5 Clinically Proven Ways to Increase Your Mood
Winter is upon us. Does anyone else find themselves flirting with SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? The- tired when I wake up to darkness and tired when I come home to darkness routine gets Stale. Real. Fast.
Day after day in winter, we can find ourselves in a slump. This slump not only affects our mood, but affects the moods of those around us. Did you know: negative reactions have chain effects on your day.
Ex) You barely miss the subway. Doors closing. You don't make it. This little annoyance can filter through the day when you:
- Feel the frustration of getting home later. Maybe you take it out on your roommate/partner/family or have some 'tude.
- Hop on a call and feel yourself being short with the person you're speaking to.
Not only do you start to feel worse for these actions, but those on the receiving end feel worse too! It's a lose lose situation.
Of course, being cranky is allowed! But if you're feeling that your mood has taken a turn for the worse, here are some clinically proven ways to increase your mood and feel all around more positive and productive with your days:
1. Get a Happy Light
A little bit of light goes a long way! Just 15 minutes of a "Happy Light," can help get you off on the right foot.
*Try: Upon waking, throw the light on during your morning routine. It helps offset the dark mornings of winter and can leave you more energized heading into your day.
2. Spend Time OR Meditation in Nature
If you can get out to a park, walk around grass, walk home from work, or just see and smell some fresh trees:
*Try: Spend 30 minutes walking. It can be split up (10 minutes here and there) or all at once.
If you cannot get outside,
*Try: A guided meditation (this one is about 7 minutes) and can help you connect to the sensation of being around. nature.
3. Smile / Laugh
Laughing and smiling can actually trick your brain into feeling happy.
*Try: When you feel annoyed about something, try smiling and thinking of a person that makes you happy.
4. Keep a Gratitude Jar
I LOVE my jar. Writing down things you have gratitude for can switch your perspective from a glass half empty to a glass half full mentality.
*Try: Take an old jar or vase, and each morning, spend 30 seconds to a minute writing down a thing or person you have gratitude for. Put it in the jar. When the jar is full, spend a few minutes reading what you wrote.
5. Exercise
Endorphins make you happy.
*Try: A workout class. A workout video. Dancing in your bedroom. Even 10 minutes can make an impact!
Bottom line: It can be so easy to fall into a funk. But attitude really is everything. Try some of these mood-boosters to help you get back on track!
*Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a substantial change in your mood.