Guest Author Sierra Powell
In today’s fast-paced world it can be difficult to find time to take care of yourself and your needs. Eventually, putting your needs on the back burner can lead to poor mental health and a lower quality of life. Fortunately, there are things you can do to enhance your mood and enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle. Following are seven tips you can use to boost your mood and improve your quality of life.
1. Stop Saying Yes To Everything
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by your “to-do” list? Are some of these tasks actually favors or activities you volunteered for but had no interest in doing so in the first place? Many people fall into a cycle of agreeing to do things they did not want to do but felt pressure to do so anyway. This is damaging to your mental health and causes unnecessary stress which affects your happiness. Become more comfortable with saying no, and make sure to take ample time for yourself.
2. Take Time For Morning Gratitude
Sometimes starting your day off with a spirit of gratitude is all you need to set the right tone. Before you get out of bed in the morning, take a few minutes to think about everything that you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be something profound or big. You could simply be grateful for waking up on time and the coffee pot brewing in the kitchen.
3. Eat Wholesome Foods And Reduce Soda Intake
Your diet has a direct effect on your mood and well-being. Take charge of your health and focus on incorporating whole foods into your diet. Some great mood-boosting choices to consider include bananas, berries, oats, and salmon. Another good idea is to stop drinking sugary soft drinks. Not only do sodas contain empty calories, but they’re also full of sugar which can lead to spikes and crashes in your blood sugar levels. These can also cause mood swings and that dreaded “afternoon energy slump.”
4. Get In Touch With Your Spirituality
Connecting with your spirituality can help you enjoy a greater amount of peace within your life. If you’ve been curious about reconnecting with your spirituality, find teachings will help you learn how to evolve spiritually and walk more closely towards the path of who you were meant to become. Consider joining a community to find out more about evolving spiritually and to connect with other like-minded people.
5. Get Moving With A Daily Walk
Physical exercise is a great way to get the blood pumping and the endorphins flowing. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a fancy gym membership to enjoy the benefits of a great workout routine. A simple walk around the block is a great way to get moving without paying a dime. If you struggle to get out of bed to work out in the morning, consider putting on your gym clothes before you go to sleep at night. this way all you have to do in the morning is slip on your shoes and head out the door.
6. Reconnect With Nature
The majority of people spend most of their day working inside an office building. If you struggle with your energy levels in the afternoon or you have been feeling blue lately, consider spending more time outside. If there’s a park near your office or even a small garden, try taking your lunch break outside. Fifteen minutes is all you need to enjoy the mood-lifting benefits of sunshine and fresh air.
7. Start A Journaling Routine
If you spend your nights struggling to fall asleep you should consider writing in a journal. Journaling is a great way to clear your head of the stress and anxieties that may be plaguing your worried mind. Take just five minutes to clear your thoughts and air your grievances at night. It can work wonders for your sleep routine.
Closing Thoughts
You have the power to change your life in wonderful and meaningful ways. By taking the time to make a few changes you can be well on your way to better mental health and an improved outlook on life.