You don’t require a million bucks to be in a good mood.
There are, however, many simple and quick ways to boost your mood that will help you make the most of your day.
And here are a few easy steps you can follow:
1. Make your bed in the morning
Sure, this does not sound like something that could make a big difference in your mood, but it can actually set a positive tone for your entire day. Several studies have proven that making your bed in the morning is highly important.
Small details such as this can help you feel like your life has structure and is well put together. Making your bed can urge you to improve your organizational skills. Turn it into a habit and you’ll even stop perceiving it as something tedious.
2. Eat breakfast in the morning
A good breakfast every morning gives your body the necessary nutrition it needs to start your day off on the right foot. You’ll find that you’re becoming a lot more energetic and motivated once you start having a strong breakfast every morning.
3. Exercise regularly
You’ll notice that once you start hitting the gym, biking, swimming or going for a run you’ll feel much better all around. You will feel great both mentally and physically, and also become happier and more productive.
4. Let in the light
Daylight can significantly boost your mood. Even if the sun isn’t shining (or you live in England), it’s still recommended to open up your curtains in the morning to let in as much light as possible.
If you work from home, this is even more crucial. Working in darkness can decrease your levels of productivity, so do your self a big favor and let in as much light as possible!
5. Smile (even if you don’t feel like it)
According to Alex Korb, author of the bestselling book on reversing depression, The Upward Spiral , “Facial feedback works because the brain senses the flexion of certain facial muscles (like the zygomatic major, which is required to smile) and interprets it as ‘Oh I must be happy about something,'” neuroscientist Alex Korb, PhD, explained. “Similarly, if that muscle isn’t flexed then your brain thinks, ‘Oh, I must not be happy.”
Even if you don’t feel much happier by forcing yourself to smile, the people around you are more likely to smile, and that in turn, can also improve your mood.
6. Show gratitude
Showing gratitude is highly effective at improving your mood. It increases your brain’s neurotransmitters by working in similar ways to antidepressants.
By practicing gratitude, you not only increase your level of happiness, but it will also improve your relationships.
“Everything is interconnected. Gratitude improves sleep. Sleep reduces pain. Reduced pain improves your mood. Improved mood reduces anxiety, which improves focus and planning. Focus and planning help with decision making. Decision making further reduces anxiety and improves enjoyment. Enjoyment gives you more to be grateful for, which keeps that loop of the upward spiral going. Enjoyment also makes it more likely you’ll exercise and be social, which, in turn, will make you happier.”, says Korb.
Are there any habits you’ve created that helped you boost your mood?
Let us hear them in the comment section below!
