When you’re feeling down, it’s not always easy to locate a great source of motivation. But that all depends on where you look.
As you’re about to discover, there are multiple ways to turn a bad mood around and regain full control of your mental health. Read on as we unpack six effective natural methods to improve your mood.
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Brighten Up Your Room
It's common knowledge that the mid-morning sunshine can provide the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin D. It turns out that welcoming more sunshine into your life (quite literally) might also elevate your moods.
According to a new study by the University of Toronto Scarborough, the light intensity can significantly impact human emotion. Researchers specifically found that people who received extended light exposure, especially in the morning, demonstrated better moods for the rest of the day.
But that's not all. It also emerged that exposure to bright light improved sleep quality and duration.
Therefore, consider welcoming more sunshine into your room today by pulling back the blinds first thing in the morning. During cloudier days, spend more time outdoors to make the most of the sun's mood-lifting benefits.
Use CBD Gummies
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, widely touted for its potential therapeutic benefits. The compound is generally used for treating pain, inflammation, nausea, and seizures.
Considered one of the most potent anxiolytic herbal extracts, cannabidiol is also a potential remedy for various mental conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Studies have established CBD’s ability to increase serotonin signaling.
Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter associated with positive mental health. High levels of this hormone are typically observed among mentally healthy individuals, with the converse being common in people living with depression.
One great thing about using cannabidiol for improved mood is that you can choose from various product formulations. These range from CBD e-juice, creams, tinctures, and gummies.
Treetop delta 8 collection have become all the rage in the recent past. That’s mainly due to their ease of administration. Gummies come with predetermined doses, which saves you the rigor of measuring your serving amounts each time. Since these cannabidiol formulations resemble regular gummies, you can consume them without drawing unwanted attention from marijuana skeptics.
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Manage Your Expectations
Anxiety and mood swings often result from unrealistic work, home, and life expectations. Therefore, managing your expectations can go a long way in solving a bad mood.
Start by setting small, achievable goals. Your objectives can be out of sight. But they should never be out of reach.
Perhaps this is the ideal time to put into practice the SMART approach to goal setting. SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Another way to manage your expectations is by prioritizing your tasks in the order of urgency and importance. Bombarding yourself with assignments will drain your mental energy and throw your mood off balance.
Get Moving
Exercise has incredible mood-lifting properties. That’s due to its ability to stimulate the brain's release of endorphins – chemicals that induce excitement and satisfaction.
Besides, exercise may boost sleep quality. And a good night’s sleep can help fight a foul mood.
The good news is that you don’t need a gym membership to stay active. Not when you can take advantage of the numerous aerobic workouts, such as walking, running, jogging, bicycling, and swimming.
Alternatively, you could try yoga and meditation. Yoga increases endorphin levels by working your muscles, while meditation relieves anxiety by refocusing your thoughts on the present moment.
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Watch Your Diet
There are plenty of foods that can leave you feeling moody all day long. On the flip side, certain foods can banish anxiety and effectively address mood swings. So, it pays to be mindful of your diet.
Fatty fish are among the most common foods known to improve bad moods. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, linked to better mental health and cognitive performance.
Research has shown that two types of omega-3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), contain antidepressant properties.
Fermented foods like yogurt and kombucha have also demonstrated a potential for improving mood and overall mental health.
Other mood-elevating foods include bananas, berries, oats, nuts, dark chocolate, and beans.
Tune In To Some Music
There's a music lover in most of us. But just in case music doesn't seem to tickle your fancy, it might interest you that a minute spent tuning into a serenading beat might translate to hours free of anxiety and mood swings.
Studies indicate that music is processed by the amygdala, a brain region directly involved in regulating emotions and mood.
Activating the amygdala directly triggers the release of dopamine, ‘bliss’ chemicals associated with reduced feelings of anxiety and depression.
Listening to the right music can also have positive effects on blood pressure. Besides, it can boost memory, enhance physical endurance, and transform your attitude about life in general.
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Final Word
It’s challenging to go through life without dealing with a bad mood from time to time. However, it’s relieving to know that implementing the above interventions can help fight mood oscillations and help you regain control of your life.
