subject: Nine Good Tips to Boost Your Mood [print this page] Nine Good Tips to Boost Your Mood Nine Good Tips to Boost Your Mood
Feeling sad, bad, blue, tired, overwhelmed and fatigued? Your physical well- being is heavily affected by your thoughts and emotions. A bad mood not only gives you a gloomy outlook, it also lowers your immune function, leading the way to illness.Research has discovered that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help defend the body against illness. So take a breather! I've listed some great tips to brighten your mood and get you feeling fabulous...
1] Take A Music Break: Pop your favorite CD's in the stereo or iTunes playlist and lay comfortably on your bed, couch or chair. Listen to music while traveling to work, during your lunch hour, or before you go to bed. Play soothing, uplifting music that you enjoy!
2] Smile: Smiling is contagious, inspiring others to smile back. You'll not only feel better about yourself, but you'll instantly lift the mood of those around you. Also, keeping potted flowers, framed pictures of family or friends, and surrounding yourself with precious things can inspire, motivate and bring a smile to your face.
3] Get Outside and Walk: Not only is walking a good mood-booster, but walking burns calories and reduces body fat. Whether it be a brisk walk or a leisurely stroll, getting outside is a great way to clear your head.
4] Watch What You Eat: Food can boost your brain chemistry and so affect your emotions. Knowing what foods regulate your mood could help you live a happier life. Begin stocking up on a variety of whole, natural foods including fresh fruits and vegetables. Limit your intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol.Eat crunchy foods like pretzels or carrots. Research shows that crunchy foods make us happy by creating sound waves that trigger pulses in the brain that cause pleasure! Bananas are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that your brain converts into the "happiness" hormone serotonin.
5] Bask in the Sunshine: Sunlight naturally stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in the control of pain perception, the sleep-wake cycle, and mood. Getting plenty of natural sunlight will boost your mood and your energy. The first light you see in the morning is your "on" switch. When your brain's switch turns on, serotonin is created, your serotonin levels rise, and you are motivated to function throughout the day.
6] Get Some Rest: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule will improve your energy, focus and creativity while you're awake. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Adults should get between 7 and 81/2 hours of sleep a night.
7] Clear the Clutter: Keeping your home and workspace organized and clutter-free will also increase your energy and productivity .All of us have outdated or broken gadgets like cell phones,movies,cameras and camcorders that are just taking up space around the house.
At http://www.gazelle.com you can sell your old gadgets. They even offer free shipping and packaging! Donate old clothes, books, shoes to the Salvation Army, or sell them on eBay.com or Craigslist.com
8] Aromatherapy: Delightfully Scented candles, a guaranteed mood lifter, scented oils and fragrance diffusers adds an uplifting fragrance to any room. Place a vase of roses in your home to help you feel optimistic and at peace. When the petals start to fade, pull off and arrange in pretty bowls in the bathroom or bedroom.
9] Spread Love: Hug a child, snuggle in front of a cozy fire with your pookey bear, cuddle your pet or write a letter to an old friend and you will feel better instantly!