Happiness is Health
Feelings of joy and happiness are critical to your overall health. So, what do you do when you’re in a slump and can’t shake a bad mood?
Here’s 10 things that you can do to instantly boost your mood.
1. Exercise
You had to know that would be number one on my list. As soon as you start moving, you instantly start to feel better because the ‘happy-go-lucky’ endorphins are released into your blood stream. They call it ‘runner’s high’ for a reason. When you’re feeling down, commit to working out for at least 20 minutes. Go for a walk, jog, bike ride, do some Yoga or lift weights. No one ever regrets a workout when they’re done because no matter how you felt when you started, you always feel better when you’re done.
2. Head to nature
Go for a hike in the woods, walk along the beach, or just sit by the river. Breathing the fresh air and being in nature instantly makes you feel better.
3. Soak in the sun’s rays
Get outside and soak up some vitamin D for about 15 minutes to trigger feelings of joy and happiness.
4. Book a get-together with your favorite people
Consider who are the people that have the capacity to make you laugh and cheer you up and schedule time with them right away. If you can’t get together face-to-face, make a phone call or video chat.
5. Breathe
One of the simplest things you can do to calm any stress, evoke the relaxation response, and feel a sense of peace is to focus on slow deep breathing. Imagine positive energy coming into your body as you breathe in and imagine any negative energy, tension and stress leaving your body as your exhale.
6. Sleep
Things feel worse when you’re tired. Sometimes you just need a good night’s sleep or a nap.
7. Music
Listen to your favorite playlist. There are certain songs that can instantly put me in a better mood so know your go-to songs that you can play when you need a little pick-me-up.
8. Gratitude mindset
If you focus on the negative, you feel worse. In contrast, if you focus on the positives, you instantly feel better. Make a mental list of everything and everyone you appreciate about your life. It’s hard to be down when you consider how much you are thankful for.
9. Comedy
It’s hard to feel down when you’re laughing. Put on a funny movie or watch a comedian’s act.
10. Animals
Whether its dogs, cats, puppies, horses, goats, or pigs, animals have the capacity to make humans instantly feel better. So, get some cuddles from your furry pets.
BONUS – If you’re feeling down, do something kind or say something nice to someone else. Making others feel better, makes you feel better too!
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.