Wellness

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood

Whether you’re struggling to cope with the current situation or you’re just feeling a bit low in general, it can be hard to lift yourself out of a negative mindset. And you shouldn’t feel like you should be able to – in these unusual times the best thing you can do sometimes is nothing. But if you’re feeling up to it, here are some of my go-to mood boosters.

Image Credit @ Clare Shilland for Sunday Times Style

When you have extra time at home, or you’re away from your loved ones, it’s likely that your mood will be impacted. The first thing to say is that if you’re suffering from persistent low mood, lack of energy or other symptoms that you can’t shift, it’s important to speak to your doctor. But if you want some tips on how to boost your mood yourself, I thought I’d share some of my go-to easy techniques that work for me.

Image Credit @ Clare Shilland for Sunday Times Style

5 Ways to Boost Your Mood

  1. Music

    Nothing can shift my mood more quickly than music. Build a playlist of music that is guaranteed to lift your mood, or message your friends to each send you one mood-boosting song and create a group playlist that you can all rely on. The temptation can be to wallow in a low mood with emotional music but fight this and choose something that evokes memories of a happy occasion or day.

  2. Move

    It might seem like a cliché but getting active is such a great way to boost your mood. Something to get the endorphins flowing like a run or online workout is perfect – there are so many great dance classes you can take online that are fun and don’t feel as intimidating as the HIIT workouts that seem to be everywhere. If you’re not up to a run or cardio workout, take a walk in nature if you’re able to, or do a relaxing yoga class to reconnect with your body. This should have you feeling slightly better very quickly.

  3. Meditate

    If your low mood is down to worries and anxieties (which is completely understandable right now), then meditating is a great way to remind yourself to live more in the present moment. You can use a meditation app to guide your practice and regular short practices should help you to remain in the present moment and stop worrying so much about things outside of your control.

  4. Talk

    It might feel as though you are missing out on human connection right now and feeling isolated or cut off is likely to serious impact your mood. The best way out of this? Talk to someone! Facetime a friend, jump on a Zoom call with your family or simply pick up the phone and call someone. You’ll feel better once you’ve shared your feelings with someone who cares about you.

  5. Be Kind to Yourself

    The most important thing to remember is that it’s OK to not feel OK. If you feel like doing nothing for a few hours, do nothing. Listen to your body. If you need to take a night off from socialising online and have a relaxing bath instead, do it. Try not to put pressure on yourself to feel any way in particular and just look after yourself as best as you can.

Just a reminder again that if you’re struggling with a persistent low mood, it’s always worth checking in with your doctor.

Stay safe and take care!

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