Everybody has bad days. Getting yourself out of a bad day so that it doesn’t continue is the tricky part.
The winter months prove to be especially taxing on your mood. Shorter and darker days don’t exactly make for a sunny disposition. However, there are quick steps you can take to try to get yourself back on your feet.
Here are a few ways to get yourself out of a funk:
Go for a walk. This option may not be accessible to everybody, but depending on your energy level, a walk can boost blood flow and circulation to your brain and body. It can also relieve nerves and make you feel less stressed.
Get outside. If going for a walk sounds like too much, simply stepping outside and getting some fresh air can be a quick mood booster.
Talk with a loved one. You don’t even have to talk specifically about what’s bothering you (although that is encouraged), simply calling up or visiting a loved one can boost your mood. Talking to a stranger has similar effects. Exchanging a short conversation with a random person can leave both individuals in a better mood and can increase their sense of belonging in their community.
Reward yourself. Is there something that you've been waiting to do to reward yourself? Eating a snack that you love, buying that small gift that you’ve had your eye on? Indulge and reward yourself for trying to feel better.
Listen to a few songs that remind you of something happy. Music can have a significant effect on our mood and has the power to pull us out of some dark places. Listening to your favorite music can relieve stress, and alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety through increased dopamine production. Music itself is processed through the amygdala, the part of the brain controlling mood and emotions.
Pet an animal. Interacting with an animal in your home does more than just provide companionship. Playing with your pet can decrease cortisol levels (a stress-related hormone), boost your mood, and increase feelings of social support.
Eat happy foods. Believe it or not, there are a few foods that are naturally high in serotonin (your brain’s happiness chemical) and can help with mood. Walnuts, pineapple, bananas, kiwis, sour cherries, plums and tomatoes are all high in serotonin.
Wellzesta
Wellzesta Life prides itself on providing holistic well-being to users through our eight dimensions of wellness. Through all eight dimensions, residents can take their time focusing on different aspects of their life to foster a better mood.
Life also gives residents the option of adding Independent Activities in their Events section so their efforts at working on themselves outside of scheduled Events don’t go unnoticed.
Click here to learn more about how Wellzesta can help your community.
