Have you ever had a day where you just felt “off”? Nothing in particular happened or didn’t happen. You didn’t feel quite like yourself? Of course, you have because we all have had these “days.” I just recently experienced this. So, as usual, I got a bit curious. Why am I feeling this way? Did I get enough restful sleep? Am I dehydrated? Am I subconsciously upset about something? The list goes on.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that every day will be or needs rainbows and unicorns. I am saying that if you find yourself in a funk for no apparent reason, you can actively seek to improve your mood. Why? Because you can.
There are many reasons why you should actively seek to improve your mood. The most obvious thing is to feel good about yourself.
Other reasons may not be as apparent to you. Although, they’re pretty important for your mental and physical health.
Discuss some of these reasons and how they can influence your life.
4 Reasons To Improve Your Mood
- Improves Your Mental Health
Your mental wellness affects your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It helps reduce stress and help you cope with challenges and setbacks.
Having robust mental health doesn’t mean the absence of anxiety, fears, and worries. Going through difficult times is a natural part of living.
Yet, when you’re in good shape mentally and emotionally, you bounce back faster. You have the tools to face all these challenges head-on with confidence and resilience.
Being resilient means you stay flexible and focused when life throws you a curveball. You have confidence in your abilities to deal with whatever the future has in store. You have a deep sense that “this too shall pass.”
Here are some extra perks for boosting your mental well-being and improving your mood.
- You have a sense of contentment with life in general
- You maintain a hearty dose of confidence and self-esteem
- You see opportunities where others see none
- You enjoy life and can laugh at yourself
- You balance work and play
- You build healthy relationships
2. Helps To Enhance Your Social Skills and Boost Your Mood More
We’re social creatures. We thrive when we feel connected to others.
But unexplained bad moods can drive a wedge between you and those you love most. We don’t have to be surrounded by people all the time every day. It just means that our brains crave companionship in varying degrees.
Yes, you can always call or text. They certainly have their place and time in our busy, hectic lives.
Still, nothing beats the mood-boosting power of sitting down with family or friends. That quality time is priceless.
You sit, talk, and listen — pretty fundamental. But for your brain, it’s revolutionary!
Here’s why: studies show that our brains are wired for connectivity. Certain areas of our brains light up when we do volunteer work or spend some time with a friend.
Not only that, but the brain rewards us for being socially outgoing. It does so by signaling the release of two happy hormones, oxytocin and serotonin. So, by being out with your spouse, friends, or colleagues, you’re actively seeking ways to improve your mood.
It would be best if you also made the most of your fleeting encounters with strangers daily. Please make a point of looking your neighbor in the eye as you wish them a good day.
Look up from what you’re doing and take a couple of seconds to thank the barista or the cashier. You can even add a smile to go with it.
Despite taking mere seconds out of your day, those little acts of kindness are terrific mood boosters. They’ll do wonders for your day and theirs!
3. Keeps You Fit
The link between the mind and body is indisputable. When you care for your physical health, you’re nourishing your mental well-being and vice versa. A sucky mood can steal your afternoon walk or your morning gym routine.
When you exercise for at least 20 minutes, your brain releases endorphins. These are one of the four happy chemicals that help stabilize your mood and boost energy levels.
Regular physical activity also has a significant impact on your memory and concentration. Plus, it relieves stress and promotes better sleep.
The trick is to find an activity you like and do it several times a week. Take a walk, cycle, throw a Frisbee with your dog—the point is to enjoy what you’re doing.
Better still, find a group of friends and be active in a group. This will hold you accountable, boost your motivation, and improve your mood.
4. A Good Mood Helps Regulate Stress Levels
Almost everyone knows by now that stress is a significant problem. A good mood can positively affect our stress levels, which will affect our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Stress can’t be avoided entirely, especially in this busy day and age. However, specific stress management strategies can help regulate stress in your life.
These tactics allow you to cope with life’s ups and downs. They allow you to improve your mood and feel good about yourself.
Here are some things you can do to reduce your stress:
- Enhance the quality of your sleep
- Eat mood-enhancing foods like fresh fruits, fatty fish, nuts, green leafy vegetables, avocados, and beans.
- Practice relaxation techniques like mindful meditation, yoga, and deep breathing
- Make time for yourself and do something you enjoy
- Find somewhere to sit at a local park and soak in some sunshine
- Laugh more
Although making lemonade when life throws you a bunch of lemons can be challenging, boosting your unexplained, sucky mood can be less of a challenge. Taking charge and doing something versus doing nothing can boost your self-esteem by making you feel more in charge of your life and less of a victim. This practice of boosting your mood can boost your confidence and help you reach your goals as you encounter life’s challenges.
I hope this helps!
As always,
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
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