Are you stuck in a rut and can’t get out of it? It happens to all of us from time to time. If you’re feeling a little down and need a few pick-me-ups, then you’ve come to the right place. These five tips are guaranteed to boost your mood.
1. Get some sun.
A little sunshine goes a long way. Research shows that getting at least 15 minutes of sun exposure a day can help boost your mood, especially if you have seasonal affective disorder. So go ahead and slather on some sunscreen and get your light!
2. Keep a gratitude journal.
It can be easy to dwell on everything that’s wrong in your life. Why not redirect your attention on everything that’s right? Keeping a gratitude journal can do wonders because it forces you to count your blessings while reminding you that it could always be worse. Challenge yourself to write in your journal every day, even if it’s something as small as being grateful for that hot cup of coffee you had this morning or being able to attend your child’s basketball game. And it doesn’t have to be an entire page or a paragraph even – a few lines will work just fine.
3. Do something nice for someone.
Paying it forward can be one of the most rewarding things you can do. It doesn’t have to be anything over the top. Doing something as simple as picking up the tab for the person standing behind you in line or holding the door open for others can make someone’s day – and yours! Just a warning: Paying it forward is contagious. Once you commit an act of kindness, don’t be surprised if you feel compelled to do so over and over again. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
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4. Meditate.
There’s no doubt that life can be stressful and overwhelming at times – to the point where you just want to scream at the top of your lungs. Instead, try setting aside a few minutes every day to meditate. Studies show that participating in stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, can help lower your blood pressure, slow down your heart rate and increase the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to improve your mood.
5. Get a massage.
Treating yourself to a relaxing massage once or twice or month not only feels amazing, but it can also help lower your stress levels. Want to save some extra money? Try convincing your significant other to give you a nice, long massage every now and then. Tell him or her that it’s good for your health!
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