We all have days when things go bad, and our mood reflects it. It is a normal part of life, as we are subject to different moods depending on our emotional state. However, bad moods should not be the norm in your life, as there is much more to live for.
If you find yourself having more bad days than normal, you should actively try to do things that improve your mood, which of course will greatly improve your quality of life and general outlook. Try the following, and your mood should reflect it.
Take A Walk
Sometimes our mood goes south from the feeling of being cooped up indoors all day, or when burdened with a stressful workload. However, this is something a simple walk can fix. Though taking a walk outside, in nature is preferable, if you find yourself unable to go outside because of being at work, take a walk through another floor or up a few flights of stairs and you will be pleasantly surprised how much your mood improves. This boost in mood could be attributed to improving blood flow to the brain, and also endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals produced during physical activity.
Get Sun
It may be surprising to hear that people living in cold and temperate climates are subject to frequent bad moods right? Well, it’s not all that farfetched, as people who are exposed to sunlight less than those living in the tropics are prone to experiencing “seasonal affective disorder.”
In addition to foul moods, lack of exposure to the sun can also promote the onset of depressive illness and ill health in general. Being exposed to just 15 minutes of radiant sunshine tends to offset these ills. This change in mood may be attributed to a deficiency of Vitamin D, which is synthesized via the skin upon exposure to sunshine. This is why phototherapy is a growing treatment modality for individuals living in countries that experience short sun hours during the winter.
Bond With A Companion
The bond a mother has with her child is strong for a reason that goes beyond emotions. How? Thanks to a hormone known as oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone, present in higher concentration if females than in men, which fosters relationships and a positive mood, it is released in large amounts following intercourse or following birth of a child. However, those are not the only times it is released, as being around ones you love; including pets, has been shown to profoundly improve mood. So, when feeling down and you need a mood booster, cuddle up!
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
News flash! Dark chocolate is good for you. Well, no news flash, as it has been known for a number of years, but the benefits of dark chocolate keep increasing. This time is its effects on boosting mood. Dark chocolate is rich in the amino acid L-tryptophan, which is essential in the production of the hormone serotonin. Serotonin dictates mood on many levels, as depletion of it is associated with poorer moods. Many prescription drugs to manage depression actually work via a serotonergic mechanism, proving the utility of enhancing your levels, and with dark chocolate- why not?
Exercise
We get it, when you’re feeling gloomy, or angry for that matter, exercise is the last thing on your mind. Eating it, but eating to console a particular mood is a recipe for disaster. Instead, regularly scheduled exercise sessions. We’re not saying you have to exercise when the foul mood hits, but exercise works to reduce the frequency of them or prevents it altogether. Strive to exercise between 3-5 days per week.
– Scott Blessing