sun. Sunlight is another element that is associated with mood and health. About 20% of Americans report feeling more depressed during the winter, when the amount of sunlight during the day is less and foul weather keeps people indoors more often. Why does this happen? When you’re out in the sun your serotonin levels go up. Serotonin is a hormone in our body that helps elevate our mood. In the winter, we don’t get as much sunlight, so we don’t produce as much serotonin. As a result, more people feel blue. Try to get out more during daylight hours to help break a bad mood. An early morning or lunchtime walk will increase your exposure to natural sunlight, release the brains natural mood-lifting chemicals like endorphins, and includes the additional benefit of being outside and breathing fresh air.
7. Eliminate the worry habit. If you’re stuck in “worry mode,” changes take place in your physiology (changes in blood chemistry, blood sugar level, blood pressure, muscle tension) that undermine your energy and mood. If you’re prone to worry, ask yourself these questions: Will any amount of worrying change the future? Will worrying pay your bills, prevent an accident, make your job more secure, or show that you care more because you worry? The truth is you can spend the rest of your life worrying and you will not have changed a thing. Worrying is passive. It gets you nowhere. The first step to eliminating worry is to recognize it as a bad habit (a learned, negative way of thinking) that can be changed. To eliminate worry, try the following: The next time you catch yourself worrying, change your “worry” to “wonder.” Your internal dialogue could go something like this: “I wonder how I can overcome this obstacle? Maybe I could try this. If it doesn’t work, I’ll try something else.” By changing worry to wonder, you turn unproductive, stress-promoting thinking into thought and action that can create positive change in your life. If persistent worry is a problem for you, seek out additional resources or counseling to help you overcome this destructive habit.
8. Take a break. Give yourself a break from negative thinking or a bad mood by doing something different. Suggestions that might work for you: Take a warm bath, read a good book, listen to relaxing music, get a massage, engage in a hobby, work in your garden, watch your favorite comedy or visit a library or museum. A change of pace, no matter how short, can help give you a more objective or positive perspective on what may be souring your mood.
