(HealthyAccess)- Blue is one of the many colors in the rainbow of human emotions. Anyone who has ever had “the blues” can attest to the profound impact a low mood can have on daily activities.
It’s normal to feel down now and again, but when the sadness seems to be going nowhere fast, it can be hard to tackle the day’s challenges. Fortunately, there are plenty of hacks to help people jumpstart their mood and get back in the groove of things.
Go Out and Get Moving
Fresh air has a way of revitalizing the soul, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Even better, exercising outdoors releases endorphins, which are chemicals that tell the brain it’s time to be happy, energetic, and confident. Not to mention, exercise is good for overall well-being. If someone’s feeling low, then it may be time to go out and get moving.
Connect with People
One of the best ways to work through feeling blue is to reach out to people who are great listeners, whether that’s a friend, family member, or some other trusted confidante. Indeed, it can be all too easy to withdraw and isolate oneself during a depressive bout, but people are social creatures who need interaction. Intentionally connecting with others can be key to improving a low mood for people who haven’t been socializing much.
Minimize Responsibilities
It can be all too easy to take on too much too fast, which then leads to stress, anxiety, and even depressed mood. For anyone who’s looking at a mile-long to-do list and feeling the tension build up, then reducing the day’s responsibilities will likely help lighten the load. Time management, prioritizing tasks, and assigning roles to others are good skills for minimizing responsibilities.
If possible, delegate household chores or work duties to others for a day. Then, figure out what needs to be done immediately versus what can be left for another day. From there, the to-do list will likely feel a lot more manageable, as will the day’s stress.
Listen to Music
Debasish Mridha once said, “Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.” When someone’s struggling with a low mood, listening to uplifting or relaxing music can transport them to a better, happier state in an instant. The best songs are often the ones that heal the heart and inspire the mind.
Take a Nap
Sleep has a huge impact on mood, so poor sleep habits can mean feeling depressed and out of energy. While following a healthy sleep routine is recommended for overall well-being, something as simple as a daily nap can also help improve mood and energy levels. When the going gets sluggish, try taking a 10-20 minute nap.
Seek Laughter
Much like exercise, laughter releases endorphins that promote a good mood, so seeking out laughter can uplift someone whenever they’re feeling down. When it’s hard to crack a smile, choose to watch comedians online, stream a funny movie with friends, or start a tickle fight with loved ones. Whenever there is laughter, happiness follows.
Use Essential Oils
Stopping to smell the roses is more than just a saying when it comes to improving mood. In fact, there are plenty of essential oil scents that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even depression. A bad mood can be shifted toward the positive with a whiff of rose, lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood, to name a few. One sniff of the right kind of essential oil has the potential to improve one’s mood.
It’s normal to feel sad every now and then. But, if someone experiences feeling depressed with low energy, difficulty sleeping, and/or has trouble finding joy in things that normally bring them happiness over a period of days or even weeks, they might benefit from checking in with an expert, whether that’s making a doctor’s appointment, connecting with a therapist, or seeking out a psychiatrist.
~Here’s to a Happier, Healthier Life!
Copyright 2021, HealthyAccess.com
