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Seven Instant Mood Boosters
April is described as “the
cruelest month”. April
showers can get all of us down if they fill too many days of the
week. And, many of us push
ourselves through the doldrums of winter only to be disappointed that
the first breath of spring doesn’t magically give us a
lift. So, what to do?
#1 Get Your Body Moving:
Being physically active 30 minutes a day five days a week can lift a depressed
mood as effectively as antidepressants, according to a 2005 study
published in the American
Journal of Preventative Medicine.
A workout at the
gym, shooting hoops, hitting golf balls or hula hooping
can lift your spirits. Even a
brisk 15 minute walk can increase your energy and improve your mood
immediately.
#2 Take a Breathing Break:
Meditate for 20 minutes.
It’s easy. .Sit in a comfortable position letting
gravity pull your body down onto your chair
or the floor. Let your muscles
relax (shake them loose or clench your muscles and then release).
Either focus on your breathing, breathing in through your nostrils
and out through your mouth or pick a word or phrase like
“calm” or “relaxed” and repeat your word each
time you exhale. If other thoughts
intrude, switch them off and return to your breathing and/or word.
#3 Turn on the Tunes:
In his research, Robert Thayer, professor of psychology at
California State University
found listening to music is the second most effective way (after
exercise) to lift your spirits.
Any style of music you like will work.
If you play an instrument, so much the better. (Jamming with the radio or your ipod would be ideal!) Not musical? Try singing along with
your favorite tune anyway.
#4 Pet Your Pet:
Petting
your pet, playing with him or taking him for a walk is a sure fire
way to brighten your day and improve your mood. Even 20 minutes of interactive pet
time will relax you, energize you and put a smile of contentment on
your face.
Don’t have
a pet? Well, borrow your
friend or neighbor’s pet for a walk, game of fetch or play
session. If the blues gets you
down often, give serious consideration to getting a pet. It surely will change your life for
the better. As FDR once said,
“If you want a friend (in this town) get
a dog.”
#5 Get a Good Night’s Sleep:
Scientific
studies suggest most adults need seven to eight hours of deep sleep
to be alert and energized the following day. Without enough sleep, most of us
are cranky, irritable, or just plain worn out. Prolonged sleep deprivation can
lead to depression.
So tape Leno or
Letterman and get to bed early enough to get a full night of
sleep.
#6 Pamper Yourself:
Do something nice
for yourself that feels luxurious or just a treat (get a massage, pedicure
or new hairstyle). Doing
something nice for yourself reminds you that you’re important, you deserve to be treated well.
Be careful to
avoid anything overly self indulgent, fattening or beyond your budget
which might make you feel guilty afterward. You want to be good to yourself
without feeling bad afterwards.
#7 Talk It Out:
Having a strong
network of family and friends to talk to can go a long way toward
helping you to process difficult feelings, problem
solve and just get a boost.
Most people say they feel better about an issue or problem
which has been bothering them after they talk to someone about it
even if there’s no resolution.
Not sure
what’s got you feeling blue, don’t know what’s
bothering you? Then just talk
with someone about feeling blue.
Don’t have sympathetic family or friends? Seek out a co-worker, hair dresser,
clergyman or anyone who’s a good listener.
