With Mental Health Awareness Month fast approaching and with the coronavirus currently holding us hostage at home, it’s important to check in on the emotional well-being of those around you, and yourself, too. When positive emotions open us up to new possibilities, we are able to build on our skills. People who have plenty of positive emotions in their everyday lives tend to be happier, healthier, learn better and get along well with others. There are several simple ways you can naturally boost your mood, and we’re here to give you tips on where to get started.
Beauty Sleep
You probably know firsthand how sleep affects your mood. After a sleepless night you may find yourself irritable, short-tempered and vulnerable. Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation influences your mood. Not only does sleep affect your mood, but your mood may affect your sleep. Those who feel a lot of stress or pressure may experience sleepless nights. If you don’t believe you’re getting enough sleep, take a look at your sleep habits to see if there are steps you can take to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. We recommend setting an alarm in your phone for when you want to start getting ready for bed. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake schedule is important. Try establishing a calming pre-sleep routine, making your bedroom a comfortable sleep environment, avoiding naps too close to bedtime and avoiding caffeine, alcohol or any other chemicals that interfere with sleep.
Fitness Fuel
Exercise is the fuel for your mood. It promotes chemicals in your brain, known as endorphins, that improve your mood and make you more relaxed. Physical activity also reduces anxiety and depressed mood while enhancing self-esteem. So, pull out your yoga mat, put on your running shoes or pump some iron with your at-home equipment and get your exercise on!
The Miracle Drink
Water! Avoid getting dehydrated, especially when you drink a lot of coffee. Make sure to refill your water bottle a few times a day and bring it with you everywhere. Drinking enough water can banish your headaches, relieve fatigue, boost your energy levels and improve your overall mood. Try drinking two glasses of water after waking up in the morning to help stimulate internal organs. Drinking one glass before a meal will help with digestion and calm your hunger.
Words of the Wise
You experience a lot in life. Why not learn from them? Try keeping a journal of your life experiences. Use a journal as a place where you can word vomit and dump whatever is going on in your mind. Don’t hold back! Writing everything down can have the same effect as pouring out your heart to a therapist. An overabundance of stress can be damaging to your mental and emotional health. Journaling is an incredible stress-management tool. Try to create a pre-bedtime habit with journaling. It will help you unwind and de-stress so you can get a full night’s sleep!
Healthier Choices
Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients and vitamins to keep your body healthy. Food is a fuel source to your body. Healthy foods can give you good sources of energy, while bad foods such as fried foods can make you feel sluggish and heavy. Did you know that a poor diet can actually worsen your mood? It may also lead to obesity and depression. Try limiting your alcohol intake, eat natural whole foods, start each day with a balanced breakfast, and create a healthy-eating plan and stick to it. For more information on healthy foods, check out our EatFit Cookbook and reasons why you should get it here.
Tune Out
With a global pandemic occurring, it may be hard to look away from the computer but it’s important to set a curfew for yourself. It’s easy to get sucked into the internet for hours on end, it may even cut into your sleep time, but it can also leave us feeling completely drained. Try setting a curfew for yourself and spend the time truly nourishing and relaxing. This will lead to better sleep and increase your positive mood.
Learn Something New
Similar to your body needing food, your brain needs challenges. Try to learn something new on a daily basis to keep your brain active. Create a list of things you’ve always wanted to know or wondered about. Try learning a new language, subscribe to influential podcasts or solving riddles. It’ll help you feel invigorated and accomplished!
