Whether it’s too much stress, a day where nothing works or weeks of gray weather – many factors can affect our mood in everyday life. It is important that we allow all moods and feelings. But sometimes we just don’t feel like bad weather. Seven ideas on how to quickly improve your mood.
A walk lifts your mood
British researchers have found that a walk in the countryside improves your mood. Tensions and aggressions dissolve in nature. Another study shows that just five minutes of exercise in the countryside has a positive effect on mental health and self-esteem. Study author Dr. Jo Barton from the University of Essex: “A walk a day should help keep the doctor away”.
listen to music
When was the last time you heard your favorite record? Whether you actually listen to music on a physical storage medium or prefer to stream it certainly doesn’t matter when it comes to the mood-enhancing effect of our favorite music – even if the typical crackle of a record is a special listening experience. Researchers at the National University of Singapore have found that people in nursing homes suffer less from depression if they listen to their favorite music for half an hour every day. If music can have this effect, it should easily be able to remedy a small mood depression.
Use food as a mood booster
When we feel good, messenger substances such as serotonin and dopamine play a role. This is why they are also known as happiness hormones. The amino acid tryptophan is responsible for the production of serotonin. The good news: It’s in food. For example in pasta, rice or bread. Bananas and cocoa also contain the amino acid. So if you’re in a bad mood: eat a small bar of chocolate or cook a delicious portion of pasta!
Let yourself be touched
“Hugs, especially long ones, release a neurotransmitter, the hormone oxytocin, which inhibits the activity of the amygdala,” neuroscientist Alex Korb told Business Insider. If you’re in a bad mood, you should let a good friend, family or partner give you a hug – and the world will look completely different.
To be thankful
Gratitude helps us focus more on the positive aspects. In his “Amplifying the good” theory, psychologist Philip Watkins describes the effect that people who are grateful more often are more likely to be satisfied. Being grateful can be practiced so that the psyche can take a more positive view. It can be helpful to keep a gratitude diary. Every evening you can write down three things that went well during the day and three things that you are grateful for.
Call a good friend
It’s no secret that we humans are social creatures. If you are grumpy and want to improve your mood, you should pick up the phone and call a loved one. Numerous studies show that social contacts are important for our well-being. Happy people feel connected to others.
Get creative
When was the last time you painted a picture? Played a few chords on the guitar? Or took a pottery course? Never?! The time has come. Because being creative is good for our mood. Engaging in creative activity has been proven to improve our mood.
