10 Natural Mood Elevators To Lift Your Spirits

By MaryAnn DePietro, CRT. May 7th 2016

It’s normal to have days when your mood is a little low. Everything from job stressors, relationship issues, and even bad traffic can affect your mood. Everyone can use an occasional pick-me-up to improve their mood. Finding ways to elevate your mood naturally without side effects is ideal. Below are several mood elevators, which can cure a case of the blues and help improve your overall health.

1. Soak Up Some Sunlight

Sunlight can help give you a quick mood boost. According to The Cleveland Clinic, sunlight is so important, a lack of it is believed to contribute to seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression. People who suffer from seasonal depression develop symptoms such as sadness and fatigue in months where there is less sunlight. Try to get outside and enjoy a little sunshine at least a few times a day to improve your mood naturally.

2. Get Plenty Of Rest

Did you ever notice how even the tiniest thing can affect your mood when you are tired? Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress, depression and irritability. Sometimes, the best mood elevator is a nap or a good night’s sleep. To improve your quality of sleep, develop a healthy sleep routine. This can include engaging in something relaxing before bed, such as reading or listening to music. Limiting alcohol and caffeinated beverages in the evening may also help improve sleep.

3. Get Active

Exercise has long been thought to improve a person’s mood and is used to treat depression in some people. According to the Mayo Clinic, chemicals are released during exercise including endorphins, which boost mood and have a calming effect on the body. Whether you go for a jog, hike or run around with your kids in the backyard, getting active can help elevate your mood.

4. Have A Massage

Human touch is taught to improve mood in ways similar to exercise. According to the University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute, studies concluded people who underwent a 30 minute massage experienced a decrease in heart rate and lower levels of certain stress hormones, such as cortisol.

5. Use Herbs

Several different herbs are believed to have mood elevating benefits. St John’s wort may help increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Chamomile can also give your mood a boost with its calming affect. Herbs are sold as teas, extracts and capsules. Since herbs can interact with other medications, it’s always advisable to first talk with your doctor before taking any.

6. Try Aromatherapy

Different aromas can trigger different memories and feelings. Certain smells can remind you of your childhood, vacations or someone you love. Similarly, aromatherapy can help relax the mind, reduce anxiety and improve feelings of well being. Although personal preference needs to be taken into consideration when selecting essential oils, lavender and vanilla often have a relaxing effect.

7. Listen To Your Favorite Tunes

Don’t underestimate the power music can have on your mood. Music therapy is even used for people with serious mental health problems and medical conditions. For a quick mood elevator without any side effects, put on some of your favorite music and don’t be afraid to sing along, dance a little or pretend you’re a rock star.

8. Laugh Out Loud

Did you ever laugh so hard you were left in tears? Think about how good that feels. Laughter has a strong effect on the body. Chemicals are released that help boost your mood even after the laughing has stopped. Adding more laughter in your life is almost always a good idea. Spend time with people who make you laugh. Watch funny movies or read books that make you laugh. Don’t forget, sometimes it even helps to learn to laugh at yourself a little bit.

9. Eat Foods High In Omega-3

While it’s not a good idea to get in the habit of eating when you’re feeling sad or depressed, including certain foods in your diet can increase serotonin levels in the body. For instance, eating foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can have a mood elevating effect. Add foods like salmon, walnuts and soy nuts to your diet on a regular basis for a natural mood boost.

10. Connect With A Friend

Most people need to feel a sense of belonging. It’s easy to have your mood suffer when you feel distant from friends and family. Connecting with a friend or family member can have a real effect on improving your mood. Whether it’s a talk, a night out or a quick visit, spending time with someone else can provide you with support and make you feel happier.

Since everyone gets in a low or bad mood occasionally, it’s a good idea to have a few strategies to boost your mood naturally. Keep in mind everyone is different and not all natural mood elevators work for everyone. You may need to try a few different things to determine what improves your mood most effectively.


More in category

Related Content