Before you reach for a cigarette, high-caffeinated energy drink or make that call to your doctor for an anti-depressant, try one of these natural mood boosters. These are no-cost or low-cost activities and items that will shift your energy in a forward and positive direction without chemicals and harmful substances.
Walking on Sunshine
Read a book, take a nap, play a game or eat a snack - just take it outdoors. The fresh air and sunlight will do you a world of good. Notice the natural beauty around you and breath it all in. That is why it is there!
The Sound of Music
Throw together a playlist of 7-10 of your favorite songs and play them frequently – especially when you are feeling down. Music has a way of instantaneously transporting us to a place of peace and joy.
Get Physical
Hop off that sofa and do something physical. Your body releases endorphins (proteins in the brain), which act as the body's natural pain reliever. Dance, walk, jog, skip, ride a bike, swim… give yourself at least 20 minutes of physical activity and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Follow your Nose
Cher of Kameleon Healing Aromatherapy shares with us that various scents help to increase happiness, self-confidence, clarity, alertness and other positive moods; as well as help reduce frustration, irritability, nerves, fear, other negative emotions. Pure essential oil blends can be used to make your own soaps, mists, healing baths, lotions, hair & skin products, air fresheners etc.
· Some happy essential oils are: Sweet Orange, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, and Clary Sage
· Some that help with confidence are: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary and Ginger
· Clarity can be enhanced by: Lemon, Rosemary, Lavender, Grapefruit and Basil
Have a date with Grumpy
Give yourself permission to actually feel sad, angry, frustrated, depressed, blue, lonely, confused, useless, weak, irritated, pissed off, and whatever other feelings you are trying desperately to ignore. Ten minutes spent alone with your “dark side” will release a ton of pressure and have you feeling normal again. The key here is to be present with the emotion with yourself and not dump it on top of someone else.
Healthy Gut = Happy Person
As Josh Meyers, psychologist and Anti-Anxiety Life Coach, explains: 90% of our Serotonin is located in our gut. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another. Acidophilus and biffidus capsules seem to be surprising mood boosters. Not only are you helping your gut, but you are making it easier to absorb the nutrients that are needed to feel your best. Find these natural supplements in your local health food store or health section of your grocery store. Yogurt can also give you a boost of these important bacteria, and give you a little blood sugar and protein to boot.
Breathe, baby, Breathe
Kathi Casey, The Healthy Boomer Body Expert, shares her best tip for improving mood: Brahmari Breath is easy and fun, requires no special equipment, and takes only a few minutes and even children love it!
Sit in a comfortable position and check that your shoulders are relaxed and your spine is long. Gently close your eyes and rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Teeth can be parted slightly but lips are closed. Bring your hands up and place fingers or thumbs (again it’s important to be comfortable) over the little protrusions that you can push in to block off your ears. Inhale deeply, press your fingers so that your ears are blocked off and make your exhale a slow hum. Exhale all the way out with this hum before inhaling again and repeating with another humming exhale. Repeat this at least 3 – 6 times, then return your breath to normal and unblock your ears.
The science behind why this simple practice works is that with your ears closed off, the humming breath vibrates your pituitary gland which is located inside your skull right between your ears. This gland then releases endorphins (feel good hormones) into your body. This breathing practice is used for anger management, as a mood elevator and also reduces High Blood Pressure. Pretty Cool, huh?
In a world of instant gratification and quick fixes, we can easily find ourselves immersed in products that claim to make us feel better and cure our ills. The challenge though, is in finding natural ways to boost our moods and also keep us healthy in the long run. Take another look at the list above and make a commitment with yourself to try one of the ideas the next time you are feeling low. See for yourself what a difference YOU can make.
Prior to becoming a transformational coach, Karen Nowicki was a teacher, asst. principal and vice president for public and charter schools. Karen is the founder of the www.MotherDaughterWeekends.com and the author of Maddie Moonbeam’s Garden. Karen lives in Chandler, AZ with her husband and three children. For more with Karen, sign up for her free newsletter atwww.apeacefulintegration.com.
