Sometimes
we all experience an occasional low mood, so it can be absolutely normal. What
is not normal is a constant, prolonged low mood that lingers for a period of
time. In that case you may want to try some of the suggestions on this list to
ramp up your mood & start feeling better again. Here we go:
·
Chocolate
can be one of the best ways to indulge your senses. Try a little dark chocolate
(just remember moderation is the key).
If you don't care for chocolate (I don't know anyone who doesn't) then reach for
your favorite forbidden treat & have at it. Ice cream is another all-time
favorite of many people, or maybe a little slice of mom's old fashion apple pie,
or perhaps a mouth-watering brownie. Whatever your desire is, go for it and have
no guilt afterwards.
·
Play
soft music in your office or at home. Music
has a way of massaging your internal parts much like a steam bath. The sound
stimulates your senses and provides a relaxing place to simply be in the moment
& enjoy what is...Yeah! And don't forget to dance, dance,
dance.
·
Spend
a moment meditating on your day.
Mindful reflection before your busy day begins can help you to focus in on the
priorities of the day, leaving everything else stored in the "to do later
rolodex of your mind." At the end of the day, repeat your brief meditation &
recall everything you've accomplished throughout the day. Shifting your thoughts
towards gratefulness has the potential to ramp up your mood to a level beyond
the mundane. So go ahead, spend a few moments each day with mindful meditation
& breathe. (don't forget to smile).
·
Begin
each day with exercise.
There's nothing more invigorating than a good 30 - 40 minute workout. It doesn't
have to be anything vigorous, just a simple brisk walk through your community
observing all the majestic beauty around you will pump up the volume of your
mood. If you enjoy swimming, hiking, playing any type of sport, or maybe just
cleaning the house, these are all forms of exercise & can be very beneficial
for increasing your mood. The point is, get moving & see how well you
feel.
·
Catch
a play at the local theatre.
Getting out of the house & finding somewhere to connect with other people
can be cathartic all by itself. But attending a play or ballet at the opera has
the ability to take your soul places you've never been. It can be magical,
majestic, mystical, and enlightening. Take a friend with you to share in this
wonderfully artistic expression. You won't regret it.
·
Go
to the beach & take in some sun.
There are so many wonderful qualities about the beach that will undoubtedly
enhance anyone's mood. The ocean has a way of calming you, caressing you,
soothing you, and speaking to volumes into your soul. You can't help but to
smile at all the many beautiful faces among you, and can't help but to laugh at
the children playing & giggling in the sand. It's really a place where
everyone can be a child again, if only for a little while.
·
Go
out and purchase a pet.
Are you a dog lover, a cat lover, or maybe a bird lover? Whatever your favorite
pet is, I suggest owning one of your own. They are powerfully therapeutic &
can be wonderful companions. I've owned dogs & birds myself. My pets brought
pure joy & unconditional regard into my life. And they make you smile when
you're in a funk. So, if you don't have a pet I suggest considering one. If you
can't have a pet in your home for whatever reason, spend time with your
neighbor's pet, or find a friend with a pet & hang out there for a while.
Soon you will experience what other pet lovers have embraced...the joy of loving
a pet.
·
Take
a trip somewhere you've never been before. Spending
time traveling & discovering the world around you is always a good mood
booster. There's such thrill & excitement in seeing unique buildings &
landscapes, interacting with a diversity of people, and trying new foods from
different cultures. There are many low-budgeted opportunities to travel these
days, including taking day trips with others' who only wants to be gone for a
day.
·
Be
your authentic self.
Your authentic self lives among you, but sometimes escapes your awareness. Being
centered in the here & now will help you avoid going too far outside of your
real self, the authentic you. It's expressed outwardly to others' and reveals
the provocatively spirited you. The authentic you is the spiritual you, which is
the very core & essence of who you are. When you're being your authentic
self nothing is pressured or forced, loving is easy & smooth, smiling
becomes a natural part of your make-up, honesty & integrity are on the
forefront of everything you do, people tend to be drawn to your presence, and
you command attention from any crowd.
·
Get
Those Endorphins Released.
Being
light-hearted, laughing, and finding humor in just about everything throughout
the day tends to lessen stress and release endorphins into your system. Endorphins are neurotransmitters produced in
the brain that reduce pain. Exercise, laugher, sex, and touch all have the potential to release
endorphins, which is a natural feel good hormone.