6 Natural Ways to Boost Your Mood & Feel Happy in Your Own Skin
We can all get days where we feel down, depressed, anxious, overwhelmed or stress. But when bad days start outnumbering good (and it’s not related to the 2 weeks before your period!) then here are some quick pointers to finding natural ways to boost your mood.
#1. Identify the pattern.
We all have bad behaviors that lead to the blues. A classic example is watching tv when we feel depressed. Does this ever help? If your answer is no, or rarely, then find something else to do when you’re feeling down. Try calling a friend, take a walk around the block, or go buy some fresh organic berries, which are rich in vitamins that help your body feel happy.
#2. Find some inspiration in your life.
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#3. Identify 3 things that you can do to make you happy.
Think of one thing that can be done in 30 sec, one that takes 5 minutes, and one that takes an hour. Use these retreats as needed to find inner peace. My 30 second vacation is a memory from the top of the mountain I summited in Oregon, the South Sister. I remember summiting the mountain with my friends and being surrounded by thousands of small yellow butterflies. This memory reminds me of friendship, my determination and gusto to summit a mountain, and the beauty of nature. Your 30 seconds could be something as simple as taking a deep belly breath, or getting up and stretching.
#4. Break your routines.
Open your mind to the wonder of new possibilities. Remember the admiration that you felt when someone told you about an adventure they had recently? What is stopping you from experiencing your own adventure or changing your routine? The only person holding you back is you. Change it up. Create a goal, and pursue it.
#5. Take care of yourself!
Get enough sleep, drink enough water, eat healthier foods, move your body, and keep your alcohol consumption to less than 5 drinks a week.
#6. Above all else, communicate with your loved ones.
Times can be tough, and you will find support in the most unusual, or expected places, but all you need to do is reach out to those that you care for.
Bonus: elevated spirits often means less stress.
Less stress = better immune system.
Better immune system = more time to spend in the outdoors, with a friend, relaxing in a bath, playing with your kids, etc.
-Dr Norris, ND