Happiness Hack: How to Improve Your Mood Naturally

It is normal for you to feel down when things don’t go as planned or when life’s responsibility weighs you down. A decline in happiness is common in a world plagued with mood disorders, heartbreaks, and unexpected events. However, your resolve to turn the tides is what makes you different.

Though not life-threatening, unhappiness can result in poor health and a shorter life span. If you experience mood swings and wouldn’t want to go to the hospital or ingest mood stabilizers, there are natural alternatives to try out. Here are some. 

 

1. Unplug

Social media has its benefits and disadvantages. Sometimes, its disadvantages outweigh its benefits, especially when you use it more than you should. Too much negativity from news social media trolls can put you at the risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, etc. 

Multiple studies indicate that social media may promote negative experiences like inadequacy about one’s life, appearance, fear of missing out, etc. If excessive social media use is affecting your mood, you should unplug. Take micro-breaks without your phone and limit your social media use.

Experts recommended 30 minutes or less per day as the max time you should spend on social media. Based on a 2018 study, limiting use to 30 minutes daily can boost your health.

 

2. Eat Healthily

You are what you eat. In essence, it is important to eat good food in order to be healthy and fit. If, for instance, you are battling obesity or high blood pressure, you should know how to arrange your meals. The same applies to mood-related issues.

That said, what food should you prioritize to improve your mood naturally? Common foods that can improve your emotional health are dark chocolates, meals containing psychobiotics, blueberries, folate-rich foods, chamomile or lavender tea, bananas, oats, beans, and lentils. Alternatively, you can consider supplements rich in psychobiotics. Such supplements can help in reducing anxiety and depression.

 

3. Prioritize Meditation

Meditation may appear like a simple wellness activity, but it boasts many therapeutic benefits. For those who aren’t aware, meditation is a mental exercise that involves relaxation, focus, and awareness. Engaging in meditation, even for five minutes, can help reduce stress and improve an individual’s appearance.

So how do you meditate?

Easy!

You can join meditation classes, online or offline, or meditate in your home. To meditate in your home, seek a tranquil area, shut your eyes, focus on your breath, and clear your mind of the day’s noise. Here are some common benefits of meditation:

• Reduce stress
• Control anxiety
• Promote emotional health
• Improves self-awareness
• Improves sleep
• Can reduce blood pressure

 

4. Go Outside

The comfort of our homes can be quite addictive at times. The cozy temperature, meals at our disposal, movies, soft sofa to sleep on, etc. All these elements of comfort shouldn’t hinder you from going outside to enjoy the fresh breeze and soak in the vitamin D from sunlight.

Vitamin D deficiency is real and is often associated with depression and anxiety. So, when possible, ensure you leave the comfort of your home. Go outside and absorb some sun. Alternatively, you can use a sun lamp or light therapy to fight signs of seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy is ideal for individuals who work indoors often.

 

Conclusion

Unhappiness may not be life-threatening like other severe medical conditions, but if left untreated, it can affect your quality of life and even spill out to those around you. Ensure you prioritize self-care to boost your mood. Also, let go of things and persons that bring toxicity into your life.