Sometimes, life can get stressful. In fact, over 74% of the UKs adults have felt stressed at some point over the last year. Add in the pressures of remote working combined with a pandemic, and it’s no wonder some of us are feeling less than positive sometimes.
Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s actually a lot easier than you think to lift your mood and feel positive. To help beat the blues, we’ve put together our top 5 ways to lift your mood – you can thank us later!
1. Change your perspective
Rather than trying to keep up with the latest trend, take an inward look at what you do have, rather than what you don’t. You’ll probably realise that you have a lot to be grateful for, and by changing your perspective as a whole, you’re far more likely to feel positive.
By combining this with practicing mindfulness, you’re bound to feel differently about the world in a short space of time.
2. Eat more chocolate…
The news you’ve all been waiting for – yes, chocolate is actually good for you.
Whilst chocolate is often considered an unhealthy diet-buster, dark chocolate (with more than 70% cocoa) actually acts as an antidepressant. Dark chocolate is known to stimulate the production of feel-good chemicals in the brain which I turn boosts your mood.
Whilst we wouldn’t suggesting eating a purely chocolate diet, in moderation it certainly has its benefits.
If you know someone going through a tough time, why not consider getting them chocolate to elevate their mood and brighten their day?
3. Listen to music
No mood-boosting list would be complete without referencing music. Music can change one’s mood and helps in healing anxiety. Not only that but it’s also rumored to make you smarter!
So next time you’re feeling burnt out, why not blast some upbeat music and see how it affects your mood.
4. Get regular exercise
Regular exercise has been proven to reduce fatigue and improve physical health but did you know it can also make you feel more positive?
Studies show that those that exercise regularly often have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those that don’t.
To boost your mood, try to exercise for 150 minutes a week – your mind (and body) will thank you!
5. Other activities
Sometimes the simpler things in life can boost your mood just as much (if not more) than exercise and chocolate.
Other activities such as calling a friend, going for a walk, or even just having a cuppa or hot bath can boost your mood. Although it can be tough to feel positive sometimes, there are many ways that you can boost your mood. Just doing the things you love or changing your perspective can have a big impact on your mental wellbeing, so why not make a positive change today.