The sunny side: Find your mood booster
Do you have your list of mood boosters together? Perhaps it is receiving a call from an old friend, eating a piece of sea salt caramel chocolate, or going for a short brisk walk. I am amazed with individuals who seem to embrace a bad mood. Of course, there are exceptions to wallowing in a sour mood, but it is important to not let it become the norm. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a low mood day in and day out it could suggest more serious physical or mental health issues, so it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor or a therapist. In the meantime, here are several mood boosters.
SUNSHINE. Nearly half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, which has a direct impact on your mood. Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of the feel-good hormone, serotonin. Conversely, lower levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and depression. Make an effort to expose yourself to a little sunshine. Enjoy your morning coffee or lunch outside. Study after study shows time outside and in nature improves mood.
MOVEMENT. Simply moving benefits your mental health, and regular movement is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Regular physical exercise can improve brain health, reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods.
WHAT YOU PUT INTO YOURSELF. From food to the visuals, to the sounds, to the smells--all affect your mood whether you realize it or not. I know that when I listen to classical music, it soothes almost every cell in my body and helps me relax. I steer away from politics, and it hurts me to see how divided our nation has become, and listening to and consuming what is called “news,” whether it’s right or left all day affects your mood (I miss the days of Walter Cronkite’s just giving me the facts). The first step is awareness of what you are consuming. What you are seeing, hearing, experiencing changes not only your mood, but how your nervous, endocrine, and immune systems are working.
NATURE. Nature has the potential to generate positive emotions such as joy and calmness, and it heals and soothes. Research reveals that environments can increase a good mood or a bad one. Researchers working in hospitals, offices, and schools found that a simple plant in a room had significant impact on stress and anxiety.
TUNES. While classical music is great for relaxing, a great play list can boost your mood. There is a great deal of research behind the positive effects of music on your body mentally and physically. I dislike cleaning the house, but it’s a chore that needs to be done. Listening to and making music increases blood flow to the regions of the brain that generate and control emotions. Years ago, I organized a video conference for students across Texas with world renowned cellist Zuill Bailey. Zuill had all students close their eyes and then played several pieces of very different music. He asked students what they felt. I loved seeing the expression on the students’ faces when they realized how much the music affected their moods, thoughts, and feelings.
SMILE. Smiling is powerful medicine. Smiling tells your brain that you're happy, and signals it to release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin, the neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Just by smiling, you can reduce your stress levels, relax your body, lower your heart rate, and boost your mood.
While all of us may not have nature right outside our front door. Why not try a few of these ideas and see if they help boost your mood. Here is a little secret, I really dislike cleaning the house, though I do have some fancy gadgets to aid in the task. I have found it is much easier to vacuum, mop, and dust when I crank up the tunes, make a few dance moves, and smile when I clean the house. My fake goofy smile tricks my brain into thinking cleaning the house is good medicine.
The there’s the multiplier effect. Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Bublé said it all: “When you’re smilin’, the whole world smiles with you.”
Please feel free to share your thoughts with me at ashton@ashtoncannon.com.
Ashton Graham is an educator, book publisher, photographer, cowgirl and yoga teacher. She is currently studying to become a yoga therapist and lives on a ranch in West Texas. Visit www.ashtoncannon,com to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: The sunny side: Find your mood booster
