6 Ways to Boost your Mood Naturally
It’s been a doozy of a winter up here in Wisconsin, and I’m. Over. It. But whether it’s the never-ending winter, life circumstances, or potty training toddlers, sometimes your spirits just need lifting! So today I’m sharing six easy ways to boost your mood naturally.
1. Get outside as much as possible.
This is my first go-to when it comes to my mood. The sunshine and fresh air always do me good! Even when the weather isn’t great, taking some time outside is never a bad idea.
Whenever my kiddos are making each other (and probably me) crazy, I grab our hiking pack and hit the trails. Or just a walk around the yard, if that’s all we can manage. But bonus points if you can get your blood pumping and endorphins going with a hike or a run.
2. Ditch the sugar, eat vitamin rich foods, and take good quality supplements.
I know that eating the whole tub of ice cream feels good in the moment, but the crash later on will leave you feeling even worse.
Veggie-filled smoothies, yogurt and fruit, eggs with a side of veggies (if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll see that I eat some variation of this nearly everyday ;) … just focus on eating whole foods instead of processed.
Most of us are deficient in vitamins and minerals, so adding a good quality supplement can also do wonders for your mood, energy levels, and overall health. A vitamin D supplement will make a huge difference in the winter months! I get my supplements here.
3. Diffuse or wear essential oils – especially citrus.
Essential oils are known for having a huge effect on your mood! Because they can pass through the blood-brain barrier, they’re a super effective way to change your emotions and thought patterns. Citrus oils are especially helpful to boost your mood! Try making them into perfumes for easy application.
Just be sure that you’re using a pure, therapeutic grade essential oil. I love me some Target Dollar Spot, but those oils are NOT going to help your mood. When using citrus oils, also be cautious of wearing them on skin that’s exposed to the sun.
4. Do something you love, especially if it taps into your creative side.
For me, that’s sewing (no surprise there if you’re a long-time reader). I recently made myself a shirt when the winter blues were hitting me HARD. I grabbed a floral fabric from my stash and a self-drafted pattern and voila – spirits lifted!
Putting your energy into something creative taps into a side of your brain that might not always be active, especially in the everyday monotony of life. I think that everyone needs a creative outlet – and that everyone CAN be creative! As a stay-at-home mom, I think creativity isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. Whatever your creative bent, it’s a sure fire way to pull you out of a slump.
5. Create a space you love in your home.
I’m known amongst my friends and families for rearranging furniture in our house quite often. It refreshes our space and keeps me from feeling bored with my surroundings. I also love creating cozy spaces within our home that make me want to be there! They don’t have to cost much money: thrift stores, the Target clearance aisle, rummage sales, or even just shop your house.
6. Talk to a friend or a therapist.
I firmly believe that we were made for community. We’re not made to do life alone, and when we need to lift our spirits, a good friend, sister, or partner is always helpful.
Whether you chat on the phone, FaceTime, head out for coffee, a night on the town, or combine a couple of these suggestions and go for a hike together, a listening ear and a good laugh always do me good.
If you’ve done some of these, though, and your mood is unchanged, a good therapist is worth their weight in gold. 💛
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