Natural Mood Enhancers
We often feel low and depressed in stressful situations. This article talks about the various ways to lift up one's mood.
Our mood, morale, and attitude play a very important role in our lives. They help in deciding how we deal with the difficulties that come our way. Life as we know it, is a series of events that require constant thought and activity. We feel differently towards various events. Neurotransmitters of the brain are responsible for the way we feel.
Neurotransmitters, when released in a normal range, make us feel happy and joyous, whereas a low level brings feelings of pain, stress, depression, and anxiety. A few factors like our eating and sleeping habits, affect our moods greatly.
Mood Enhancement Ideas
» Food
The kind of food we eat greatly affects our moods. While some foods make us feel lazy and lethargic, others make us feel fresh and energetic. Most foods are mood enhancers. Serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, endorphin, and other neurotransmitters released in the brain, are greatly affected by the food we eat.
A healthy diet should include whole grains and cereals, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy products. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex are essential for serotonin production. The diet plan should be split into five to six meals a day. This way our body has a constant stream of nutrition. Processed and fatty foods should be consumed in limited quantities. Healthy eating helps in maintaining healthy body weight, and keeping the sugar and cholesterol levels in check.
» Exercise
Exercise is the easiest way to boost up energy levels. The hormones associated with mood upliftment - serotonin and dopamine, get released during exercise. It is not necessary that one works out vigorously. Brisk walks or yoga exercises also stimulate the production of serotonin.
Regular exercise acts as a natural stimulator, thus keeping the mind calm and happy. This helps to ease out negativity and bring positivity in our approach towards life. Alternative therapies like aromatherapy also help in relaxing the mind.
» Sleep
Uninterrupted eight hour sleep is highly recommended to give the body some rest, after putting it through a series of activities throughout the day. Sleep rejuvenates the body and mind. Lack of sleep slows down the production of serotonin. Insomnia or other sleeping disorders can have an adverse effect on the body. They lead to fatigue, irritation, and a low level of concentration.
If one has trouble sleeping, they must try meditative therapies like yoga or aroma. A glass of warm milk is also beneficial to calm the mind and body. Milk contains tryptophan, an amino acid that works like a natural tranquilizer, and calms the mind. One should avoid sleeping with the lights on, or watching television late into the night. Sleeping and waking up on time makes one feel active throughout the day.
If the above remedies fail to work, it is best to seek medical advice. Feeling low or depressed for a prolonged period can be an indication of a more serious health problem.
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