8 Natural Mood Boosters for Your Self-Care Toolkit
There’s a lot on your plate right now, which can really affect your mood. Don’t despair, because there are many easy mood boosters that will give you the quick pick-me-up that you need.
by Iris Goldsztajn
It’s been a difficult few months. Add to that a seemingly endless to-do list, and you’d be forgiven for being in a bad mood from time to time.
But if your funk is weighing on you, don’t despair! There are so many low-effort ways you can boost your mood — instantly or in just a few minutes.
Here are some strategies to get you started.
1. Eat Mood-Boosting Foods
What we eat has a huge impact on how we feel. If you’re not eating a balanced diet, it could translate into low morale. Make sure to incorporate plenty of whole grains, lean meat, fruit, veggies, legumes and nuts in your daily diet to keep your mood stable. For a quick pick-me-up, try one of the following foods, which are known to promote happiness: dark chocolate, yogurt, berries, bananas or a handful of nuts.
2. Go Outside
If you can, leave the house. Simply being outside can instantly lift your mood — we need lots of daylight exposure to feel our best. If you can get into nature, even better. Spending time in green spaces can work wonders for your mental health.
3. Call a Friend
Social connection is key for being in a good mood. If you’re able to, call an upbeat friend for a quick chat — you’ll soon feel better. Bonus points if this friend makes you laugh too. Chances are you haven’t had a good chuckle in a few days.
4. Take Targeted Tinctures
So many factors can affect your mood. Get to the root of your funk: Have you not slept well? Are you feeling stressed? Whatever is going on for you, try integrating a tincture into your daily routine to help you feel more in balance. This ayurvedic CBD can help you feel more relaxed and this zingy CBD tincture will help boost energy, while this CBD oil can help you unlock more restful sleep. Just hold it under your tongue for 2 minutes and you will begin to feel the benefits within 15 or 20 minutes.
5. Move Your Body
Have you been sitting at your desk all day? It might be that the only thing standing between you and a better mood is a little exercise. We’re not talking a full cardio workout — though that will help your mood too. Just doing 20 jumping jacks, breaking into a little dance or walking around your backyard will do the trick.
6. Light a Candle
When we think of self-care, one of the images that come to mind is a scented candle. Simply lighting one can boost your mood instantly, lending your home a luxurious feel. For an even more mood-boosting effect, choose a scent that’s known to help you feel happier, like lemon, lavender or peppermint.
7. Play Feel-Good Music
If you’ve ever cried to a sad song or gotten out on the dance floor when your jam came on, you know how much music can influence your emotions. If you’re feeling a little gloomy and unmotivated, the right playlist can turn your day around. Happy music might not mean the same thing to everyone, but as a rule of thumb, opt for catchy, belt-in-the-shower tunes. Most major streaming platforms have plenty of playlists that fit the bill.
8. Breathe
Sometimes you just need to take a breath. Tuning into your breathing can alleviate stress and make you feel more relaxed and content. Just sit in a comfortable position, release the tension in your shoulders, close your eyes and focus on your breath as it flows in and out of your lungs. Trust us — it’s an instant reset for your mood.
Lifting your mood is much easier than you think, and these mood boosters can make all the difference when you’re not feeling your best. Pick and choose your favorite strategies and observe how you feel — we hope they make you smile!
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based writer and editor with six years of experience creating content for various outlets. Her work has appeared in the likes of InStyle, Stylist and Cosmopolitan, and she won first place in Writing Magazine’s Grand Prize for a short story in 2020.
References:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/boosting-your-mood
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mood-food
