We can’t all feel happy all of the time. There will be times when we feel slightly down in the dumps and not as joyful as we would like to be. In the winter, when the light is fading and the days short, SAD can creep in, making everything feel a lot worse.
But help is at hand
This doesn’t mean that you are in need of a prescription from the doctor as there are many things that you can do to improve your mood naturally. Here are just a few:
- Go for a walk or run – depending upon your level of fitness, get outside into the fresh air and walk or run for a while. Even small amounts of exercise help to boost our mood, even when battling the elements. Any anxiety should begin to lessen and feelings of depression lighten. This is not a cure-all but does provide a way of getting your body moving and increasing the temperature which helps to create a calming effect. Endorphins will be released to increase the feel-good factor.
- Meet some people – being alone is not good if you are feeling glum. Getting together with others helps to boost your mood. If friends or family are not around, mixing with some new people is always a good option. Not only might you make some new friends but they will take your mind off the way you feel. And if your new group of friends have a common interest, such as an art or craft club, then you can develop a new talent at the same time.
- Get more spiritual – this can encompass anything from meditating or praying through to yoga. Yoga is not only good for the body but helps to reduce stress and anxiety as well as depression. It brings with it a feeling of calm tranquillity and restorative energy. Meditation has a similar effect and praying helps you to feel more peaceful and serene.
- Light some candles – scented candles can have a wonderful effect on our mood. As the perfume fills the room, our minds begin to wander and our feelings of happiness increase. Choose a scent that suits your particular inclination. You can find a wonderful selection here that will conjure up memories of days gone by, spent relaxing in grandma’s kitchen.
- Pick up a book – these days it is easy to get out of the habit of reading. With so many other demands upon our time and computers, TVs and mobile phones getting in the way, we need to make time for books. Provide yourself with a secret escape into a brand new world. Whether your choice of fiction is thrillers, murder-mystery, romance or a good old dose of terrifying horror, getting lost in a good book really helps.
These are just five ways of improving your mood and of course, there are so many more. Start your own plant or vegetable garden, go for a drive in your cabriolet with the roof down or spend a few hours on the beach. You will soon have a real smile on your face.
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