8 Easy Ways to Quickly Improve Your Mood

During the winter months, it isn’t always easy to find a sunny mood. The days are shorter, colder and the weather a bit more unpredictable. All in all, it can leave anyone feeling a little gloomy. While it’s certainly okay to have down days and accept our emotions as they are, most of us would, admittedly, rather feel happy.

We all know of Vitamin D’s role in mood-boosting, but what other factors are at work when you're feeling down? Believe it or not, there are many ways to improve your mood. From stimulation activities to foods that will help you feel happier, below are 8 easy ways to get out of a funk and immediately boost your mood:

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1. Get moving- although not always easy to do when it’s cold outside, getting active has been shown over and over again to increase endorphins which in turn boosts your mood. While you don’t have to go overboard, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. This could mean anything from walking to and from work, to going for a quick jog around the block. You could even go to the gym or attend a fitness class: the options are endless!

2. Have fun - something that often gets left out of our daily routines, especially during the colder months is playtime. While you may not feel like playing with your child or pet after a long day at work, it could be just what you need to remind you of the good things in life and how much fun there really is to be had!

3. Take a walk - if getting active isn’t really your style, a nice long walk could be the solution for you! Studies have shown that walking in a natural setting can boost our mood and make us feel better. So pack up the dog or child, bundle up and get outside for some fresh air.

4. Eat mindfully - when you are in a bad mood, do you find yourself mindlessly stuffing your face with junk food? If so, this could be the reason why! Eating slowly and really focusing on each bite can help you to savour and enjoy your food more. This ultimately leaves you feeling fuller for longer and prevents overindulging.

5. Eat foods that boost your mood - now that you are focusing on each bite, what should those bites be? Luckily for us, there are certain foods which can directly affect our happiness levels. For instance, carbohydrates (like whole grains) help the brain to produce serotonin which in turn boosts mood and gives us a happy feeling. Other foods like eggs (which are rich in choline) have also been shown to boost mood.

6. Get exposure to bright light - when days are shorter, getting outside can become challenging. However, the sun is one of the best sources of Vitamin D which in turn has been shown to lift mood and increase energy levels! So suck it up and go outside- even if it’s only for a few minutes.

7. Spend time with someone you care about - as humans, we are programmed to feel better when we spend time with those who make us happy and lift our spirits. So instead of scrolling through your social media feeds or staying cooped up inside all day, connect with those around you and catch up with loved ones.

8. Practice gratitude - committing to writing down 3 things you are grateful for each day can help you to focus less on the negative and more on what’s important in your life. This has been shown time and again to increase happiness levels, so roll out that pen and paper!

There are many ways to boost your mood and help you feel happier and more positive. From getting active to eating mindfully, each of the 8 suggestions above has been proven to increase serotonin levels in your brain which in turn can lift your mood and improve your overall well-being.

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