A Healthy Lifestyle Can Lift Your Mood

Even the happiest person has had “one of those days.” There are times when you feel out of sorts and nothing seems to go right or feel down for no reason at all. For most people, those times are short-lived and end in a day or two, but for others, it can last longer. It can even be considered depression or anxiety. You don’t have to suffer or grumble all day. You can lift your mood by exercising. Eating healthier and doing other things can help, too.

Go for a walk or do a HIIT workout.

Exercising does so many things to help lift your spirits. The increased movement boosts your circulation. That improves your energy and clarity. It diverts your attention away from your problems and breaks the endless loop of bad feelings going through your mind. Exercise burns off stress hormones and increases the hormones that make you feel good. The longer you exercise, the more it increases the beneficial microbes in your gut that influence your mood.

What you eat makes a difference.

Some foods help ease depression and bad moods. There are also foods you should avoid. When you’re feeling down, you may turn to a sweet treat for a lift, but that’s exactly what you shouldn’t do. Sugary treats make you feel more energized initially, but it’s short-lived. That energy dissipates and drops you down further. Harmful gut microbes thrive on sugar. You want to increase beneficial bacteria that produce an enzyme to lift your spirits. Both exercise and foods high in fiber can do that. Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Get adequate sleep and use herbs to improve your mood.

If you exercise, you’re probably getting better sleep than someone who doesn’t exercise. Lack of sleep can make you feel crabby and too tired to face problems. You can put lavender on your pillow if you have problems sleeping and improve your mood at the same time. You can also include herbs like chamomile. Studies show chamomile tea helps people relax and sleep sounder which boosts their mood. Adding saffron to dishes gives them a golden yellow color and added flavor. It aids in diminishing depression.

• Exercising increases BDNF— brain-derived neurotrophic factor. BDNF protects the brain and resets it. The brain reboot breaks the negative loop you’ve replayed in your head and helps you change it to a positive picture.
• Think of a smell that you associate with happy memories. It might be vanilla that reminds you of making cookies with the family or other scent. Dab it on your wrist to smell throughout the day.
• Boost the production of serotonin in your body by eating food containing tryptophan. Tryptophan is necessary for serotonin production. Serotonin plays a role in your mood.
• If your depression is severe, seek professional help. You can use natural techniques to supplement that help. Many therapists use both diet and exercise as adjunct therapy. It works as well as some medications.

For more information, contact us today at Get RIPPED! by Jari Love