Are you feeling a little blue this winter? You don’t have to take an extended holiday or eliminate social media. You don’t even need to hit the gym or take a yoga class. Simple changes to your routine can bring a smile to your face. Think about some of the subtle ways you can boost your mood. From the moment you wake to when your head hits the pillow, you have ample opportunity to spark joy.
Here are nine simple strategies.
1. Enjoy A Mindful Cup Of Tea
“Mindfulness” has caught on in the west – but what is it exactly? You don’t have to sit meditating for hours to enhance your life. All the process entails is returning your awareness, again and again, to the present moment. Start with your morning cup of tea or coffee for example.
Instead of racing to pour your brew into a travel mug, take time to add ingredients lovingly, like your sweetener and milk. Slow down as you take the first sip and savour the warmth and flavour. Inhale the steamy aroma of the magical drink that makes your Monday meetings tolerable.
2. Wear Brighter Colours
If you dress like you’re heading to a funeral, you might feel a bit melancholy. While black is a power colour, too many dark hues create a dour appearance. Brighten your day and boost your mood by adding a touch of colour to your wardrobe.
You don’t have to overdo it by dressing in your gaudiest garments, but do choose one piece of colourful apparel to enhance your presentation, like a jacket or a sweater. A sunny yellow tie can make a dark navy suit look less like a rainy day.
3. Listen To An Uplifting Podcast
If you live far from your workplace, your daily commute can drag you down. Use this time on the road productively by tuning into positivity podcasts to improve your outlook.
Who knows, you might decide not to honk at the person cutting you off on the freeway. Just breathe and let it go.
4. Change Up Your Commute
How many times do you arrive at the office with little recollection of your commute? Staring at the same scenery day after day gets boring. Instead, take a different route to work. You’ll instantly raise your awareness as you navigate new streets.
If the weather permits, consider biking or walking to work instead of driving or taking the subway. The endorphin rush from the exercise will enhance your attitude naturally.
5. Lose Yourself In Music
Therapists use music as an alternative therapy for depression for a good reason. Music therapy reduces depression and anxiety and promotes healthy mental function.
However, you don’t need to lie on a psychiatrist’s couch with headphones to reap the benefits. Sing along with your radio on your way to work. Put on your favourite jams when you arrive home and dance around your living room.
6. Talk With A Friend
Friendship is vital to your emotional well-being. If you’re in a slump, phone or text a friend you haven’t chatted with in a while. If you absolutely cannot break away for a quick chat or cup of coffee, set a timer and interact positively on social media.
While this method isn’t as fulfilling as in-person contact, it can make you feel less lonely in small doses.
7. Play With Your Pet
Fido or Fluffy has the power to bust your blue mood. Many therapists testify to the power of animal therapy to heal anxiety and depression. If you have a pet-friendly office, take your four-legged pal with you when you need extra emotional support.
If you rent, and your landlord won’t allow pets, consider volunteering to walk dogs for a local Humane Society.
8. Perform An Act Of Kindness
Just like physical exercise, performing a random act of kindness raises the levels of endorphins or feel-good chemicals in your body.
Take a moment to give some money to the person holding up a cardboard sign in the rain. Join a community cleanup or tree-planting effort. Even paying for coffee for the person behind you in line will make a noticeable difference in your day — and theirs.
9. Get A Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s sleep helps to eliminate stress. If your dour mood stems from aches and pains, a good night’s rest triggers the brain to release hormones that inspire healing.
It also provides your body time to produce more white blood cells and combat bacteria and viruses.
Improve Your Mood Instantly With These Tips
You don’t have to make a monumental effort to crush a sour mood. With the nine tips above, you can feel more like your sunny self in no time at all!
Author Bio
Dylan Bartlett blogs about health and wellness on his site, Just a Regular Guide. Follow him on Twitter @theregularguide for frequent updates on his work!
