Posted by ANTARA Staff
How to Boost Your Mood Naturally
The American Psychological Association (APA) regularly conducts a survey that reports on how the general American population is feeling about the causes of stress as well as the perceived impact of stress on their daily lives. The APA survey explores how stress affects the mental and physical health of Americans, including sleep, eating habits, and mood. The 2022 survey reports overall elevated stress levels in the American population due to external factors that are mostly out of individual control.
So, what can you do about things outside your control? After recognizing the presence of stress highlighted by surveys like the APA's 'Stress in America,' it is easy to see that finding ways to enhance our mood and reduce stress naturally is essential for overall well-being. Here are some helpful tips on how to boost your mood naturally.
Get Moving With Physical Activity
While this method on how to boost your mood naturally seems like a no-brainer solution, many Americans choose to ignore this natural way to improve mood. Regular exercise can release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Most studies recommend between 20 to 30 minutes of exercise or at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise to produce endorphins regularly. Exercise routines can vary in intensity, from strenuous high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to just a 30-minute walk. The key factor is to stay consistent! Regular physical activity can help you sleep better, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and improve your overall lifestyle.
Soak in Some Sunlight
Natural sunlight increases the brain's release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting mood. Similar to regular exercise, this natural way to improve mood is all about time spent outdoors. Fresh air and some exposure to sunlight can help elevate your mood. Research has shown that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other types of depression are linked to low levels of serotonin. Getting some natural or artificial light can be an effective way to combat this. Try spending some time in natural settings, such as parks or forests. This way, you can soak in some sunlight while also getting some exercise during a walk for a two-tiered method for reducing stress hormones, lowering anxiety, and improving mood.
Limit the Alcohol and Caffeine Intake
Alcohol is a depressant, and caffeine is a stimulant; both can affect mood and sleep patterns. By reducing caffeine intake during the day, you can allow your body to prepare itself for bedtime when the evening comes naturally. It’s recommended to stop consuming large amounts of caffeine before the late afternoon since caffeine takes some time to metabolize in the body. Regarding alcohol, avoid consuming too much during the daylight hours and avoid having more than a standard drink before bed. Consuming them in moderation or eliminating them can help stabilize mood swings. You can also try CBD for mood and energy if you need a boost midday.
Practice Meditation and Deep Breathing
There are many home remedies that you can use to improve your mood. You don’t need to be a Buddhist monk to meditate and try breathing exercises. Taking as little as 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day can be enough to help improve your mood if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. When practicing meditation, manifest positivity and mull over things that are positive in your life. Try out Cord’s breathing technique to help get you started. For an added boost, add in natural supplements like St. John's Wort, B vitamins, and CBD for mood and energy. These practices can reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and promote emotional health.
Take Some Time for Social Connections
In general, humans are social creatures. Spending time with loved ones or friends can provide a number of benefits to your mood, such as reducing the feeling of loneliness, experiencing shared laughter, increasing social connection, and many others. Even if you’re an introvert, spending time with friends and family can be a great method to boost your mood. Sharing time together with the right people can help you voice stressors aloud, participate in a group activity, or provide an overall sense of purpose.
Lose the Latenight Screen Time
The term “revenge bedtime procrastination” has become a fairly common behavioral phenomenon that seems to be rising as the world steadily becomes more addicted to digital devices. This type of procrastination refers to when individuals willingly and knowingly sacrifice the sleep that they could be having for some personal time on their digital devices. In the short term, this behavior can lead to insufficient sleep the next day. In the long term, healthcare professionals warn that revenge bedtime procrastination could lead to significant sleep deprivation. The best way to prevent this behavior is to consciously decide to reduce time spent on devices, especially in the evening. Reducing time spent on digital devices before bedtime can improve sleep quality and mental well-being.
Luxury CBD Products to Improve Mood
In today's fast-paced world, external stressors are inevitable, but our response to them is within our control. From the invigorating effects of physical activity to the calming influence of meditation, there are numerous natural strategies you can use. Embracing these methods not only helps in combating the immediate effects of stress but also fosters long-term resilience and well-being.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let's prioritize mental health by integrating these natural mood-boosting practices into our daily routines. After all, a happier mind leads to a healthier life. Try elevating your mood today with high-quality CBD products offered by ANTARA Organics. For more information, like helpful tips on how to boost your mood naturally, visit the ANTARA Organics blog!
